Thanksgiving in our house has always been a big, loud, laughter-filled event, full of hugs, full plates, and full hearts. I still remember the year I first tried making a sweet potato casserole with pecans instead of the usual marshmallows. My aunt raised an eyebrow… until she took a bite. Let’s just say there were no leftovers. Since then, this Brown Sugar & Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole has become my signature dish, a little nutty, perfectly sweet, and full of cozy fall flavor. If you’re looking for a Friendsgiving recipe that stands out, this one’s for you.
Why You’ll Love It
This casserole hits that sweet-spot between savory side and dessert. It’s loaded with warm spices, creamy mashed sweet potatoes, a crunchy brown sugar-pecan topping, and just the right amount of butter to make it feel like a warm hug. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly and a total crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 4 cups mashed)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Pecan Topping:
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook and mash the sweet potatoes: Peel, chop, and boil them until tender. Drain, then mash until smooth.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until creamy and combined.
- Pour into a baking dish: Use a greased 9×13-inch pan or medium casserole dish.
- Mix the topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
Let it cool slightly before serving, though honestly, it never lasts long on the table.
Serve This With…
Make it a full Thanksgiving feast! This casserole pairs beautifully with Air Fryer Carrots for a crisp veggie side, or try a savory twist with Sweet Potato in Air Fryer if you’ve got extra sweet potatoes on hand. Together, they create a plate your guests will rave about.