This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel is my family's favorite dish at Thanksgiving! It's sweet, creamy, with an irresistible cinnamon flavor, and topped with plenty of crunchy, nutty streusel crumbs. It's like having dessert with your dinner. Once you taste it, you'll want make it again and again!
I love sweet potatoes but I have a family that really doesn't care for this delicious & healthy tuber. But what's Thanksgiving without a sweet potato casserole? I know, right?!
So a number of years ago, we won't get into how many that is, I set about to make a recipe that would get everyone in my family excited about eating sweet potatoes. It took a few tries but I finally landed on just the right combination of sweetness and spice, and of course plenty of crumbs, that made my family crazy about sweet potatoes.
I have to warn you that this easy sweet potato casserole is addictive! It tastes like you are enjoying dessert for dinner, a la sweet potato pie. It has creamy mashed sweet potatoes, combined with butter, cinnamon and sugar then it's loaded with a sugar-pecan crumb mixture that is out of this world.
Easy Thanksgiving side dish to make ahead and freeze
One of the nice things I love about this casserole, is the ability to make it ahead of time and freeze it until the day before Thanksgiving. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator then cook as directed. No need to worry about last minute prep with this side dish. And it can be cooked right beside your turkey! Just another easy way to take the stress out of the holidays.
Frequently asked questions about Sweet Potato Casserole
Can you freeze this sweet potato casserole?
Absolutely! To make it ahead of time, follow the instructions up to the cooking stage. Let cool slightly, cover tightly, then freeze. To make, thaw overnight in the refrigerator then bake as directed.
How long does this casserole last?
Once cooked, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 5 days. Although I can't verify that because ours never lasts that long! lol
Can I reheat this easy to make casserole?
Sure can! The best way to reheat the casserole is in the oven in order to keep the crumb topping crunchy. Place in a baking dish, cover and bake in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. It can also be done in the microwave, reheating for 3-5 minutes. However, the crumbs will not be crunchy using this method.
How to make
Sweet potato base
- In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, sugar, milk, eggs, salt, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and ½ cup melted butter. Stir well.
- Pour into prepared dish.
How to make pecan streusel
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup butter, pecans, brown sugar and flour.
- Mix together with fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
To assemble
- Crumble over potatoes.
- Bake for 50 minutes.
Every Thanksgiving table needs this sweet side to complete it. Because who doesn't like a rich, crunchy, creamy "almost dessert" for dinner? Enjoy!
Want a worry & stress-free Thanksgiving? Check out my Thanksgiving Day Planner for a minute by minute schedule and all the recipes you'll need to make Thanksgiving dinner into a delicious feast! Happy Thanksgiving!
More Delicious Sweet Potato Recipes
Sweet Potato Puffs with gingersnap crust are simply irresistible!
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with balsamic vinegar and shallots are a great side dish for ham or turkey.
Healthy Roasted Sweet Potato Stacks from Grits and Pinecones
Sweet Potato Streusel Muffins with warm spices are perfect for a fall breakfast or snack.
Find even more of the best fall recipes here on 2CM!
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes
- ¾ cup sugar (I cut the sugar content down to ½ cup with no discernible difference)
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup self-rising flour (see below for gluten-free option)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Coat a 2-½-quart casserole or 11” x 7” x 2” baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, sugar, milk, eggs, salt, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and ½ cup melted butter. Stir well.
- Pour into prepared dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining ½ cup butter, pecans, brown sugar and flour. Crumble over potatoes.
- Bake 50 minutes or until casserole is heated through. Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated with easier to follow instructions and information. It was first published on November 10, 2013.