There’s a reason sweet potato casserole is a staple at holiday gatherings. With its luscious, creamy sweet potato filling and a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel topping, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or looking for a cozy side dish, this recipe delivers all the flavors and textures you crave. But what sets this casserole apart is its perfect balance—rich without being heavy, sweet but not cloying, and utterly satisfying. Why Sweet Potato Casserole Is the Star of the Table Let’s start with what makes this dish a standout. Sweet potato casserole has long been a staple of holiday dinners in America, particularly in the South. Its origins trace back to the introduction of sweet potatoes to the United States, where their natural sweetness made them an instant hit for desserts and side dishes alike. Combining them with a sugary topping like pecans or marshmallows became a way to bridge the gap between savory and sweet. This particular recipe takes everything you love about traditional sweet potato casserole and elevates it: The sweet potato base is creamy and flavorful, with just the right touch of sweetness. The pecan streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, making every bite texturally satisfying. It’s incredibly versatile—you can customize it to fit dietary preferences or prepare it ahead of time to simplify your holiday cooking. Ingredients For the Sweet Potato Base: 3 lbs Sweet potatoes (peeled, cubed): 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (melted): 1/4 cup Brown sugar: 1/2 cup Milk: 2 large Eggs: 1 tsp Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon: 1/4 tsp Nutmeg (optional): For the Pecan Streusel Topping: 1 cup Chopped pecans: 1/3 cup Brown sugar: 1/4 cup All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup Unsalted butter (melted): Instructions Step 1: Step For the richest flavor Step 2: Step roast your sweet potatoes in their skins at 400°F for 45-50 minutes: This caramelizes their natural sugars Step 3: Step resulting in a deeper Step 4: Step sweeter taste. If you’re short on time Step 5: Step boiling cubed sweet potatoes until tender is a quicker alternative. Once cooked Step 6: Step let them cool slightly before peeling and mashing. Step 7: Step Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a large bowl Step 8: Step Add melted butter Step 9: Step brown sugar Step 10: Step milk Step 11: Step eggs Step 12: Step vanilla Step 13: Step and spices. Use a hand mixer or whisk to combine until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step ensures the base is light and airy Step 14: Step creating the perfect contrast to the topping. Step 15: Step Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased casserole dish: This ensures an even bake and makes for a beautiful presentation. Step 16: Step In a separate bowl Step 17: Step combine chopped pecans Step 18: Step brown sugar Step 19: Step flour Step 20: Step and melted butter Step 21: Step Stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and Sprinkle this generously over the sweet potato base Step 22: Step making sure every corner is covered with the crunchy topping. Step 23: Step Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes. The topping should be golden brown and the filling heated through. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serving and Storage Tips Helpful Notes Tips from well-known chefs Texture Matters: Avoid over-mashing the sweet potatoes if you prefer a slightly chunkier texture. For a completely smooth base consider using a food processor. Toast Your Pecans: Lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet before mixing them into the streusel. This intensifies their nutty flavor. Adjust Sweetness: If you’re not a fan of overly sweet casseroles reduce the amount of brown sugar in the base and topping. Go Fresh: While canned sweet potatoes work in a pinch fresh sweet potatoes deliver unbeatable flavor and texture. Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.