Easy Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Pecan Streusel — A Southern Holiday Classic
When it comes to Thanksgiving and Christmas comfort, few dishes capture the cozy, heartwarming magic of the season like a Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Pecan Streusel. Creamy, buttery mashed sweet potatoes topped with a golden-brown, nutty crumble — it’s a dessert disguised as a side dish and a holiday essential for any festive table.
Whether you’re serving a full Thanksgiving feast or looking for a Christmas side that stands out, this easy casserole brings nostalgia, texture, and just the right amount of sweetness to every bite.
🎄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep — perfect for busy holiday cooks.
- Comforting and Festive: A Southern-inspired dish that’s creamy, buttery, and crunchy all at once.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepares beautifully a day in advance, making it stress-free for big gatherings.
- Perfectly Balanced: The soft, sweet potato base pairs beautifully with the crisp pecan streusel topping.
- Customizable: Add marshmallows, swap nuts, or drizzle maple syrup for a twist.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 3 large sweet potatoes (about 2 ½ pounds), peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup butter (melted)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Pecan Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons butter (softened)
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- Optional: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for extra warmth
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- Boil sweet potato cubes in salted water for 15–20 minutes, until fork-tender.
- Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mash and Mix
- Add butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Mash until smooth and creamy. A hand mixer gives the silkiest texture.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
- Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Make the Pecan Streusel
- In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, butter, and pecans.
- Mix with a fork until crumbly and evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the sweet potato layer.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
🍠 Optional Add-Ons
- Marshmallow Lovers: Add mini marshmallows on top for the final 10 minutes of baking.
- Maple Syrup Glaze: Drizzle warm maple syrup before serving for added sweetness.
- Spiced Kick: Add a touch of ginger or allspice to the potato mixture for deeper flavor.
💡 Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Smooth Texture: Use a hand mixer or potato ricer for ultra-creamy potatoes.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the casserole dense instead of fluffy.
- To Make Ahead: Prepare the base and topping separately; refrigerate overnight and assemble just before baking.
- To Reheat: Cover with foil and warm at 325°F for 15–20 minutes.
🧈 Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs perfectly with:
- Roasted turkey or glazed ham
- Cranberry BBQ meatballs
- Green bean casserole
- Garlic butter corn
- A glass of mulled wine or cranberry fizz mocktail
It’s a dish that transitions easily from Thanksgiving dinner to Christmas brunch — sweet enough for dessert, savory enough for the main table.
❄️ Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the baked casserole (without marshmallows) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
🎁 Why It Belongs on Every Holiday Table
This dish embodies the essence of Southern comfort — sweet potatoes symbolizing abundance, pecans adding warmth and crunch, and that familiar buttery aroma that fills the kitchen. It’s a simple recipe that feels luxurious, humble yet celebratory.
Each spoonful tastes like nostalgia — a cozy mix of caramelized sweetness, soft texture, and nutty contrast that feels like a hug in food form.
❤️ Final Thoughts
The Easy Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Pecan Streusel is more than a side dish — it’s a tradition that brings people together. Whether it’s your first time making it or a family favorite you’ve passed down for years, it’s the kind of recipe that defines the holidays: comforting, flavorful, and full of joy.
Make it once, and you’ll understand why it’s a must-have on every Thanksgiving and Christmas menu.
