Crafting this incredible sweet potato casserole requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving its signature creamy texture and irresistible pecan topping. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

• Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! You’ll need approximately 3 pounds, which usually translates to about 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes. For the quickest and most even cooking, I highly recommend peeling and dicing them into roughly 2-inch chunks before boiling. This efficiency is a lifesaver during busy holiday cooking. While canned sweet potatoes can be used in a pinch, be aware they are often softer and sweeter, so ensure you drain them exceptionally well to avoid a watery filling. Fresh is always best for optimal flavor and texture.
• Eggs: These are essential binders, helping to set the filling and adding a rich, custardy quality that contributes to the casserole’s luxurious texture. Don’t skip them!
• Evaporated Milk: This ingredient is key to achieving that signature silky, creamy texture without making the casserole overly heavy. It provides richness and moisture, ensuring a smooth, delightful mouthfeel.
• Honey: I adore the natural sweetness and nuanced flavor that honey brings to this dish, mirroring the warmth found in my favorite holiday dessert, pecan pie bars. If you prefer the distinct taste of maple syrup, it makes for an excellent substitute and can be used in the same quantity.
• Vanilla Extract: A crucial splash of pure vanilla extract brightens all the flavors and adds a balanced, aromatic depth to the sweet potato mixture. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference.
• Ground Cinnamon + Ground Cloves: These warm spices are the heart of the holiday flavor profile. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your personal preference for spice intensity. For an easy alternative, you can readily swap them out for a pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice blend if you already have it in your pantry.

For the Pecan Topping:

• Brown Sugar: Both light or dark brown sugar will work beautifully for this crumbly topping. Dark brown sugar will lend a slightly deeper, more molasses-rich flavor, while light brown sugar offers a milder sweetness. Either way, it caramelizes to a perfect golden hue.
• All-Purpose Flour: The flour is vital for absorbing the butter and creating those desirable golden, crunchy clusters that define a perfect streusel. It’s what gives the topping its structure and crispness as it bakes.
• Unsalted Butter: The secret to a truly crumbly streusel is to use cold, cubed unsalted butter. Working the cold butter into the dry ingredients helps create distinct little bits that melt slowly in the oven, forming that wonderful streusel texture. If you only have salted butter on hand, simply omit the extra pinch of salt from the recipe.
• Chopped Pecans: These nuts are toasted to perfection as the casserole bakes, adding an essential layer of crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully. If pecans aren’t your favorite, walnuts make a fantastic substitute. For those with nut allergies or simply a preference for a nut-free option, you can easily skip the nuts entirely for a delicious brown sugar crumble.

Refer to the comprehensive recipe card below for precise measurements and quantities of all ingredients.

Creating this show-stopping sweet potato casserole is simpler than you might think, especially with our detailed step-by-step guide. Follow these instructions for a perfectly creamy filling and a delightfully crunchy pecan streusel every time.

1. Prepare and Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking. Next, peel your sweet potatoes and dice them into uniform 2-inch chunks. While they don’t need to be absolutely perfect, aiming for similar sizes is crucial for even cooking. Place the diced sweet potatoes into a large pot, cover them generously with cold water, and add a ½ teaspoon of kosher salt to the water. Bring the pot to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the sweet potatoes simmer until they are fork-tender, typically around 10 to 15 minutes depending on the size of your dice. It’s important not to undercook them, as they need to be easily mashable, but also avoid overcooking to prevent them from becoming waterlogged. Once tender, drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Any excess water will thin out your filling, so ensure they are as dry as possible.

2. Mash and Mix the Sweet Potato Filling: Once drained, transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. For the silkiest, most lump-free texture, I highly recommend passing them through a potato ricer – this is my absolute favorite method for achieving unparalleled creaminess. If you don’t have a ricer, a sturdy potato masher or even a fork will work to mash them, though the final texture may be slightly less uniform. Once mashed, add the remaining casserole ingredients: the two large eggs, ½ cup evaporated milk, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, and another ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are fully combined and the mixture is thick, creamy, and beautifully spiced. Use a spatula to evenly spread this luscious sweet potato filling into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Set it aside while you prepare the topping.

3. Craft the Crunchy Pecan Topping: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the ½ cup packed light brown sugar and ½ cup all-purpose flour. Whisk them together to ensure no lumps. Add the 3 tablespoons of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Using your fingertips, work the butter into the flour and sugar. The goal is to break the butter down into small, pea-sized bits, creating a texture that resembles coarse, wet sand. This technique is crucial for developing that wonderfully crumbly streusel. Once the butter is evenly distributed, fold in the 1 cup of chopped pecans. Ensure they are well integrated into the crumble. Finally, sprinkle this delightful pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish, covering the entire surface.

4. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Transfer the assembled sweet potato casserole to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes, or until the pecan topping is beautifully golden brown, crisp around the edges, and the sweet potato filling is heated through and gently bubbling. The aroma alone will be enough to make your mouth water! Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the casserole set slightly and prevents it from being too runny. Serve this irresistible dish alongside your magnificent Thanksgiving turkey and a selection of your favorite holiday sides. Don’t limit it to holidays, though; this casserole also makes a surprisingly delicious and comforting side dish next to a perfectly pan-seared steak, adding a touch of gourmet flair to any meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

In the whirlwind of holiday meal preparation, any dish that can be prepared in advance is a true lifesaver. This sweet potato casserole shines in its ability to be prepped ahead of time, dramatically reducing stress on your cooking day. Here’s how to master the make-ahead magic and ensure your casserole is perfect when it’s time to serve:

How to Make This Sweet Potato Casserole Ahead of Time:

• Two Days in Advance: You can prepare both components of the casserole up to two days before you plan to bake and serve it.
  • First, make the sweet potato filling according to the recipe instructions. Spread it evenly into your chosen baking dish. Once cooled, wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing refrigerator odors. If your fridge space is limited, you can transfer the cooled filling to an airtight container.
  • Separately, prepare the pecan topping mixture. Store it in its own airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeping the topping separate is crucial for maintaining its crisp texture, as it won’t become soggy from prolonged contact with the moist sweet potato filling.

When you’re ready to bake on the day of your event, simply uncover the casserole dish, sprinkle the chilled pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato filling, and bake as directed in the recipe. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from a cold casserole to ensure it heats through completely.

To Store Leftovers:

Should you be lucky enough to have any leftovers, proper storage will keep them delicious. Allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can either warm the entire casserole in a 325°F (160°C) oven until heated through and the topping crisps back up (this might take 20-30 minutes), or for a quick individual serving, simply microwave a portion until warm.

To Freeze for Long-Term Storage:

If you’re truly looking to get a jump start on your holiday side dish game, the sweet potato filling freezes exceptionally well. Prepare the sweet potato filling as instructed, then spread it into your baking dish. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Once cool, cover the dish tightly with a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the filling, then cover securely with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the frozen filling overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, add the pecan topping and bake as directed in the recipe. While freezing the fully assembled casserole (with topping) is technically possible, the topping tends to lose some of its desirable crunch and crispness upon thawing and reheating. For the best, fresh-from-the-oven texture and a truly special occasion dish, I always recommend adding the pecan crumble *after* the filling has thawed.

Marshmallow Topping Variation

While I will forever be a dedicated member of Team Pecan Streusel for sweet potato casserole, I understand that the classic marshmallow topping holds a special place in many hearts and holiday traditions. If you’re firmly on Team Marshmallow, rest assured, I’ve got you covered with an easy and delicious variation. After you’ve spread the creamy sweet potato filling into your prepared baking dish, simply skip the pecan crumble step. Instead, generously cover the entire surface with about 2 cups of mini marshmallows. Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are beautifully puffed, golden brown, and slightly caramelized. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes, as marshmallows can brown quickly!

For those who love both the crunchy streusel and the gooey sweetness of marshmallows, why choose? You can easily create the best of both worlds! Simply sprinkle half of your sweet potato casserole with the delightful pecan topping and the other half with the mini marshmallows. This ingenious approach offers the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure Thanksgiving side dish, ensuring everyone at your table finds their perfect sweet potato casserole experience. It’s a wonderful way to cater to diverse tastes and satisfy all your holiday guests.

This easy and incredibly delicious sweet potato casserole is versatile enough to be a cherished addition to any holiday spread, from the warmth of Thanksgiving to the joy of Christmas and the freshness of Easter. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of festive dishes. To help you round out your holiday menu, here are some more of my absolute favorite side dishes that are guaranteed to impress your guests and bring cheer to your table:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Homemade Gravy from Scratch: The ultimate comfort food, elevated.
• Fluffy Pumpkin Dinner Rolls: Soft, airy, and with a hint of seasonal pumpkin flavor.
• Easy Corn Casserole: A sweet and savory classic that’s always a hit.
• Broccoli Cheese Casserole: A cheesy, comforting green vegetable dish the whole family will love.
• Honey Roasted Carrots: Sweet and tender, a simple yet elegant side.
• Roasted Green Beans: Crispy and flavorful, a fresh alternative to casseroles.

Seeking even more inspiration for your celebratory meals? Be sure to explore my comprehensive collection of Best Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes. You’re sure to find something to delight every palate and make your holiday feast truly memorable.