Grandma’s Sweet Potato Casserole is a rich, delicious holiday favorite made with creamy sweet potatoes, warm cinnamon and nutmeg, and a decadent buttery brown sugar and pecan topping. Baked to perfection, this irresistible Thanksgiving side dish is sure to become a family favorite for Thanksgiving and Christmas!
This sweet potato casserole has been a part of our family Thanksgiving for as long as I can remember, and honestly, it just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without it!
With its rich, creamy sweet potato filling and deliciously crunchy pecan topping, this family favorite is the perfect combination of sweet, buttery, and decadent.
It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone back to the table for seconds!
I have a feeling it’s going to become a favorite in your family, too.
Scroll down to get the recipe and add this delicious sweet potato casserole to your holiday menu!
Jump to Recipe- Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Tips for Cooking Sweet Potatoes
- How to Make the Sweet Potato Filling
- How to Make the Pecan Topping
- Bake Sweet Potato Casserole
- Can You Make Sweet Potato Casserole Ahead of Time?
- What to Serve with Sweet Potato Casserole
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Shop Recipe Products
- Final Thoughts
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links or referral links for your convenience. It is a way for this site to earn advertising commissions by advertising or linking to specific products and/or services. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole
There are so many reasons to love this sweet potato casserole, but for me, it all comes down to family and tradition!
This treasured recipe has been part of our Thanksgiving celebrations for as long as I can remember, and one bite will tell you why.
The rich, creamy sweet potato filling paired with a buttery, crunchy pecan topping is simply irresistible!
Best of all, it uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
It’s the perfect Thanksgiving side dish, but we love serving it at Christmas, too.
You can even prepare this casserole ahead of time to make holiday cooking a little less hectic.
It’s sweet enough to feel extra special but pairs beautifully with all your favorite savory holiday dishes.
Trust me, this is one recipe your family will ask you to make year after year!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I love most about this sweet potato casserole is that it comes together with simple, everyday ingredients!
You don’t need anything fancy to create this rich, decadent holiday side dish.
We’ll make a creamy, buttery sweet potato filling and finish it with a delicious pecan topping that adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch.
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this family favorite!
For the sweet potato filling
- cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
- milk
- butter
- eggs
- sugar
- salt
- cinnamon
- nutmeg
For the pecan topping
- chopped pecans
- brown sugar
- flour
- butter
Are you enjoying this recipe?! Please Pin It, save it for later and share it with a friend.
Sharing is caring!
If you’re new here, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here.
Let us introduce ourselves, we’re Michelle and Steph, a mom and daughter team who love to DIY and decorate our homes.
Not only are we passionate about making our homes warm, comfortable and unique, but it’s our mission to help you create that same feeling in your own home.
You’ll find ideas for repurposing, creating, decorating and making your home truly yours, while always mindful of a tight budget.
Undoubtedly we love finding ways to make your home look high-end on a small budget.
Plus you’ll also find a recipe or two as we share our family favorites with you.
We’d love it if you’d join our community of doers so you won’t miss any inspiration for your home.
We love new friends.
Tips for Cooking Sweet Potatoes
There are a few ways to cook sweet potatoes for this casserole, but my favorite is hands-down the slow cooker!
Simply scrub the sweet potatoes, wrap them in foil, and place them in a parchment paper-lined slow cooker.
Cook on low all day or on high for a couple of hours, until fork-tender.
I love this method because I can work it into my schedule, drop them in, and forget about them until they’re ready!
You can also wrap them in foil and bake them in the oven at 400°F for 45–60 minutes, or peel and chop them into 1-inch cubes and boil for about 12–20 minutes, until tender.
Boiling is my least favorite method because it requires a little more prep work.
Once the foil-wrapped sweet potatoes are tender, let them cool until they’re comfortable to handle, peel away the skins, and place the flesh in a bowl.
Mash with a fork until smooth, and you’re ready to make the delicious filling!
Let’s stay connected! Follow us on social media!
How to Make the Sweet Potato Filling
Now for the creamy, delicious sweet potato filling!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, milk, eggs, melted butter, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
Next, butter your casserole dish to keep the filling from sticking, then spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish.
That’s it! Your filling is ready for that irresistible pecan topping.
How to Make the Pecan Topping
Now it’s time for the best part—the buttery, crunchy pecan topping!
In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans, stirring until everything is well mixed.
Pour the melted butter over the pecan mixture and stir until the butter is evenly distributed and the topping is crumbly.
Finally, sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato filling, making sure to cover it from edge to edge.
As it bakes, the topping turns golden and crunchy, creating the perfect contrast to the rich, creamy sweet potatoes underneath.
Trust me, this is what makes this casserole extra special!
Bake Sweet Potato Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the sweet potato casserole on the middle rack.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the sweet potato filling is bubbly and the pecan topping is beginning to turn golden brown.
Once it’s ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving alongside your favorite holiday sides.
Want to make holiday cooking a little easier?
Can You Make Sweet Potato Casserole Ahead of Time?
You can prepare this casserole 3–4 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator without the pecan topping, covered tightly with an airtight lid or wrap.
