If you are craving a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the natural sweetness and creamy texture of mashed sweet potatoes with a delightfully crunchy, buttery pecan streusel topping that creates an unforgettable symphony of flavors and textures. Perfect for holiday gatherings or just elevating your weeknight dinner, this casserole brings sweet, nutty, and spiced elements together in one glorious dish that everyone will rave about.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that work perfectly together to deliver delicious flavor and wonderful texture. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s the creamy sweet potatoes, fragrant spices, or nutty streusel topping.

Sweet potatoes (4 large): The star of the dish, these provide natural sweetness and a creamy base once mashed.
Whole milk (1/2 cup): Adds richness and smoothness to the mashed sweet potatoes.
Brown sugar (1 cup total, divided): Sweetens the mashed potatoes and creates the caramelized streusel topping.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup total, melted): Adds luscious richness both in the casserole and streusel topping.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Brings warm, inviting spice that complements the sweetness.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Adds a subtle, aromatic depth to the filling.
Pure vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Enhances the natural sweetness with a hint of floral warmth.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and elevates overall flavor.
Eggs (2 large): Help bind the filling for a creamy and firm texture.
All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Combines with sugar and pecans to form the perfect crumble topping.
Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): Provide a crunchy, nutty contrast that makes the streusel topping irresistible.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make sure your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly. This step sets the stage for a beautiful, even bake and simple cleanup.

Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Fill a large pot with water and cover your peeled, cubed sweet potatoes. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Perfectly cooked sweet potatoes ensure a smooth, creamy texture when mashed—crucial for a luscious casserole base.

Step 3: Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Drain the cooked sweet potatoes well to avoid watery casserole. Then, mash them in a large bowl until completely smooth and creamy. This is where the fluffy texture begins to build, so don’t rush this step.

Step 4: Mix in Flavorful Ingredients

Into the mashed sweet potatoes, add the milk, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything until thoroughly combined. This mixture is your sweet, spiced filling that will delight every palate.

Step 5: Incorporate the Eggs

Beat the eggs in one at a time, making sure the potato mixture isn’t too hot to avoid cooking the eggs unevenly. The eggs act as a binder and contribute to the creamy consistency once baked.

Step 6: Transfer Filling to Baking Dish

Spoon the sweet potato mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. This will be the base layer of your casserole, rich and velvety.

Step 7: Prepare the Pecan Streusel Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly topping. This streusel will add the perfect crunchy contrast to the smooth filling.

Step 8: Add the Streusel on Top

Sprinkle the pecan crumble evenly over the sweet potato layer. A generous layer ensures every bite gets that divine nuttiness and buttery crispness.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Bake the casserole for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the streusel topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling is set. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma of toasted pecans and warm spices.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing to help it set and make serving easier. This little pause lets all the flavors marry perfectly, so each spoonful is a delight.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe

Garnishes

While the streusel topping is fabulous on its own, adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon just before serving can elevate the presentation and add an extra touch of flavor. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup also pairs wonderfully for those who like an additional touch of indulgence.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines as a hearty side, especially alongside roasted turkey, baked ham, or grilled chicken during festive meals. For a vegetarian option, pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts to balance the sweetness with some bitterness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe in individual ramekins for personal portions. You can also layer it in a parfait glass with whipped cream and toasted pecans for a stunning dessert presentation that surprises your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 4 days and tastes even better as the flavors continue to meld.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, cover well and freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze after baking, cool completely and wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the topping is crisp again. Adding just a few extra minutes under the broiler can revive the crunch of the pecan streusel perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

While fresh sweet potatoes are preferred for their texture and flavor, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well and mash until smooth before proceeding with the recipe.

Is it possible to make the streusel topping nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans and increase the flour and brown sugar slightly to maintain texture, or substitute with chopped oats or seeds for a nut-free crumble.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a holiday meal?

Yes, this dish actually benefits from a little advance prep. Assemble the casserole a day ahead, keep it refrigerated, then bake just before serving for fresh, warm goodness.

How sweet is this casserole? Can I adjust the sweetness?

The sweetness is balanced but prominent due to the brown sugar and natural sweet potatoes. If you prefer a less sweet dish, try reducing the brown sugar by a quarter cup in both the filling and topping.

What if I don’t have all-purpose flour for the streusel?

You can substitute with whole wheat flour or even almond flour, but the texture will vary slightly. Almond flour adds a nice nutty flavor but might make the topping less crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings comforting, homey vibes to any table. With its creamy, spiced filling and irresistible nutty topping, it’s no wonder this dish often steals the spotlight. I promise, once you make it, you’ll find endless reasons to bring it back to the table, whether for special occasions or those cozy nights when you just want something truly satisfying. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite casserole!