Nothing spells comfort like the warm, nutty goodness of a classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans Recipe. The rich sweetness of the potatoes combined with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping makes this dish a beloved favorite—whether it’s a holiday tradition or a weeknight treat worth savoring.

The image shows a white rectangular dish filled with a two-layer sweet potato casserole. The bottom layer is smooth, bright orange mashed sweet potatoes with a soft texture, visible where a portion has been scooped out from the corner. The top layer is a crumbly, uneven streusel topping mixed with pecan pieces, with rough, chunky textures and a golden-brown color. The contrast between the smooth sweet potato layer and the crunchy nut topping is clear. The dish is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans Recipe

Why You'll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans Recipe

This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that's stood the test of time in my kitchen—its perfect balance of creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan topping makes every bite a little celebration. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a go-to side for many occasions.

Simple Ingredients: Nothing complicated here, just wholesome staples that come together beautifully.
Crowd-Friendly: It’s perfect for dinner parties, potlucks, or even a comforting solo meal.
Great Texture Contrast: Smooth, fluffy sweet potatoes paired with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping.
Customizable: Easily tweak the topping or spices to match your personal taste or occasion.

The dish shows a close-up of a piece of orange sweet potato mash topped with a crumbly, light brown pecan streusel with visible pecan pieces, lifted by a wooden spoon above a white ceramic baking dish filled with the same layered dessert. The sweet potato layer is smooth and dense at the bottom, while the topping is crunchy and textured, sitting evenly on top. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every part of this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans Recipe is thoughtfully balanced—the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the warm spices and the rich pecans add a satisfying crunch. Let’s break down the key ingredients and what makes each one shine.

Flat lay of four fresh whole sweet potatoes with smooth orange skin, a small white ceramic bowl of light brown sugar, a small white bowl of melted golden butter, a small white bowl of creamy milk, two whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of light golden vanilla extract, a small white bowl of fine all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon with warm reddish-brown color, a small white bowl filled with chopped pecans showing natural texture and rich brown shades, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show—look for firm, unblemished potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness that deepens the casserole's flavor without overpowering it.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted lets you control the salt level better, plus it enriches the dish with a creamy touch.
Milk (not skim): I recommend 2% or whole milk for the best creamy texture.
Eggs: They act as a binder, helping the casserole hold its shape without being too dense.
Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla adds warmth and complexity that's surprisingly perfect here.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
All-Purpose Flour: For the topping, it helps bind the pecans and sugar into a crispy, crumbly crust.
Cinnamon: Adds just a hint of spice that complements the sweet potatoes and pecans perfectly.
Pecans: Toast or use raw pecans broken into pieces for that wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tinkering with this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans Recipe, especially the topping—sometimes I swap pecans for walnuts or add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth. What I encourage you to do is make it suit what you love, whether that means making it sweeter or spicing it up a bit.

Variation: Once, I added a splash of bourbon to the topping mix—it added a smoky depth that stunned my family. Give it a try if you’re feeling adventurous!
Dietary Modification: Use almond milk and vegan butter to make a great dairy-free version without sacrificing creaminess.
Texture Twist: For an extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes with the pecans on top.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Roast Those Sweet Potatoes to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a rimmed baking sheet with foil—trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze. Pierce each sweet potato twice on opposite sides with a fork; this lets steam escape and helps them cook evenly. Bake for about 60 to 75 minutes until the potatoes feel soft when you press lightly. I always test with a skewer or knife to be sure—it should slide in effortlessly.

Step 2: Mash With Love (And Don’t Skip Cooling)

Once baked, peel the potatoes while warm—the skins will practically slide off. Mash them thoroughly using a potato masher or press them through a potato ricer if you like ultra-smooth. Let them cool for 5–10 minutes before adding eggs to avoid scrambling them—this is a crucial step I learned the hard way.

Step 3: Blend the Sweet, Creamy Filling

Into your mashed sweet potatoes, add brown sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla, salt, and pepper. Using an electric hand mixer, beat everything together until smooth and well combined. This step is where the magic happens—get the flavor locked in before moving on!

Step 4: Prep and Spread the Topping

Now, for that irresistible crunchy layer. Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans in a bowl. Pour melted butter over and stir until evenly moistened. Don't be thrown off if it looks dry at first—keep mixing until the fat’s well distributed. Evenly sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture spread in your greased casserole dish.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Pop the casserole into a 350°F oven and bake for about 40 minutes. If you start seeing the topping getting too dark, tent the dish loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes to keep the pecans in golden perfection without burning. Once bubbly and golden, it’s ready to delight!

Top Tip

After making this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans Recipe dozens of times, I've found a few small tricks that level up the final dish, helping you avoid common pitfalls and nail that perfect balance every single time.

Don’t Rush the Cooling: Letting the sweet potatoes cool before mixing prevents scrambled eggs and keeps your texture silky smooth.
Even Topping Spread: Make sure the pecan topping is scattered evenly to give every bite that satisfying crunch.
Watch Your Oven: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on the topping after 30 minutes and tent with foil if it’s browning too fast.
Use Fresh Pecans: Fresh, good-quality pecans make a huge difference in nutty flavor and texture.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans Recipe

sweet potato casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually serve this with a sprinkle of extra toasted pecans on top and sometimes a small dollop of whipped cream cheese mixed with a bit of maple syrup on the side—this adds a creamy tang that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, crunchy topping.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs perfectly with roasted turkey or a juicy ham, especially around the holidays. I also love adding a fresh green salad or sautéed green beans to balance the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this casserole in mini ramekins as individual portions—it's a hit at potlucks and brings a fancy touch without extra fuss. You could also add cranberries to the topping for a pop of color and tartness that pops visually.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the main portion, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays moist and flavorful for up to 4 days, making for an easy reheat and snack later on.

Freezing

This casserole freezes surprisingly well. I usually bake it fully, then let it cool completely before wrapping tightly with foil and freezing in a casserole dish. When I want it again, I thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover it with foil to keep moisture in and warm it at 325°F for about 20-25 minutes. This keeps the topping from burning and keeps the inside creamy and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

While canned sweet potatoes are convenient, I find fresh roasted sweet potatoes give a much better texture and flavor for this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans Recipe.

How do I prevent the pecan topping from burning?

Make sure to tent the casserole with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking if you notice the topping is getting too dark. Also, keeping the oven at 350°F helps control browning.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour in the topping with a gluten-free flour blend of your choice; the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

What’s the best way to mash the sweet potatoes?

I recommend using a potato masher for a slightly chunky texture or a potato ricer for a super smooth, creamy result. Avoid using a blender or food processor which can make the potatoes gluey.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans Recipe has been a heartwarming staple in my home, bringing family and friends together one bite at a time. It’s the kind of dish that’s simple to make yet feels special—a perfect way to add a touch of cozy sweetness to your table. I really hope you try it out and make it your own; once you do, you’ll see why I keep making this year after year!