If there is one dish that captures the heart of comfort food during festive gatherings, it has to be Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe. This classic casserole melds the creamy sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with the irresistible crunch of a buttery pecan topping, making every spoonful a celebration. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply because you crave a soulful side dish, this recipe delivers warmth, richness, and nostalgic flavors that bring everyone around the table closer together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all you need to create this unforgettable casserole. Each add-in plays a vital role in building a smooth, flavorful base and a crunchy, caramelized topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft sweet potatoes.
- 2 cans cut sweet potatoes in syrup (40 oz each): The foundation of the dish, these provide natural sweetness and a velvety texture.
- 1 cup sugar: Adds additional sweetness to balance the earthy tones.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors without making the dish salty.
- 2 eggs (beaten): Binds the casserole ingredients together for a creamy consistency.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Brings richness and smoothness to the sweet potato mixture.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the texture while enriching the flavor.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Provides the warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds subtle aromatic depth to the base.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the topping beautifully.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Helps hold the pecan topping together for that perfect crunch.
- 1 cup pecans (chopped): Offers irresistible texture and buttery flavor on top.
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Binds the pecan topping and adds luscious richness.
How to Make Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures an even cooking environment, so the casserole bakes through gently, allowing the sweet potatoes to remain moist while the topping crisps to golden perfection.
Step 2: Combine the Sweet Potato Base
Rinse and drain the canned sweet potatoes thoroughly. In a large bowl, mash them until smooth and creamy. Stir in the sugar, salt, beaten eggs, melted butter, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla until everything is beautifully combined. This mixture will feel velvety and fragrant, ready to be transformed in the oven.
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar and flour. Add the chopped pecans, then pour in the melted butter, tossing everything until the mixture is crumbly but holds slightly when pressed. This topping is the star providing the perfect caramelized crunch that contrasts the smooth casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Then carefully sprinkle the pecan topping all over the surface, ensuring every inch is covered to get that luscious crust that will make everyone reach for seconds.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and crisp, and the sweet potato base bubbles gently around the edges. Let it rest briefly before serving to set its lovely layers.
How to Serve Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon just before serving to enhance the visual appeal and flavor complexity. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup can also add a special touch for guests who love an extra hint of sweetness.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside savory mains like roast turkey or baked ham. Complement it with green beans almandine, fresh cranberry sauce, or buttery mashed potatoes for a balanced and festive meal that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve individual portions in ramekins topped with pecan halves arranged in a pretty pattern. Alternatively, layer it as part of a holiday buffet in a decorative dish with colorful garnishes to make your presentation as memorable as the taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The casserole maintains its rich flavors and textures, making it an easy and delightful next-day treat or quick side for a weeknight meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking. Assemble it as directed but do not bake — cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed until warmed through and the topping crisps up beautifully.
Reheating
Reheat your casserole in a 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes or until hot throughout. This method helps restore the topping’s crunch while warming the sweet potatoes evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to cook and mash the fresh sweet potatoes thoroughly before combining with the other ingredients to match the texture of the original recipe.
Is there a vegetarian version of Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe?
This recipe is already vegetarian as it contains no meat. Just check that any added dairy or eggs align with your dietary preferences, and you’re good to go!
Can I substitute pecans with another nut?
Yes, walnuts or almonds make excellent alternatives, offering different textures and flavors while maintaining that essential crunch on top.
How sweet is this casserole?
This casserole strikes a perfect balance: naturally sweet from the sweet potatoes and syrup, elevated by brown sugar in the topping without being overpowering—ideal for those who love a comforting yet not-too-sugary dish.
Can I prepare the pecan topping a day ahead?
Definitely! Mixing the topping a day in advance saves time. Just keep it refrigerated and bring it to room temperature before topping the casserole and baking.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered the magic of Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe, you’re ready to create a dish that will surely become a beloved classic in your home. Its warm flavors, delightful textures, and ease of preparation make it a must-make for your next celebration. Trust me, sharing this dish will bring smiles and requests for seconds every time!
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Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a classic, comforting dish perfect for holiday meals or cozy family dinners. It features sweet potatoes blended with warm spices, butter, and eggs, topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar mixture that bakes to a golden, caramelized finish.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 2 cans cut sweet potatoes in syrup (40 oz each, sometimes called yams, rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pecan Topping
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans (chopped)
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature by the time your casserole is ready to bake.
- Prepare Sweet Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed and drained sweet potatoes with sugar, salt, beaten eggs, melted butter, milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mash and mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Make Pecan Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and chopped pecans. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly but cohesive enough to spread over the casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the pecan topping is golden brown and the casserole is set around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving so it firms up and slices more cleanly. Enjoy as a side dish for holiday meals or special occasions.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse and drain the canned sweet potatoes well to reduce excess syrup and avoid an overly sweet casserole.
- For a smoother texture, you can mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher or use a hand mixer.
- Use fresh pecans for the best crunch and flavor; toasted pecans can add an extra depth if desired.
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance; assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
- Adjust the sugar quantity according to your taste preference for sweetness.
