Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe
Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved American side dish that blends creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a sweet, crunchy pecan streusel topping. Ideal for holiday meals or cozy family dinners, this recipe offers a comforting balance of sweet and savory flavors. Easy to prepare and bake, it serves as a festive addition to any table, impressing guests while delivering warmth and indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Streusel Topping
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (included in the topping but combined with other ingredients during preparation)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Cook the sweet potatoes until soft by boiling, baking, or steaming. Once tender, allow them to cool slightly for handling.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Sweet Potato Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, kosher salt, vanilla extract, eggs, and melted butter. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a creamy texture.
- Bake the Sweet Potato Mixture: Pour the smooth mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 25 minutes to set.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: While the base bakes, mix together light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter in a small bowl until crumbly and well combined to form the streusel.
- Add the Topping and Continue Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven, evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the surface, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Bake until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Sweet potatoes can be cooked in advance and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast pecans lightly before mixing into the streusel.
- If a sweeter casserole is preferred, increase the brown sugar topping by 1/4 cup.
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and fluffy texture.
- This casserole pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving turkey or as a comforting winter side dish.
