Simple Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans
Sweet potato casserole with pecans is a classic holiday dish that perfectly balances creamy sweet potatoes with a crunchy, nutty topping. This version of the traditional casserole is simple to make, but the flavors are rich and comforting, making it an ideal side dish for Thanksgiving or any gathering. The creamy sweet potato base combined with the sweet, toasted pecan topping creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. In this blog post, we’ll share a delicious and easy sweet potato casserole with pecans that’s sure to become a family favorite.
What Makes This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans So Special?
The beauty of this sweet potato pecan casserole lies in its simplicity. Many sweet potato casserole recipes are loaded with sugary marshmallows or unnecessary ingredients, but this version focuses on letting the sweet potatoes and pecans shine. Through roasting the sweet potatoes to bring out their natural sweetness and topping them with a crispy, buttery pecan topping, you get a balanced and flavorful dish without any unnecessary extras. The result is a casserole that’s rich, sweet, and comforting with a perfect balance of flavors.
Not only is this dish easy to make, but it’s also naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. The addition of the toasted pecans adds a wonderful crunch and antioxidant properties to the recipe.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
To make this simple yet delicious sweet potato casserole with pecan topping, you’ll need just a few ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the base and the topping:
For the Sweet Potato Base:
Sweet Potatoes: Choose large, firm sweet potatoes for the best results. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and flavor.
Butter: For that creamy, rich texture that makes the casserole base so smooth.
Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. You can use light or dark brown sugar depending on your preference.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and adds a warm flavor.
Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon gives the casserole a cozy, autumnal flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
For the Pecan Topping:
Pecans: Toasted pecans are a must for this recipe. They add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweet potato base.
Butter: Adds richness to the topping and helps the pecans toast evenly.
Brown Sugar: Gives the topping a lovely caramelized sweetness.
Flour: A small amount of flour helps the topping come together, forming a light, crumbly texture.
Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon ties the topping together and enhances the flavor of the sweet potatoes.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
Making this sweet potato casserole with pecan topping is easy and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious dish:
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Start by roasting the sweet potatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and place them directly on a baking sheet. Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes.
After the sweet potatoes have cooled slightly, peel off the skins and mash the flesh in a large bowl. You should have about 4 cups of mashed sweet potatoes. Set the mashed sweet potatoes aside while you prepare the topping.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Base
In the same bowl with the mashed sweet potatoes, add the melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix everything together until the sweet potatoes are smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or cinnamon if needed. Once you’re happy with the flavor, transfer the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, prepare the pecan topping. First, toast the pecans. You can do this by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or by spreading them on a baking sheet and toasting them in the oven for about 8-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
In a small bowl, combine the toasted pecans, melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Mix until the pecans are evenly coated, and the topping comes together in a crumbly texture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish. Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. The sweet potato base should be soft and creamy, while the pecan topping will be crunchy and caramelized.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your sweet potato casserole with pecans is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is perfect for any holiday meal or as a comforting side for a family dinner. The sweet, creamy base pairs beautifully with the crunchy, buttery pecan topping, creating a flavor and texture combination that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
This sweet potato pecan casserole is not only simple to make, but it also has a perfect balance of flavors. The roasted sweet potatoes create a rich, creamy base, while the toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch. The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon brings out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes without being overly sweet, making it a perfect side dish for any savory meal.
Another great thing about this casserole is how versatile it is. You can make it ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake, which is perfect for busy holiday meals. You can also adjust the sweetness or spice level to your preference, making it a customizable dish that suits any taste.
Tips for Making the Best Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
Roast the sweet potatoes: Roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them enhances their natural sweetness and flavor.
Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes to ensure the topping doesn’t burn. The perfect topping is golden brown and crisp, not dark or overcooked.
Use quality pecans: For the best results, use fresh, high-quality southern pecan products like those from Double Q Pecan Company. Fresh pecans will give the casserole a richer, nuttier flavor.