Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping is a warm and comforting dish that brings together the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping. The…
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping is a warm and comforting dish that brings together the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping. The streusel combines brown sugar, pecans, and a little cinnamon for a mix of textures and flavors that really make this casserole stand out.
I love making this casserole for family gatherings because it feels like a hug in food form. There’s something so satisfying about the creamy sweet potatoes underneath the crisp, nutty topping. I always try to make the streusel topping right before baking so it stays perfectly crunchy, which is my favorite part!
My favorite way to serve this is right alongside a big holiday meal, but it’s great anytime you want a little cozy sweetness on your plate. It not only adds a pop of color with its golden topping but also fills the house with a lovely, inviting smell. Honestly, sometimes I make it just because I want an excuse to eat pecan streusel.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: Use fresh, firm sweet potatoes with no bruises. They give the casserole a natural sweetness and creamy texture. If you’re short on time, canned sweet potatoes can work but fresh tastes best.
Milk and Butter: Whole milk and unsalted butter create a rich, smooth mash. For a lighter dish, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use vegan butter or coconut oil.
Eggs: They help bind the sweet potato mixture. If you want a vegan version, try flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) but the texture may vary.
Pecans: These add crunch and a nutty flavor to the topping. You can swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if needed, or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
Brown Sugar & Flour (Streusel): Brown sugar adds caramel notes while flour helps create that crumbly topping. For gluten-free, use a blend of gluten-free flours or almond flour but watch baking time as it may change.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunchy Streusel Topping?
Making the streusel topping right is key for contrast with the soft sweet potatoes. Here’s my simple tip:
- Keep your butter cold. Cut it into small pieces and mix with dry ingredients using a pastry cutter, fork, or fingers. The goal is pea-sized bits, not melted butter.
- Once the nuts and flour-sugar mix reach a crumbly texture, sprinkle it evenly on top of the sweet potatoes. Avoid pressing down; keep it loose for a better crunch.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F until golden and crisp, about 30-35 minutes. Let it rest a bit after baking to firm up before serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for boiling the sweet potatoes until tender.
- Potato masher or electric mixer – makes mashing sweet potatoes smooth and easy.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – roomy enough to hold the casserole and spread the topping evenly.
- Mixing bowls – handy for mixing both the potato base and the streusel topping separately.
- Pastry cutter or fork – helps you cut cold butter into the streusel mixture for a crumbly texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for getting ingredients just right every time.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add mini marshmallows on top for a classic, sweeter twist right before baking.
- Mix in a teaspoon of ground ginger or cloves into the sweet potato mixture for spicier warmth.
- Swap pecans for chopped walnuts or sliced almonds if you want a different nut flavor.
- Stir in some orange zest to the sweet potatoes for a fresh citrus note that brightens the dish.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 20-25 minutes to boil the sweet potatoes, and 30-35 minutes to bake. In total, plan for around 1 hour from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the peeled, chopped sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until they’re fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain the potatoes well.
3. Mash Sweet Potatoes and Mix Ingredients:
Mash the potatoes until smooth, using a potato masher or electric mixer for a creamier texture. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix everything until fully blended and smooth.
4. Make the Pecan Streusel Topping:
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans evenly.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping all over the sweet potatoes without pressing down. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy and the casserole is hot throughout.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm as a comforting side dish at your next family meal or holiday feast!
Can I Use Frozen Sweet Potatoes for This Casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen sweet potatoes, but make sure they’re fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole. Pat them dry gently before mashing and proceed with the recipe as usual.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and streusel topping separately, then refrigerate both for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Sweet Potato Casserole?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, though the topping may soften slightly.
What Can I Substitute for Pecans if I Have a Nut Allergy?
If you need a nut-free option, try substituting the pecans with toasted oats, shredded coconut, or crushed pretzels for a crunchy topping. Just mix them into the streusel mixture as usual.
