pecan sweet potato casserole recipe

The Best pecan sweet potato casserole recipe

I’ve been making pecan sweet potato casserole for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorite dishes. It’s a classic Southern recipe that’s perfect for the holidays or any time of year when you want a comforting, satisfying meal.

The combination of sweet potatoes, pecans, and marshmallows is absolute magic, and it’s a dish that never fails to impress. My kids love helping me make it, too – they get to crack open pecans with a hammer and mix in all the gooey marshmallows.

It’s a fun and easy recipe to follow, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s relatively healthy compared to other casseroles – sweet potatoes are packed with fiber and vitamins, and the pecans add some much-needed crunch.

I like to serve it at family gatherings, especially during the fall when sweet potatoes are in season. It’s a dish that evokes memories of my grandmother’s cooking, too – she used to make it for us every Thanksgiving.

I’ve tweaked the recipe over the years to make it my own, but at its core, it remains a simple yet elegant combination of flavors and textures.

Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole

4.8 from 788 votes

A classic pecan sweet potato casserole featuring a creamy sweet potato base, topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. This dish is a perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors, ideal for holiday meals or family gatherings.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Base

3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt

For the Pecan Topping

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup pecan halves, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2Grease a medium-sized baking dish and set aside.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
4Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
5Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom.
7In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
8Stir in the chopped pecans.
9Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato base.
10Make sure the topping covers the entire surface.
11Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
12Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
13Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
14This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato base. You can also experiment with different types of nuts in the topping, such as almonds or walnuts.

This pecan sweet potato casserole is one of those recipes that never fails me – it’s perfect for family gatherings or just a cozy night in.

And don’t worry about leftovers; this casserole reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.

In fact, I like to freeze individual portions for future meals – just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole

Q: What type of sweet potatoes should I use?

I recommend using regular old sweet potatoes – they’re the ones with the yellow flesh that turns orange when cooked. Don’t use the purple or white varieties; they’re not as sweet or starchy as regular sweet potatoes.

Q: Can I substitute other nuts for the pecans?

Yes! If you don’t have pecans on hand or prefer another type of nut, feel free to substitute walnuts or hazelnuts. Just be aware that they’ll change the flavor profile slightly – pecans have a rich, buttery taste that’s hard to replicate.

Q: How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning?

Ahh, great question! To prevent the marshmallows from burning, simply keep an eye on them while they’re browning in the oven. If you notice them starting to darken too quickly, you can always cover them with foil or rotate the casserole dish to ensure even browning.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, this casserole is one of those recipes that tastes even better after being refrigerated overnight. Simply assemble it as instructed and refrigerate until serving – you can even bake it straight from the fridge if you’re short on time.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you check your marshmallows’ ingredients – some brands use gelatin derived from animal products. If you’re concerned about this, look for vegan marshmallows or substitute with flaxseed gel.

Similar Posts