There’s just something magical about a sweet potato casserole that makes it feel like Christmas on a plate. This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel has all the warm, cozy flavors you want from a holiday dish, but it adds a deliciously crisp and buttery topping that makes it unforgettable. It’s that perfect balance of soft, creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy, nutty layer that gets gobbled up before anything else on the table. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or just want something extra special among your side dishes for Christmas dinner, this recipe deserves a spot at the center of your holiday spread.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Large pot for boiling the sweet potatoes. If you're short on time, you can steam or microwave them, but boiling gives a soft, even texture.
Mixing bowls at least two: one for the sweet potato mixture and one for the streusel topping.
Hand Mixer or Potato Masher a hand mixer will give a smoother texture, but a masher is totally fine for a more rustic feel.
9x13-inch baking dish this size is ideal for even baking and serving a crowd.
Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Rubber spatula for mixing and spreading.
For the Sweet Potato Base
- 4 large sweet potatoes about 3 pounds, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half for extra richness
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Streusel Topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of maple syrup for added depth
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting your sweet potatoes into chunks. Add them to a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until fork-tender—this takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well and let them sit for a couple of minutes to release steam.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, mash the drained sweet potatoes. Add in the melted butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Use a hand mixer (or mash by hand) to blend everything until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be rich but not runny.
Step 3: Spread into the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Streusel
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Stir until crumbly. If you're adding cinnamon or maple syrup, do it here. The topping should clump together slightly but still be easy to sprinkle.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the sweet potato base. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes. The topping should be golden and crisp, and the sweet potatoes bubbling gently around the edges.
Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to firm up and become easier to slice.
Pairings
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of mains and sides. It's a classic alongside glazed ham, roast turkey, or herb-crusted pork loin. For a full spread of christmas side dish recipes, pair this with garlic green beans, cranberry sauce, and soft dinner rolls. It also complements savory options like cornbread stuffing or party potatoes recipe variations that feature creamy, cheesy textures.
If you're building a holiday menu filled with the best potato recipes, this one hits all the right notes for a sweet-and-savory twist. And don’t forget a fresh, bright salad (like an arugula and pomegranate salad) to balance out the richness of this dish.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the sweet potato mixture and the streusel topping separately and store them in the fridge. Assemble and bake the day of your gathering. You can even fully bake it and reheat before serving—just cover it with foil and warm in the oven at 300°F for about 20 minutes.
2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes or yams?
Yes, though fresh sweet potatoes give the best texture and flavor. If using canned, choose unsweetened varieties and drain well. You may want to reduce the added sugar slightly.
3. What kind of sweet potatoes are best?
Look for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, sometimes labeled as “garnet” or “jewel.” They’re naturally sweet and creamy, making them perfect for casseroles.
4. Can I make this without pecans?
Sure! You can substitute walnuts or almonds, or skip the nuts entirely and just use a brown sugar crumble. For a nut-free version, add rolled oats to the topping for crunch.
5. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before, don’t add the topping until just before baking. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking fresh.
