The Best Sweet Potato Casserole – The Holiday Dish That Steals Every Show!

 This isn't your average sweet potato side. With a velvety, spiced sweet potato base and a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel topping, this casserole is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, creamy and crisp. It's the dish guests will be talking about long after the holiday feast is over!

Yields: 8-10 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40-50 minutes

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

• 3 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes (from about 3-4 large sweet potatoes)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• ⅓ cup milk or heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• A pinch of salt

For the Irresistible Pecan Streusel:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup chopped pecans

• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

• To Bake (Recommended for best flavor): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce sweet potatoes all over with a fork. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until very tender. Let cool, then scoop out the flesh.

• To Boil: Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Place in a pot and cover with water. Boil for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly.

• Once cooked, place the sweet potatoes in a large bowl and mash until smooth.

Step 2: Make the Filling

• Lower your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch or a similar 3-quart baking dish.

• To the bowl of mashed sweet potatoes, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, beaten eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

• Using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the mixture until it is smooth, well-combined, and creamy.

• Pour the filling into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

Step 3: Create the Pecan Streusel Topping

• In a separate medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and the optional ½ teaspoon of cinnamon.

• Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter, your fingers, or a fork, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly and the butter is about the size of peas.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

• Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping evenly over the entire surface of the sweet potato filling.

• Place the dish in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the filling is set (it shouldn't jiggle much in the center) and the streusel topping is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

• Let the casserole cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to scoop.

• Serve warm and watch it disappear! This is the perfect companion to your holiday turkey, ham, and all the classic sides.

✨ Pro-Tip: For an extra decadent touch, you can substitute half the milk with pure maple syrup in the filling, or add a handful of mini marshmallows on top of the streusel for the last 5 minutes of baking for a classic, gooey finish