4 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes (about 3-4 large sweet potatoes)
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
⅓ cup milk or heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
For the Irresistible Pecan Streusel:
1 cup packed brown sugar
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
👩🍳 Creating Your Holiday Masterpiece: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes
Oven Method (Recommended for Best Flavor):
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork, bake for 45-60 minutes until tender. Scoop out flesh.
Quick Boil Method:
Peel and cube sweet potatoes, boil until fork-tender (15-20 minutes). Drain well.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Base
Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
Spread evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Pecan Streusel
In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and optional cinnamon. Add cold cubed butter.
Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan streusel evenly over the sweet potato base.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
For extra crunch, broil for the final 1-2 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning!
Step 5: The Perfect Rest
Let the casserole cool for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set for perfect scooping.
🌟 5 Pro-Tips for Casserole Excellence
ROAST, DON'T BOIL: Roasting sweet potatoes caramelizes their natural sugars, creating deeper, richer flavor
DRAIN WELL: If boiling, drain potatoes thoroughly and return to warm pot to evaporate excess moisture
TOAST YOUR PECANS: Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 6-8 minutes before chopping for maximum flavor
DON'T SKIP THE EGGS: They provide structure and help create the perfect creamy-yet-firm texture
USE COLD BUTTER: For the best streusel texture, your butter must be cold straight from the refrigerator
🎄 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
1 DAY AHEAD: Assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time.
FREEZE UNBAKED: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before baking.
LEFTOVERS: Store covered in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in oven for best texture.
❓ Sweet Potato Casserole FAQs
Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
A: Yes, but drain them well. Fresh-roasted will give you the best flavor and texture.
Q: What can I substitute for pecans?
A: Walnuts work beautifully, or use oats for a nut-free version.
Q: Can I make this less sweet?
A: Absolutely! Reduce the sugar in the base by ¼ cup and the streusel by ⅓ cup.
Q: How do I prevent a soggy topping?
A: Make sure your sweet potato mixture isn't too wet, and don't overmix the streusel.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
THANKSGIVING FEAST: The perfect companion to turkey, dressing, and green bean casserole
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION: Beautiful alongside ham, roasted vegetables, and rolls
POTLUCK PERFECTION: Travels well and always earns recipe requests
BRUNCH STAR: Surprise everyone by serving it with waffles and bacon
The Final Scoop: More Than Just a Side Dish
This Sweet Potato Casserole is more than a recipe—it's edible nostalgia. It's the taste of gathered families, of holiday laughter, and of traditions being made and remembered. It’s the dish that turns a meal into a memory.
Now we want to know—is sweet potato casserole a tradition in your family? What's your favorite holiday side dish? Share your stories and photos in the comments below! 🍠✨
