Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping – Easy Holiday Recipe

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is the ultimate comfort food, especially for those chilly fall evenings. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or simply craving a flavorful side dish, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The creamy, naturally sweet flavor of the mashed sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the crunchy, nutty pecan topping, creating an irresistible balance of textures and flavors. What’s more, it’s an easy-to-make dish that comes together in no time. Perfect for any meal, this casserole will become a family favorite in no time!

Why You’ll Love Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a simple yet stunning dish that offers several standout benefits. It’s a quick and easy side dish that brings the comfort of warm, buttery mashed sweet potatoes, while the pecan topping adds a delightful crunch and depth of flavor. The perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors makes this casserole a versatile addition to your Thanksgiving spread or any holiday meal. The best part? It’s highly customizable, allowing for ingredient substitutions to suit dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

To make the Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need:

• Sweet Potatoes: A naturally sweet and creamy base for the casserole, providing fiber and essential nutrients.
• Eggs: Helps bind the casserole together and adds richness.
• Butter: Adds creaminess and flavor to the mashed sweet potatoes.
• Milk: Ensures the sweet potatoes are smooth and easy to mix.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A cozy, aromatic spice mix that enhances the sweet potatoes’ natural flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the casserole while adding depth.

For the Pecan Topping:

• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the topping and helps achieve a caramelized finish.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the crumble topping.
• Pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness to contrast the soft sweet potatoes.
• Butter: Brings everything together into a rich, crumble-like texture.
• Miniature Marshmallows: A classic topping that adds sweetness and a gooey texture to finish the casserole.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to make this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping more suitable for specific dietary preferences, here are a few easy swaps:

• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetener.
• For a dairy-free version, replace butter and milk with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk.
• Omit marshmallows for a less sweet, more savory version of the casserole.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a straightforward process that requires just a few simple steps.

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Start by boiling 5 peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large saucepan for about 20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them with a potato masher or hand mixer. Be cautious not to over-mix, as this can make the potatoes gluey.
2. Make the Filling: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Add the eggs, 1/2 cup melted butter, milk, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix well to combine and spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the Pecan Topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Stir until the ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Assemble and Bake: Spread the pecan topping over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
5. Add Marshmallows: In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top of the casserole and bake until they are golden and melted. Serve warm.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole

Here are a few tips to ensure your Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t overmix the sweet potatoes when mashing them. Overmixing can lead to a gluey texture.
• Adjust the sweetness by replacing some or all of the brown sugar with maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar.
• Make ahead: You can prep this casserole up to 2 days in advance. Just prepare the casserole, refrigerate, and bake it just before serving (don’t add the marshmallows until the last 5 minutes of baking).
• Freeze leftovers: This casserole freezes beautifully. Store the casserole (without marshmallows) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile option for any meal:

• Main Dishes: It’s an excellent side dish for roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a savory roast chicken.
• Additional Toppings: For an extra burst of flavor, top the casserole with extra chopped pecans or drizzle with a bit of maple syrup before serving.
• Vegan Variation: Replace the eggs, butter, and milk with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sweet potato filling for a subtle heat that pairs perfectly with the sweet flavors.

Health Benefits of Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Not only is Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping delicious, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and immune function. They are also high in fiber, aiding digestion and supporting gut health. Pecans are a great source of healthy fats, which are good for heart health, and they also provide a significant amount of antioxidants.

With these benefits, this casserole is more than just a tasty treat—it’s a dish that supports your overall health while satisfying your taste buds.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is the perfect balance of creamy sweetness and crunchy texture, making it an essential dish for any holiday meal. This easy-to-follow recipe provides a comforting side dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply as a weeknight treat, the layers of flavor and texture—from the smooth sweet potatoes to the irresistible pecan topping—will make this casserole the star of the table. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that’s both delicious and nutritious. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a new family favorite!

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More Relevant Recipes

• Honey Roasted Chicken and Sweet Potatoes: This recipe combines tender chicken with caramelized sweet potatoes, offering a savory-sweet balance that’s perfect for fall dinners. The rich honey glaze complements the roasted vegetables, making it an excellent choice for a hearty meal.
• Apple Pecan Fall Salad: A light yet satisfying option, this fall-inspired salad features crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and a flavorful dressing, bringing a refreshing balance to your meals. It pairs beautifully with roasted dishes like Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping.
• Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: This warm salad, with its roasted butternut squash and a mix of autumn flavors, is a perfect companion to any sweet potato dish. The toasted nuts and creamy dressing enhance the squash’s natural sweetness, creating a wholesome, seasonal side dish.

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