Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Pecans

Updated at: 01/06/2025

Sweet potato casserole is a beloved holiday side dish, known for its comforting warmth and subtly sweet flavor. This classic recipe offers a delicious twist on the traditional, incorporating crunchy pecans for added texture and a delightful nutty aroma. Forget the overly sugary, overly processed versions you might find elsewhere – this recipe focuses on highlighting the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes themselves, resulting in a healthier and more flavorful casserole. We’ve carefully selected simple, wholesome ingredients to create a dish that's both elegant and surprisingly easy to make.

This recipe emphasizes simple techniques and readily available ingredients, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices alike. Ready to create a show-stopping sweet potato casserole that will impress your guests? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and whip up this delectable side dish together!

Tools Needed

  • Large pot
  • Saucepan
  • Fork
  • Baking dish

Ingredients

  • Sweet Potatoes: 6 large
  • Butter: 1 stick
  • Brown Sugar: 1 cup
  • Honey: 1/2 cup
  • Pecans: 1/2 cup, chopped
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Brown Sugar (for topping): 1/4 cup (or to taste)
  • Pecans (for topping): some

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes and Pecan Topping

  • Peel and chop 6 large sweet potatoes into big chunks.
  • Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot of water until a fork can easily pierce them.
  • In a saucepan, melt 1 stick of butter. Add 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of honey, and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. Mix well until melted.
Peel and chop 6 large sweet potatoes into big chunks.Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot of water until a fork can easily pierce them.In a saucepan, melt 1 stick of butter. Add 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of honey, and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. Mix well until melted.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes and Pecan Topping

Step 2. Combine and Sweeten the Mixture

  • Mash the boiled sweet potatoes.
  • Combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the melted butter, brown sugar, honey, and pecan mixture. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
Mash the boiled sweet potatoes.Combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the melted butter, brown sugar, honey, and pecan mixture. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well.
Combine and Sweeten the Mixture

Step 3. Bake the Casserole

  • Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup (or to taste) of brown sugar and some extra chopped pecans.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
  • Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup (or to taste) of brown sugar and some extra chopped pecans.Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Bake the Casserole

Read more: Sicilian Penne with Cauliflower: A Flavorful Mediterranean Dish

Tips

  • Adjust the amount of brown sugar on top depending on your desired sweetness.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and bake it the next day. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate.

2. What can I substitute for pecans?

Walnuts, pecans, or even toasted coconut would work well as substitutes.

3. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown.


This easy sweet potato casserole recipe with pecans is the perfect addition to your holiday table or any special occasion. The combination of creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy pecans creates a delightful flavor and texture that will leave your guests wanting more. Enjoy this delicious and surprisingly simple side dish!