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Delicious Easy Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan topping ready to serve.

Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

A cozy and sweet Thanksgiving side dish featuring smooth sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan mixture, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sweet Potato Filling
  • 4 pounds Sweet potatoes Choose firm sweet potatoes, medium-sized for even baking.
  • 1/2 cup Butter, melted For a richer flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar Can mix with white sugar if preferred.
  • 1/4 cup Milk or half and half Just enough for creaminess.
  • 2 large Eggs Helps set the casserole.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla (optional) Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Essential for enhancing sweet flavors.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (optional) For a cozy aroma.
Pecan Topping
  • 1 cup Chopped pecans Chop them finely for even coverage.
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar Adds sweetness to the topping.
  • 1/4 cup Flour To help bind the topping.
  • 1/4 cup Butter, melted Ensure mixture is crumbly.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor.

Method
 

Preparation of Sweet Potato Filling
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Poke sweet potatoes with a fork and bake until soft, about 45-60 minutes.
  3. Scoop sweet potato flesh from skins and place in a mixing bowl.
  4. Mix in melted butter, brown sugar, salt, eggs, and a splash of milk, mashing until smooth but slightly lumpy.
  5. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary before adding eggs.
  6. Spread mixture into a buttered baking dish.
Prepare the Topping
  1. In a bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and salt.
  2. Mix until crumbly and sprinkle evenly over sweet potato filling.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven until filling is set and topping is browned, about 25-30 minutes.
  2. If necessary, cover with foil to prevent over-browning.

Notes

Make the filling a day ahead for convenience. Reheat in the oven for best texture. Serve with a mix of pecan and marshmallow toppings if preferred.