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This Brown Sugar Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect blend of creamy sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a crunchy pecan topping. Ideal for holiday dinners, weeknight comfort meals, or potlucks, this recipe brings together classic fall flavors in a dish that feels indulgent yet incredibly easy to prepare. With high-demand keywords such as holiday side dishes, easy sweet potato recipes, Southern casseroles, and Thanksgiving favorites, this article is optimized for strong search visibility and increased ad revenue.

Whether you prefer a traditional marshmallow topping or a rich pecan crumble, this recipe delivers both texture and flavor in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare and perfect for busy cooking days
A naturally sweet, nutrient-rich side dish everyone enjoys
Uses simple pantry ingredients
Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering
Easy to customize based on your preferred topping
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Perfect for meal prep or make-ahead entertaining

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Ingredients Breakdown

• Sweet Potatoes – Form the creamy base; naturally sweet, nutritious, and smooth when mashed.
• Brown Sugar – Adds caramel-like sweetness and helps the topping caramelize.
• Milk – Contributes creaminess and a silky, smooth texture; whole milk works best.
• Butter – Melted butter enriches flavor and texture for a velvety finish.
• Eggs – Bind the mixture and help the casserole set while adding slight fluffiness.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness.
• Cinnamon – Provides a comforting, spiced note perfect for fall and winter.
• Pecans – Chopped pecans add crunch and a classic Southern flavor contrast.
• Mini Marshmallows (Optional) – Melt into a gooey, toasted topping for a dessert-like finish.

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Tips and Tricks

Bake the sweet potatoes ahead of time to make preparation faster.
Ensure the potatoes are fully mashed to avoid lumps in the casserole.
For a lighter version, use less brown sugar or substitute with maple syrup.
Add nutmeg or allspice for a deeper spice flavor.
For extra crunch, mix the pecans with a tablespoon of flour and a bit of melted butter before sprinkling.
If using marshmallows, add them during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.

Variations and Customizations

Flavor Variations

Add a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist.
Mix in crushed pineapple for extra sweetness and moisture.
Add a swirl of maple syrup for a richer flavor profile.

Topping Options

Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds.
Create a streusel topping using butter, flour, and brown sugar.
Use a combination of marshmallows and nuts for the best of both textures.

Dietary Adaptations

Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Substitute coconut sugar for brown sugar for a refined sugar alternative.
Replace butter with a plant-based version for vegan preparations (along with egg substitutes).

Pairing Suggestions

This casserole pairs well with a variety of fall and holiday dishes.

Best Main Courses

Roast turkey or chicken
Baked ham
Pork tenderloin
Herb-roasted beef

Complementary Side Dishes

Green bean casserole
Cornbread dressing
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Cranberry sauce

Beverage Pairings

Apple cider
Sweet tea
Light white wines like chardonnay or riesling

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or bake at 300°F until warmed through.

Freezing

Freeze the casserole before baking for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before placing in the oven.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare the sweet potato mixture and topping separately, then assemble right before baking.
Ideal for holiday dinner prep when you need to spread out tasks.