Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans is one of my favorite easy and homemade side dishes to serve during the holidays, and it always brings that warm, cozy sweetness everyone looks forward to. This recipe was originally shared with me by a friend, and over the years I have lovingly tweaked it to fit my own family's tastes. After cooking in restaurant kitchens and creating comforting meals at home, I love sharing dishes like this that feel special but are still simple enough to make without stress. With creamy mashed sweet potatoes and a buttery brown sugar pecan topping, this casserole is a tried and true family favorite that belongs on every holiday table.

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This post was originally posted on 11/3/2020 and updated on 11/5/2025.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe Ingredients

• Sweet Potatoes
• Brown Sugar
• Salted Butter
• Large Eggs
• Pure Vanilla Extract
• Heavy Whipping Cream
• Unbleached All Purpose Flour
• Chopped Pecans
• Mini Marshmallows

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

1. First, preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 2 quart casserole dish or 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Then cook the sweet potatoes until they are fork tender. Peel them if needed, then in a large bowl mash them until they are creamy.

3. To the mashed sweet potatoes add: brown sugar, melted butter, beaten eggs, vanilla extract and heavy whipping cream. Mix together thoroughly.
4. Spread the sweet potatoes evenly into prepared baking dish.

5. In a medium bowl combine brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans and melted butter. Mix well.
6. Sprinkle pecan topping evenly over the sweet potatoes.

7. Bake the casserole in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
8. Then, immediately add the marshmallows on top of the hot casserole and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the marshmallows are puffy and slightly golden brown.

How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Instant Pot

Making sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot couldn't be any easier. I will break it down for you.

1. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot along with the trivet.
2. Scrub the potatoes clean.
3. Pierce the potatoes with a fork 6-8 times.
4. Place the potatoes on the trivet, go ahead and stack them to make them fit.
5. Secure lid and turn valve to sealing.
6. Set Instant Pot on high pressure for 16 minutes.
7. Let the Instant Pot do a natural release for 10 minutes, then carefully move the valve to venting.
8. Once the float valve has dropped, carefully remove the lid and turn the Instant Pot to off.
9. Ta da!!! Cooked Sweet Potatoes. Let the potatoes cool enough to handle.
10. Once cooled, you can simply peel the skin off the potatoes with your hands.

If you do not have an Instant Pot, you can peel and dice the sweet potatoes. Then boil them for about 15-20 minutes. Or you can clean and pierce them and bake at 400°F for an hour. Or lastly, pierce them and pop them in the microwave for 15-20 minutes.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans Ahead of Time

This easy side dish can be made ahead of time which makes the day of cooking so much easier and allows you more time with your family and friends!

• 1-2 Days Before Serving: Prepare the recipe as directed but leave off the marshmallows. Tightly cover the casserole and store in the fridge.
• Day of Serving: Let the casserole come to room temperature while the oven preheats or let it sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes if your oven is already on. Then follow the directions for baking.

Storing Easy Sweet Potato Casserole

Storing: Store any leftover sweet potato casserole tightly covered in the casserole dish or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat the entire casserole dish in the oven. You may want to add a few more marshmallows. Or reheat in the microwave until warmed through.

Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

• Cook the sweet potatoes until very tender so they mash smoothly and create a creamy base.
• If using the Instant Pot, peel after cooking for easier prep and less mess.
• For a smoother texture, you can use a handheld mixer to whip the sweet potatoes.
• Use a mini chopper or food processor to chop the pecans easily and fast.
• Keep an eye on the marshmallows at the end of baking. They can toast quickly, and a little color goes a long way.

More Holiday Side Dish Recipes:

• Homemade Green Bean Casserole
• No Knead Dinner Rolls
• Fresh Cranberry Sauce
• Homemade Stuffing
• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts Gratin
• Scalloped Corn Casserole
• Party Potatoes