Easy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping

This Easy Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved holiday side dish, featuring tender sweet potatoes covered in a rich, creamy maple sauce and topped with a buttery pecan streusel. With flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup, it’s the perfect complement to any Thanksgiving or Christmas feast.

INGREDIENTS

• Sweet Potatoes (Peeled and Cut into ½-inch Pieces): Provides a tender, slightly sweet base for the casserole that pairs beautifully with the rich sauce and topping.
• All-Purpose Flour (for Potatoes): Helps thicken the sauce, giving the casserole a creamy texture.
• Light Brown Sugar (for Potatoes): Adds a caramel-like sweetness to the sweet potatoes, enhancing their natural flavor.
• Kosher Salt (for Potatoes): Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavor of the sweet potatoes.
• Maple Syrup: Provides a natural sweetness and depth of flavor, making the sauce rich and slightly smoky.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, creating a smooth texture that complements the sweet potatoes.

For the Pecan Streusel

• Chopped Toasted Pecans: Adds a crunchy, nutty topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sweet potatoes.
• All-Purpose Flour (for Pecan Streusel): Binds the streusel ingredients together, helping create a crumbly texture.
• Light Brown Sugar (for Pecan Streusel): Sweetens the topping, adding a caramelized flavor when baked.
• Kosher Salt (for Pecan Streusel): Balances the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, complementing the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
• Ground Nutmeg: Adds depth and a subtle spiciness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Unsalted Butter (Cut into ½-inch Cubes): Provides richness to the topping, helping it brown and become crisp during baking.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Place the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes in a large stock pot. Fill the pot with cold water, covering the potatoes by about 1 inch, and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender but not mushy.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

While the potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Once the sweet potatoes are tender, drain them and transfer to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the brown sugar, flour, and salt evenly over the potatoes. Pour the maple syrup and heavy cream over the top, making sure to coat the potatoes well for a rich, creamy base.

Step 4: Make the Pecan Streusel Topping

In a small mixing bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix to combine the dry ingredients. Add the cubed butter, working it into the dry mixture with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse sand.

Step 5: Add the Streusel Topping

Sprinkle the pecan streusel evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish. The topping should cover the potatoes in a generous layer, adding a delicious crunch and flavor when baked.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the liquid is bubbling throughout the center and the streusel is golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve the Sweet Potato Casserole warm for the best flavor. It pairs perfectly with roasted meats like turkey, ham, or beef, making it a great choice for holiday gatherings.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
• If you’re making this dish ahead, assemble it fully (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as directed.

Helpful Notes

• Choose high-quality maple syrup for the best flavor, as it adds a natural sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes and pecans.
• For a creamier consistency, ensure the potatoes are tender but not overly soft, as they will continue cooking in the oven.
• If you prefer a sweeter casserole, add an extra tablespoon or two of brown sugar to the potato mixture.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Ina Garten suggests using heavy cream for richness, as it creates a creamy base that pairs well with the sweet and nutty topping.
• Chef Ree Drummond recommends toasting the pecans beforehand to bring out their natural oils and deepen their flavor.
• Chef Alton Brown advises keeping the streusel topping cold until right before baking to ensure it becomes perfectly crisp.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• This casserole combines the creamy texture of sweet potatoes with a buttery, crunchy pecan topping, making it both comforting and indulgent.
• It’s easy to make ahead, saving you time and reducing stress during holiday meal preparation.
• The combination of maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg adds warmth and depth of flavor, making it a perfect addition to festive meals.

Variations

• Add mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a more traditional sweet potato casserole.
• For a twist, try using honey instead of maple syrup for a different depth of sweetness.
• Use walnuts instead of pecans for a slightly different flavor and texture in the streusel topping.