When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator about 30 minutes beforehand, add the pecan topping, then bake as directed.
It’s one less thing to worry about on a busy holiday!
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Casserole
This sweet potato casserole is the perfect addition to just about any holiday feast!
We love serving it alongside a beautifully roasted turkey or a glazed baked ham, with classic mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, and roasted Brussels sprouts or other seasonal vegetables.
Add some warm, homemade dinner rolls and a little cranberry sauce, and you’ve got all the makings of a delicious Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
The rich, creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan topping pair beautifully with savory holiday favorites, making this a side dish that deserves a spot on your holiday table year after year!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make sweet potato casserole without pecans? Absolutely! If you need to skip the pecans because of a nut allergy or simply prefer a different topping, you can still enjoy this delicious sweet potato casserole. Try replacing the pecans with rolled oats for a little crunch, or make a simple brown sugar crumble with butter, flour, and brown sugar. You can also leave the topping off entirely for a smooth, creamy casserole. Whatever you choose, you’ll still have a rich, comforting holiday side dish your family will love!
Tip: If you’re cooking for someone with a nut allergy, make sure all ingredients and utensils are free from cross-contact with nuts.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes! You can use canned sweet potatoes (often labeled yams) instead of fresh sweet potatoes to save time. Just be sure to drain them well before mashing, since extra liquid can make your casserole too soft. If they’re packed in syrup, drain and rinse them gently to remove some of the added sweetness, then adjust the sugar in the recipe to taste. Mash the sweet potatoes and prepare the filling and pecan topping as directed. It’s an easy shortcut when you’re busy preparing your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner!
Can I freeze sweet potato casserole?
Yes! You can freeze sweet potato casserole, which makes holiday meal planning so much easier. For the best results, I recommend freezing the casserole before baking, preferably without the pecan topping, since the topping can lose some of its crunch after thawing. Wrap the casserole tightly or store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2–3 months for the best quality. When you’re ready to serve it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, add the pecan topping, and bake as directed, allowing extra time if needed until heated through. If you’ve already baked the casserole, you can freeze leftovers, too, although the texture of the topping may soften a bit.
How do I keep the topping crunchy? The secret to a crunchy pecan topping is to keep it dry until you’re ready to bake! If you’re making this sweet potato casserole ahead of time, prepare the sweet potato filling and store it covered in the refrigerator, but keep the pecan topping in a separate airtight container. Sprinkle the topping over the casserole just before baking so the butter, brown sugar, and pecans can turn golden and crisp in the oven. Once baked, avoid covering the casserole tightly while it’s still hot, as trapped steam can soften the topping. This will help you get that delicious, buttery crunch in every bite!
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftover sweet potato casserole in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate for 3–4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or place the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. If the pecan topping has softened, reheating it uncovered in the oven can help bring back a little of that delicious crunch. Just be sure to refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of serving to keep everything fresh and safe to enjoy!
Is sweet potato casserole a side dish or a dessert? Sweet potato casserole can be both a side dish and a dessert, but in our family, it’s always been a holiday side dish! The rich, creamy sweet potatoes and buttery pecan topping add a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory favorites like roast turkey, baked ham, and mashed potatoes. Of course, it’s sweet and decadent enough to feel like dessert, too! However you serve it, this family favorite deserves a spot on your Thanksgiving and Christmas table.
Shop Recipe Products
Grandma’s Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Butter a casserole dish.
- In a large mixing bowl place the cooked, mashed sweet potatoes, milk, eggs, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and butter. Whisk until smooth.Pour into prepared casserole dish.
- Place brown sugar, flour and chopped pecans in a small mixing bowl. Stir until well combined. Pour melted butter over pecan mixture and stir until well combined. Sprinkle over the sweet potato casserole.
- Place casserole in a preheated 350° oven and bake for 30 minutes. The sweet potatoes should be hot and bubbling and the topping slightly browned. Remove from oven and serve with your holiday favorites.
Notes
Final Thoughts
We hope you found some inspiration for your table.
Please share your tips and ideas with us.
We love hearing from you!
If you’re new here, WELCOME! We love having new readers and friends!
You can learn more about us here.
Let’s stay connected! Join our DIY community of doers and you won’t miss the weekly updates and more inspiration for you always on a budget.
Sharing is caring!
Thanks for stopping by Sunnyside Home. Empowering you to create a home you love!
Be sure to follow us on Pinterest for even more home decor and DIY ideas.
To see what we are working on before it’s on our blog, follow us on Instagram.
You will also find our video tutorials on our YouTube channel.
Retailers We Love
- Anthropologie
- Birch Lane
- Crate & Barrel
- Joss and Main
- Lampsplus
- Mark & Graham
- One Kings Lane
- Pottery Barn
- Rejuvenation
- Serena & Lily
- Wayfair
- West Elm
- Williams Sonoma
- World Market
What’s New . . .
- The Best Sweet Potato Casserole with a Pecan Topping
- 25 Beautiful Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas You Can Create
- Last Minute Outdoor Halloween Decorations with Thrifted Finds
- Easy DIY Frankenstein Halloween Decor
