Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel is a timeless holiday favorite that brings warmth, texture, and nostalgic flavor to the dinner table. This recipe combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a golden, crunchy pecan topping that elevates the dish from simple to unforgettable. It’s a perfect choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family gatherings, and it consistently ranks high for holiday recipes, baked side dishes, and comfort food searches, making it excellent for SEO and ad revenue potential.

This guide provides a complete, expanded, and optimized version of the recipe, including expert tips, ingredient insights, and serving suggestions to help your readers achieve perfect results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines creamy sweet potatoes with a crisp, buttery pecan topping
• Easy to prepare using everyday baking tools
• Ideal for holiday dinners and potlucks
• Naturally comforting with warm, rich flavors
• Budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd
• Customizable with simple ingredient swaps
• A proven high-traffic recipe category for food blogs and content creators

Ingredients Breakdown

Sweet Potatoes: Mashed sweet potatoes create a naturally sweet, smooth base. Freshly baked or boiled sweet potatoes produce the best flavor, but canned sweet potato puree also works.

Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the earthy flavor of the sweet potatoes.

Eggs: Provide structure and help the casserole set during baking.

Milk: Creates a creamy consistency that blends easily with the sweet potatoes.

Melted Butter: Adds richness to both the filling and the topping. Butter enhances the dish’s caramel-like flavor.

Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warm aroma that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

Pecans: Provide crunch and nuttiness in the streusel topping. They toast beautifully as the casserole bakes.

Brown Sugar: Creates a caramelized, sweet crust on top.

Flour: Helps bind the streusel topping, giving it a classic crumb texture.

Tips and Tricks

• Use freshly cooked sweet potatoes for the richest flavor. Roasting them enhances natural sweetness.
• Mash the sweet potatoes while they’re warm to help create a smoother mixture.
• For extra creaminess, swap milk with half-and-half.
• Avoid overmixing the streusel; keep it crumbly for the perfect texture.
• Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to help it set before serving.
• Prepare the sweet potato layer a day ahead and refrigerate; add the streusel before baking.

Variations and Customizations

Flavor Enhancements

• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture.
• Mix in a few tablespoons of maple syrup for deeper sweetness.
• Add orange zest for a bright, citrus twist.

Topping Alternatives

• Replace pecans with walnuts for a slightly earthier flavor.
• Swap brown sugar for maple sugar.
• Add rolled oats to the streusel for extra crunch.

Dietary Adjustments

• Use plant-based milk and vegan butter to make the recipe dairy-free.
• Replace eggs with unsweetened applesauce or flax eggs for a vegan version.

Pairing Suggestions

Holiday Menu Ideas

This casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Roast turkey or chicken
• Glazed ham
• Herb stuffing
• Green bean casserole
• Cranberry sauce

Beverage Pairings

• Spiced cider
• Maple bourbon cocktails
• Classic sweet tea
• Hot herbal tea

Storage Instructions

• Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 325°F.
• Freeze baked casserole tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Popular Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the sweet potato layer, refrigerate, and add the streusel right before baking.

Can I substitute canned yams for sweet potatoes?

Yes, just be sure to drain any excess liquid before mashing.

How do I make the recipe nut-free?

Replace pecans with oats or skip the topping entirely and use mini marshmallows instead.

How can I make the casserole sweeter?

Increase the brown sugar in the topping or add an extra tablespoon of granulated sugar to the filling.