If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side that embodies the heart of Southern charm, this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s perfect around the holidays but honestly, I love making it anytime I want that sweet-and-nutty goodness with a toasty crunch on top.

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe - Recipe Image — Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel, sweet potato casserole, pecan topping recipe, holiday side dishes, comforting Southern sides

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In the Kitchen
Ingredients at a Glance
How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe
Things to Remember
Ways to Serve It
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Printable Recipe

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In the Kitchen

There’s something magical about this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe—it balances creamy, velvety sweet potatoes with a golden, nutty topping that crackles with buttery pecans. I make this dish frequently because it never disappoints and fills the kitchen with such warm, inviting aromas.

Juicy and Tender Every Time: Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and ensures a rich, creamy base without any graininess.
Golden, Satisfying Finish: The streusel topping bakes to a crisp, buttery crust packed with cinnamon-spiced pecans for texture contrast.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: With staples like brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, this dish highlights the beauty of humble pantry items.
Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Whether you need a side for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this casserole works beautifully.

Ingredients at a Glance

To nail this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe, focus on choosing quality sweet potatoes and fresh pecans. The rest comes down to balancing your spices and sugars just right.

Sweet potatoes: Look for firm, unblemished tubers with smooth skin—medium size makes for even cooking.
Butter: Use unsalted and fresh for the best creamy texture and control over salt levels.
Brown sugar: Light brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle molasses note; pack it gently for accurate sweetness.
Pecans: Choose chopped fresh pecans, not pre-roasted, to preserve that natural crunch and flavor.

Heads-Up: Exact measurements and full instructions await you in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe

Step 1 — Roast Your Sweet Potatoes to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). I love roasting sweet potatoes whole—just pierce them a few times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Roast for about 45 to 60 minutes, until they’re tender to the touch and can be easily pierced with a knife. This roasting method deepens their flavor and gives you that luscious, naturally sweet taste that’s the cornerstone of the casserole. If you’re short on time, boiling peeled and cubed potatoes until fork-tender works too—just be sure to drain them very well.

Step 2 — Mash and Flavor Your Sweet Potato Base

Once the sweet potatoes have cooled enough to handle, peel off the skins if roasted, then mash them until smooth—you’re aiming for about 4 cups total. I prefer a hand masher for gentle texture, but a mixer works if you’re careful not to overbeat. Stir in melted unsalted butter, brown and granulated sugars, milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess), beaten eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt. Adding a teaspoon of orange zest is my secret for a bright, fresh note that lifts all the richness without overpowering. Mix everything just until combined to keep the consistency silky and fluffy.

Step 3 — Whip Up the Pecan Streusel Topping

This topping is what makes this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe stand out. Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Add cold, cubed butter and work it in using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse sand with some pea-sized crumbles. Folding in chopped pecans at this stage adds that irresistible crunch and nutty depth, so don’t skip it. The cold butter is key to getting that crumbly texture that bakes up crisp and golden.

Step 4 — Assemble and Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing out the surface. Sprinkle your pecan streusel evenly over the top, making sure to cover every inch for a consistent crunch. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are set and the streusel is beautifully golden. If you love that marshmallow finish (and I do on special occasions), scatter mini marshmallows on top during the last 5 to 8 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye—these go from toasty to burnt in moments!

Step 5 — Let It Rest Before Serving

This final step is crucial. Let the casserole rest for 10 to 15 minutes once out of the oven. You’ll notice it firms up nicely, which makes scooping clean wedges so much easier—and your presentation will thank you. Serve this warm and watch everyone sneak in seconds.

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Things to Remember

Having made this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks to keep it foolproof and delicious every time.

Doneness Cue: The casserole is done when the edges are set and streusel is golden; it should be slightly jiggly in the center but not liquidy.
Temperature Trick: Let the sweet potatoes cool a bit before mixing in eggs to prevent scrambling and maintain creaminess.
Make-Ahead Move: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover tightly, and bake just before serving for maximum convenience.
Common Pitfall: Don’t overmix the sweet potato base—this can make it gluey instead of fluffy and light.

Ways to Serve It

Finishing Touches

To make this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe shine on your table, I suggest adding a few mini marshmallows on top right at the end of baking. They toast lightly, lending a sweet, pillowy contrast to the crunchy pecans. A quick sprinkle of flaky sea salt at the finish also balances the sweetness beautifully if you like a little savory pop.

Plays Well With

This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or ham, fresh green beans tossed in a touch of garlic, and cranberry sauce for a classic Southern feast balance. The creamy sweetness and crunchy pecans add fantastic texture when served with crisp salads or simple roasted vegetables.

Simple Plating Upgrades

For a casual meal, serve it straight from the baking dish with a simple spatula scoop. For entertaining, consider individual ramekins topped with an extra sprinkle of chopped pecans and a tiny marshmallow. Adding a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary on the side adds a fresh herbal note and a pop of color.

Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The casserole holds its creamy texture well, though the streusel gets a little softer over time. Reheating gently helps bring back some of the original crispness.

Freezing Tips

This casserole freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F until warmed through and topping is crispy again.

Reheating Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe Without Drying Out

To reheat without drying, I recommend warming this casserole in the oven at 325°F covered loosely with foil to retain moisture. Remove the foil toward the end to crisp up the streusel. In a pinch, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel for short bursts, stirring gently between, but avoid overheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned sweet potatoes for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe?

While fresh sweet potatoes provide the best texture and flavor, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Drain them well and mash thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, then adjust sugars and spices to maintain balance.

Is it necessary to include marshmallows on top?

Marshmallows are an optional but beloved addition for many. They add a gooey sweetness that contrasts the crunchy pecan streusel. Feel free to skip them if you prefer a nut-only topping or want a less sweet casserole.

How do I prevent the streusel topping from burning?

Keep an eye on the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking. If the topping is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil. Also, add marshmallows only near the end of baking to prevent scorching.

Can I make this casserole vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute butter with plant-based margarine, use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat, and replace eggs with a flax egg or commercially available egg replacer. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe always brings joy around my table, and I think it will at yours, too. The combination of creamy sweet potatoes spiced just right with the buttery pecan topping is pure comfort food magic. Whether it’s a family feast or a cozy weekday treat, it’s one recipe that never fails to impress.

Full Printable Recipe