Sweet Potato Pecan Casserole
A warm, comforting sweet potato casserole with a crunchy pecan topping, featuring hints of vanilla and nutmeg, perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked, mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, eggs, vanilla, evaporated milk, and a pinch of nutmeg until the mixture is smooth.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a lightly buttered 2-quart baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the light brown sugar, flour, remaining 1/2 cup melted butter, and chopped pecans.
- Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a combination of heavy cream and evaporated milk instead of just evaporated milk. You can also substitute maple syrup for granulated sugar for a deeper flavor. If you're short on time, use canned sweet potatoes, but make sure to drain them well. Adding a dash of cinnamon can enhance the dish's warmth.
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet Potato Pecan Casserole is delicious served warm as a side dish for holiday meals or gatherings. It pairs beautifully with Pork Chops Ol or can be enjoyed as a comforting dessert. For a complete meal, consider adding a fresh salad or serving with roasted vegetables for a balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but the oven method retains better texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Potato Pecan Casserole contains roughly 1150 calories, with 12g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), potassium (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mixture and the pecan topping separately a day in advance. Assemble them in the baking dish and refrigerate. Bake before serving to enjoy the fresh flavors without the stress on the day of your gathering.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, walnuts or almonds can be excellent substitutes for pecans. For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts altogether or replace them with toasted coconut for added texture.
Can I freeze the Sweet Potato Pecan Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will last for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).