When it comes to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, few dishes steal the spotlight quite like a sweet potato casserole with pecan streusel topping. It’s that magical side dish that blurs the line between savory and dessert — rich, creamy mashed sweet potatoes beneath a crunchy, buttery, brown sugar pecan topping that crackles with every bite.
This recipe is a beautiful balance of textures and flavors: smooth and velvety sweet potatoes, the warm aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, and a caramelized crunch of roasted pecans baked to perfection. It’s nostalgic, cozy, and absolutely irresistible.
Whether you serve it as a side dish next to your turkey or treat it like a sweet ending to your feast, this casserole will become your family’s new holiday tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole
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Texture Heaven: Creamy base + crunchy topping = perfect contrast.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it a day in advance and bake it fresh before serving.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults — it’s like eating dessert at dinner!
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Naturally Sweet: Uses the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes enhanced with maple syrup and brown sugar.
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No Marshmallows Needed: The pecan streusel provides just the right sweetness and crunch without being cloying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down what makes this casserole so special — every ingredient plays a delicious role.
For the Sweet Potato Base
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4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds) – Roasted for maximum flavor and creaminess.
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and smoothness.
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⅓ cup brown sugar – Enhances the natural sweetness.
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2 tablespoons pure maple syrup – Deep caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.
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2 large eggs – Binds the mixture and gives it a custard-like texture.
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½ cup milk (or dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk) – Keeps the casserole light and fluffy.
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and aroma.
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1 teaspoon cinnamon – Classic fall spice.
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg – Adds a cozy depth.
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¼ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
For the Pecan Streusel Topping
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1 cup chopped pecans – The star of the topping; toasted pecans add irresistible crunch.
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⅔ cup brown sugar – For sweetness and a caramelized finish.
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½ cup all-purpose flour – Helps create a crumble texture.
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Binds everything and adds that rich, golden topping.
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½ teaspoon cinnamon – Adds a warm spice note to the streusel.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s bring this holiday favorite to life.
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Prick them several times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
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Roast for 45–55 minutes until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
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Let cool slightly, then peel and discard the skins.
Tip: Roasting instead of boiling brings out the natural sweetness and prevents watery mash.
Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes
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Place the peeled sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
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Mash until smooth using a potato masher or hand mixer.
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Add melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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Mix until everything is fully combined and creamy.
Texture Tip: If you prefer an ultra-smooth consistency, you can use a food processor. For a more rustic texture, mash by hand.
Step 3: Make the Pecan Streusel Topping
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In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and melted butter.
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Stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Set aside while preparing the casserole base.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the dish.
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Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
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Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
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Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
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Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
The aroma of toasted pecans and caramelized sugar will fill your kitchen — a sure sign it’s ready to impress your guests.
Optional Add-Ins for a Personal Touch
Want to make your casserole stand out even more? Try these creative variations:
1. Add Mini Marshmallows (Half-and-Half Style):
If you love the traditional marshmallow topping, you can sprinkle mini marshmallows on half the casserole — the best of both worlds!
2. Use Coconut Milk:
For a tropical twist or dairy-free option, replace regular milk with coconut milk for added creaminess.
3. Add Orange Zest:
A teaspoon of orange zest adds a refreshing brightness that balances the richness.
4. Swap Pecans for Walnuts:
If you’re out of pecans, walnuts add a lovely crunch and slightly bitter note that complements the sweetness.
5. Top with Oats:
Add ½ cup of rolled oats to the streusel for a hearty, rustic texture.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Make-Ahead:
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Prepare the sweet potato base and the streusel topping separately.
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Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it.
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Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
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When ready to serve, bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Freezing:
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You can freeze the baked or unbaked casserole for up to 2 months.
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Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
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Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
Reheating:
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To reheat leftovers, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition Notes
Each serving (approximately 1 cup) provides:
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Calories: ~320
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Protein: 5g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Fat: 15g
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Fiber: 4g
This casserole may taste like dessert, but it’s packed with nutrients from sweet potatoes — rich in vitamin A, fiber, and potassium — making it a wholesome indulgence.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet potato casserole complements any holiday menu beautifully. Pair it with:
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Herb-roasted turkey or chicken
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Creamy mashed potatoes
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Green bean casserole
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Homemade cranberry sauce
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Fresh salad with citrus vinaigrette
You can even serve it as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm maple syrup.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this casserole without eggs?
Yes! Replace each egg with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water. This will bind the mixture naturally for a vegan-friendly version.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
You can, but roasted fresh sweet potatoes give the best flavor. If using canned, drain and mash well before mixing.
Is this casserole overly sweet?
Not at all — it’s balanced! The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs with the subtle brown sugar topping. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar in the topping by half.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes! Omit the pecans and substitute rolled oats or crushed graham crackers for crunch.
Can I use other milk alternatives?
Absolutely. Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk all work beautifully depending on your flavor preference.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The topping should be golden and crisp, and the edges slightly bubbling. That’s your cue it’s ready.
Tips for the Perfect Sweet Potato Casserole
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Roast, Don’t Boil: Roasting intensifies the flavor and prevents excess water.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Helps everything blend smoothly.
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Don’t Overmix: You want a light, fluffy texture, not dense potatoes.
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Watch the Topping: Keep an eye on the streusel — if it browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
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Serve Warm: It tastes best fresh out of the oven with a soft, molten interior and crunchy top.
Why This Recipe Belongs on Your Holiday Table
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel isn’t just food — it’s nostalgia baked into a dish. Every bite delivers the warmth of family gatherings, laughter, and gratitude. The velvety sweetness of mashed potatoes and the rich, buttery crunch of pecans evoke the comforting essence of the season.
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, attending a potluck, or planning your Christmas menu, this recipe adds elegance and comfort to any table. It’s a dish that looks beautiful, smells heavenly, and tastes like home.
Creative Ways to Serve Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), try these creative ideas:
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Breakfast Bowl: Warm up a scoop and top with yogurt, granola, and honey.
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Dessert Parfait: Layer leftover casserole with whipped cream or Greek yogurt and toasted nuts.
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Sweet Toast Spread: Mash and spread on warm toast with cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup.
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Stuffed French Toast: Use as filling between slices of bread for a festive breakfast.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping is the ultimate holiday side — indulgent, comforting, and irresistibly festive. The silky sweet potato base contrasts perfectly with the buttery crunch of pecans, creating a dish that embodies the heart of the holidays.
From Thanksgiving to Christmas, it’s a must-have on every table. One taste, and it’s bound to become a cherished family tradition — the kind of recipe everyone asks for year after year.
So this season, preheat your oven, gather your favorite baking dish, and fill your kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon, brown sugar, and roasted pecans. Because nothing says “home for the holidays” like this classic sweet potato casserole.
