Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Pecan Streusel

This sweet potato casserole is the perfect combination of creamy sweet potatoes and a buttery brown sugar pecan topping.

Made with tender mashed sweet potatoes, warm vanilla and a crunchy pecan crumble, this side dish is a must-have for holiday meals.

Whether you’re planning your Thanksgiving meal or preparing a special Christmas dinner, this easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Why We Love This Recipe

• The best of both textures: Creamy sweet potatoes are topped with a crunchy pecan topping for the perfect balance of smooth and crispy.
• Easy to prepare: With simple ingredients available at most grocery stores, this recipe comes together without complicated steps.
• Perfect for the holidays: This casserole definitely belongs on your Thanksgiving dinner table, and it’s equally delicious for Christmas dinner or any special occasion.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the sweet potato mixture in advance, then add the pecan streusel just before baking to save time on busy cooking days.
• Easy to customize: You can add real maple syrup, a splash of bourbon or a little orange juice to create different flavor variations.
• A crowd-pleaser: The whole family will love this comforting dish!

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes
• Half-and-half
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Butter 
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Here’s what you’ll need for the pecan topping:

• Crushed pecans
• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• All purpose flour
• Cinnamon

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

Cook the Potatoes

Start by peeling and quartering the potatoes and putting them into a large pot, covered with cold water. Then, boil them until they’re fork tender. Drain them and place them into a large mixing bowl. 

Prepare the Casserole Mixture

Use a fork to mash the cooked sweet potatoes. Then, stir in the eggs, half-and-half, brown sugar, butter, vanilla and salt. Spread the mixture into a baking dish. 

Make the Pecan Streusel Topping

First, melt the butter in a microwave safe bowl. Then, use a fork to work in the flour, sugar, crushed pecans and cinnamon. Sprinkle the streusel over the potato mixture and bake away! 

Serving Suggestions

This delicious sweet potato side dish pairs beautifully with classic comfort foods and traditional holiday favorites.

Serve it alongside:

• Roast turkey or baked ham
• Homemade stuffing
• Green bean casserole
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Homemade cranberry sauce
• Dinner rolls and gravy

Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole

• Drain the potatoes well. Excess moisture can make the filling runny and prevent the casserole from setting properly.
• Use room temperature ingredients. Let refrigerated dairy ingredients sit out briefly before mixing so they incorporate more easily.
• Don’t skip the salt. A little salt balances the sugar and brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
• Keep the pecan topping crumbly. Mix just until the butter coats the dry ingredients. Avoid turning the entire mixture into a paste.
• Use a baking sheet for easier cleanup. Place the casserole dish on a baking sheet before putting it in the oven, especially if the dish is very full.
• Let it rest before serving. A few minutes of resting time makes the whole thing easier to scoop and serve.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

​Make Ahead:

Prepare the sweet potato filling according to the recipe and spread it into your casserole dish. Allow it to cool, then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.

You can keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. 

Assemble the streusel topping with all of the ingredients except for the melted butter. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. 

​When you’re ready to bake the casserole, remove it from the refrigerator. Then, melt the butter and combine it with the other topping ingredients. Sprinkle the streusel topping on, and bake the casserole. 

​Storage:

Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container or cover the casserole dish tightly. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and enjoy within 3-4 days.

Reheat in a warm oven or microwave. If you’re using the oven, cover it with foil so the pecans don’t burn. 

Can You Freeze Sweet Potato Casserole?

Yes! Sweet potato casserole freezes well, making it a great option for planning holiday meals ahead of time.

You can freeze it before baking, just leave the streusel topping off and wait to add it until you’re ready to bake it. 

To freeze leftover casserole, transfer it to an airtight container or freeze bag. Make sure you squeeze as much air out as possible. 

When you reheat the casserole, the topping might lose some of its crispness. The best way to reheat is in a warm oven. 

Are Walnuts or Pecans Better on Sweet Potato Casserole?

Both walnuts and pecans taste delicious on sweet potato casserole, but pecans are my first choice for this recipe.

Pecans have a naturally buttery, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sweet potatoes and dark brown sugar. When baked, they become toasty and crisp, creating a delicious contrast with the soft filling.

Walnuts have a more earthy, slightly bitter flavor. If you prefer a less sweet topping, you might opt for walnuts.

Can I Use Yams Instead?

Yes, you can use yams instead of sweet potatoes, although what you find at most American grocery stores labeled as yams is often a variety of sweet potato with orange flesh.

True yams are a different root vegetable and tend to have a starchier texture and less sweetness. If you’re shopping for this recipe, look for firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the familiar creamy filling.

Can I Use Marshmallows Instead of the Pecan Streusel?

Of course. A marshmallow topping is a classic alternative if you like a sweeter, more traditional holiday casserole.

Instead of making the pecan crumble, spread mini marshmallows over the sweet potato filling. Bake the casserole until the filling is hot, then add the marshmallows toward the end of the bake time and continue cooking until they puff up and turn golden brown.

Keep a close eye on the casserole because marshmallows can brown quickly.

When you make this sweet potato casserole, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy! 

For more Thanksgiving side dishes, try these: 

• Traditional Homemade Stuffing
• Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes