Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

INAYA 2 hours ago

0 1 4 minutes read

The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has been part of my life since childhood, learning from my grandmother how to turn simple ingredients into meals filled with love. While sweet potatoes aren’t traditionally Greek, I fell in love with them when I first tried a Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping during a Thanksgiving trip to the U.S.

There was something magical about that first bite the creamy, cinnamon-spiced sweet potatoes paired with the crunch of caramelized pecans. It reminded me of the desserts my grandmother made, full of warmth, sweetness, and comfort. I’ve since made it my own, adding a few Mediterranean touches, like a hint of orange zest and a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness.

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping has become a family favorite in my home, especially during the holidays. It’s one of those dishes that instantly brings everyone to the table the aroma alone is enough to make hearts melt. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because you crave something cozy, this casserole never disappoints.

So, grab your baking dish and let’s make this dreamy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping together a dish that tastes like love in every spoonful.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Base:

4 large sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup melted butter
½ cup milk or cream
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
Zest of ½ orange (optional, for a bright twist)
Pinch of sea salt

For the Pecan Topping:

1 cup chopped pecans
½ cup brown sugar
⅓ cup flour
¼ cup melted butter
½ tsp cinnamon
A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. Drain well and allow them to cool slightly.

Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher or electric mixer, mash until smooth and creamy. Add the brown sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest (if using), and salt. Mix well until fully combined and velvety.

Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until crumbly and well coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly across the dish. Sprinkle the pecan topping generously over the top, making sure it covers the surface completely.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and slightly crispy. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or even as a dessert on its own. If you love contrasts, serve it alongside something savory like garlic green beans or roasted carrots.

To add a festive touch, drizzle a bit of maple syrup on top just before serving, or dust it lightly with powdered sugar for a dessert-like presentation.

You can even make it ahead of time prepare the sweet potato layer and topping separately, refrigerate, and bake just before your guests arrive. It’s stress-free and absolutely delicious!

Tips for Success

🍠 Choose the right sweet potatoes — Look for ones with deep orange flesh for maximum sweetness and creaminess.

🧈 Don’t skip the butter — It adds richness and depth, balancing the natural sugars.

🥄 Texture matters — Mash until smooth but not watery. If the mixture seems too runny, add a spoonful of flour to thicken it up.

🍊 Add personality — Try mixing in a little crushed pineapple or shredded coconut for a tropical flair!

🌰 Crunch control — Want extra crunch? Double the pecan topping (yes, really!).

💛 Recipe Card

📋 Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

⏱️ Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Cool: 10 mins)

🧂 Ingredients:
Sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest, salt, pecans, flour.

🍳 Instructions:

Boil and mash sweet potatoes.
Mix in sugar, butter, milk, eggs, and spices.
Spread in baking dish.
Combine pecan topping and sprinkle over.
Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.
Cool and serve warm.

📝 Notes:

For dairy-free, use coconut milk and vegan butter.
Can be made one day ahead — just reheat before serving.
Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar slightly if preferred.

Conclusion

Making Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is like wrapping your family in a warm hug. Every bite is creamy, nutty, and full of love. From my Cretan kitchen to yours, I hope this recipe becomes one of your family’s favorites too.

Food, for me, is about sharing memories and this dish has become one of mine. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just want something comforting on a cool evening, this casserole is pure joy in a baking dish. 💛

So, grab your apron, turn on the oven, and fill your home with that irresistible aroma of sweet potatoes and toasted pecans. You’re not just cooking you’re creating a memory that’ll stay warm in your heart.