Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping -

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This easy Sweet Potato Casserole with pecan topping is my Grandma’s recipe and is so rich, creamy, and layered with a sweet and crunchy topping (plus it’s the ultimate make-ahead Thanksgiving side dish). It’s the most addicting version of sweet potatoes yet, I guarantee there will be no leftovers on your holiday table!

Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be complete without my Grandma’s classic Sweet Potato Casserole. It’s one of those family-favorite side dishes we look forward to every year, and for good reason. Sweet, comforting, and almost like dessert, this easy recipe is nostalgic and comforting, and always a hit at the holiday table (sometimes sides steal the show!).

Made with a rich, creamy sweet potato filling, then topped with a buttery brown sugar pecan crumble, this Sweet Potato Casserole has the perfect balance of smooth and crunchy textures — and no marshmallows needed! It’s ideal to prep ahead of time, too, making Thanksgiving day a little easier. This casserole is a timeless holiday side we simply adore, and it’s sure to become a favorite at your table, too..

If you like this holiday classic, be sure to try some of our other favorite potato side dishes. We love this traditional version of Sweet Potato Casserole with a crumble topping and these Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A traditional & nostalgic holiday side dish. This is one of those cozy, classic dishes that everyone remembers eating growing up. It’s comforting, delicious, and must-have at the table.
Perfect balance of creamy potatoes & crunchy topping. Pairing smooth, creamy sweet potatoes with a rich, buttery, crunchy pecan topping hits all the flavor and texture notes.
Made with simple ingredients. Less is more sometimes, and this recipe proves that. This casserole is made with just a few easy, familiar ingredients, and lends big, comforting flavor.
No marshmallows needed. It may be controversial, but with the buttery crunchy pecan topping, you won’t miss the marshmallows at all.
Great to make ahead. This casserole can be assembled up to two days ahead of time, making it the ideal make-ahead side dish for big holiday meal prep.

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes: Smooth, sweet and creamy, these are the star of the show.
Butter: For richness.
Milk: To add silky moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a depth of flavor. Use the pure stuff.
Sugar: For sweetness.
Eggs: Use size Large.

For the Topping:

Flour: All-purpose works great.
Brown Sugar: Sweet and slightly caramelized in flavor.
Butter: For extra richness and helps the topping bake up golden brown.
Pecans: Toasted and nutty for flavor and crunch.

Brown sugar and pecan toppings for sweet potatoes

How To Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, add cooked sweet potatoes, butter, milk, vanilla and sugar.

3. Beat the ingredients together for about 2-3 minutes or until smooth. Add eggs and beat.

4. Transfer mixture to a casserole dish and set aside

5. In a medium-sized bowl, add all the topping ingredients. Mix together.

6. Spread the topping evenly onto the sweet potato mixture and bake for about 30-35 minutes.

Expert Tips

Bake sweet potatoes instead of boiling. Baking them gives the a nice caramelized, roasted flavor and smooth texture, and also helps to prevent a watery filling.
Make sure sweet potatoes are tender before mashing. You want to be sure they’re fully cooked and very soft before mashing them for the best, smoothest texture.
Use a hand mixer. This is an easy hack and tip in place of mashing them, for extra smooth, super creamy potatoes.
Finely chop pecans. Chop them into small pieces so they can be evenly distributed and enjoyed in every bite.
Avoid over-baking. Don’t overcook the sweet potatoes in order to keep the filling creamy and tender.
Let the casserole rest before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set, so it doesn’t run when you scoop into it and serve.

Variations & Substitutions

Substitute granola for pecans. If a guest has a nut allergy or you’re simply looking for a different crunchy topping, granola works great. Use your favorite homemade or store-bought variety.
Add extra spices. Add in ground cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warm fall flavor notes.
Try another nut for the topping. Substitute walnuts for pecans for a different flavor and crunchy texture.
Add mini marshmallows. We think this recipe is perfect as is, but if you’re a marshmallow lover, top with a sprinkling for a more traditional variation.
Adjust the sugar slightly. If you prefer a less sweet casserole, feel free to use cut down on the sugar amount.

What to Serve with Sweet Potato Casserole with Candied Pecans

Storage

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350° until warmed through the topping crisps up.

You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months, if needed, but the topping will soften once thawed. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven with fresh pecan topping.

This is a great make-ahead side dish. Fully prep the casserole up to a day or two in advance, then cover and store in the fridge. Add the pecan topping right before baking, then serve once hot.

Close-up of sweet potato casserole with brown sugar and pecan toppings

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

You can, just be sure to thoroughly drain the canned potatoes of any excess moisture so you don’t end up with a watery casserole.

How do I keep sweet potato casserole from being watery?

We recommend roasting the sweet potatoes vs. boiling them, and be sure to use eggs in the casserole to act as a binder. Finally, let the casserole rest before serving so it has some time to set up.

Can I make this recipe without pecans?

Sure. The pecan topping adds a delicious flavor and nice crunch, but you can omit the nuts all together and use a nut-free granola instead. You can also try using walnuts instead of pecans if you’d like another nut option.

More Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes