Gather the whole family around the table for a cozy, comforting side dish that’s sure to delight. This creamy sweet potato casserole with a crunchy pecan topping is a beloved classic that’s been updated with a modern twist. Bursting with warm autumnal spices and a silky smooth texture, this dish is the epitome of “comfort food done right.”
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
This sweet potato casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. The combination of velvety sweet potatoes, a rich and creamy sauce, and a crunchy pecan topping creates a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a Thanksgiving centerpiece or a cozy weeknight dinner accompaniment, this dish is sure to delight. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it the perfect stress-free addition to your holiday menu.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for this creamy sweet potato casserole with pecan topping include sweet potatoes, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg for warmth. The topping features crunchy pecans, brown sugar, and a bit of butter for richness.
- 3 lbs (about 6 medium) – Peeled and diced sweet potatoes
- 1 cup – Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup – Brown sugar
- 2 tsp – Vanilla extract
- 1 tsp – Ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp – Ground nutmeg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Use full-fat coconut milk in place of the heavy cream (for a creamy, dairy-free alternative)
- Nut-Free: Omit the pecans and use a crunchy topping of your choice, such as crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs
How to Make Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
This creamy sweet potato casserole with pecan topping is easy to prepare and can be made in advance, making it the perfect stress-free addition to your holiday menu.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and preparing your sweet potatoes. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes, then place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the sweet potatoes until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Then, add the heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix everything together until well combined and the mixture is creamy and lump-free.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared dish. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potato mixture, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly, about 30-35 minutes. Allow the casserole to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving, as the filling will thicken as it cools.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Marshmallow Topping: For a more decadent twist, you can add a layer of mini marshmallows to the top of the casserole before baking. The marshmallows will melt and create a gooey, sweet topping.
- Nut Variations: You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, in the pecan topping.
- Flavor Boosts: Add a touch of orange zest or a splash of bourbon for an extra flavor boost.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: This creamy sweet potato casserole with pecan topping is the perfect side dish for any holiday gathering or cozy weeknight meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven before serving.
Make-Ahead: This casserole can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Simply assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. On the day of serving, allow the casserole to come to room temperature before baking.
Nutrition Information
This creamy sweet potato casserole is a nutritious and satisfying side dish. Sweet potatoes are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as fiber and antioxidants. The addition of heavy cream and pecans provides a boost of healthy fats and protein, making this dish a well-rounded and comforting option.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 47 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This creamy sweet potato casserole can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Simply assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. On the day of serving, allow the casserole to come to room temperature before baking.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Prepare the casserole as directed, but do not bake. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Drain and mash the canned sweet potatoes, then proceed with the recipe as written. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian or vegan?
To make this casserole vegetarian, simply replace the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative, such as full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. For a vegan version, use a dairy-free milk and replace the butter in the topping with a vegan butter substitute.
How spicy is this casserole?
This creamy sweet potato casserole is not spicy at all. The warm spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, add depth of flavor without any heat. If you’d like to add a slight kick, you can sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
Try These Next
- Creamy Chicken And Wild Rice Casserole With Herbs
- Creamy Pumpkin Chili Mac Casserole With Cheddar Crust
- Hearty Chili Mac Casserole With Cheddar Topping
Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy sweet potato casserole topped with a crunchy pecan topping is a comforting dish perfect for any gathering. The smooth filling and sweet topping create a delightful contrast that everyone will love.
Ingredients
– 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 cup pecans, chopped
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. In a large pot, boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash.
3. 3. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. 4. Stir in the mashed sweet potatoes until well combined.
5. 5. Add the beaten eggs and milk, mixing until smooth.
6. 6. Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. 7. In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, flour, and granulated sugar.
8. 8. Sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potato mixture.
9. 9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
10. 10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in the oven before serving. For a twist, try adding some mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for extra sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: sweet potato, casserole, pecan topping, comfort food