Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole (Creamy & Crunchy)

This cozy pioneer woman sweet potato casserole brings together creamy mashed sweet potatoes and a golden, crunchy pecan topping that feels perfect for holidays or comforting family dinners. The recipe stays true to its classic roots while offering rich flavor and simple preparation. Smooth sweet potatoes mix with vanilla and butter for a warm base, while the topping adds caramelized sweetness and texture. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or a Thanksgiving favorite, this casserole delivers crowd-pleasing comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole

• The pioneer woman sweet potato casserole features a smooth, lightly sweet base with a buttery pecan crumble.
• The ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to find.
• The topping adds crisp texture without overpowering the sweet potatoes.
• You can make it ahead, which is helpful for busy holiday cooking.
• The casserole pairs well with turkey, ham, or weeknight meals when you want something warm and satisfying.

Ingredients and Notes

This recipe uses basic pantry staples to create the comforting flavor of the pioneer woman sweet potato casserole. The sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness, and the topping creates a dessert-like finish that many families look forward to each year.

Sweet Potato Filling

• 4 cups peeled, cubed sweet potatoes
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Pecan Topping

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Notes and Substitutions

Use whole milk for a richer filling or swap with evaporated milk for extra creaminess. Maple syrup can replace part of the sugar for deeper flavor. If you want a nut-free topping, replace pecans with rolled oats. For a lighter version of the pioneer woman sweet potato casserole, reduce the sugar slightly without changing texture.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a perfectly balanced pioneer woman sweet potato casserole with creamy filling and crisp pecan topping.

1. Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly butter a baking dish. A medium casserole dish works well for this recipe.
2. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, making the pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
3. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the sweet potatoes. Cook until tender, then drain thoroughly.
4. Transfer the hot sweet potatoes to a large bowl and mash until smooth. Let them cool slightly before adding eggs.
5. Add the beaten eggs, white sugar, milk, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl. Mix until the filling turns creamy and well combined.
6. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Smooth the top lightly with a spatula.
7. In another bowl, prepare the topping by stirring together brown sugar, flour, and softened butter. Mix until crumbly, then fold in the chopped pecans.
8. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly across the sweet potato base. This creates a crisp, caramelized layer during baking.
9. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the topping turns golden and the casserole is heated through.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving so the topping firms slightly.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

• Mash the sweet potatoes while still warm for a smoother filling.
• Let the potatoes cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent curdling.
• If the topping seems too dry, add a teaspoon of butter until it clumps.
• For a crispier finish, broil the casserole for one minute at the end.
• If making ahead, add the topping right before baking to keep it crunchy.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

Serve the pioneer woman sweet potato casserole warm alongside turkey, chicken, or holiday mains. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables and ham. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven to keep the topping crisp.

Variations include swapping pecans for walnuts, adding a pinch of nutmeg to the filling, or stirring a bit of orange zest into the sweet potatoes for brightness. You can also create mini casseroles in ramekins for individual servings.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition per serving:

• Calories ~285
• Carbohydrates ~36g
• Protein ~4g
• Fat ~14g
• Fiber ~3g

FAQ

Conclusion

This pioneer woman sweet potato casserole brings warmth, richness, and nostalgic flavor to any meal. With creamy sweet potatoes and a buttery pecan crumble, it strikes the perfect balance of soft and crunchy. The ingredients stay simple, the steps remain approachable, and the final dish feels special enough for holidays and everyday dinners alike. Whether you serve it for Thanksgiving or make it as a comforting side, this casserole always delivers familiar, crowd-pleasing flavor.

Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole

This cozy Pioneer Woman sweet potato casserole blends creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a golden, crunchy pecan topping for the perfect comforting side dish. With warm vanilla notes and buttery richness, it shines at holiday tables and weeknight dinners alike.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Holiday, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 285 kcal

Ingredients

  

Sweet Potato Filling

• 4 cups Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 large Eggs, beaten
• 0.5 cup White sugar
• 0.5 cup Milk
• 4 tablespoons Butter, softened
• 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt

Pecan Topping

• 0.5 cup Brown sugar
• 0.33 cup All-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons Butter, softened
• 0.5 cup Chopped pecans

Instructions

 

• Heat oven to 350°F and lightly butter a medium casserole dish.
• Peel and cube sweet potatoes evenly.
• Boil sweet potatoes until tender, then drain thoroughly.
• Mash the hot potatoes until smooth. Let cool slightly.
• Add eggs, sugar, milk, butter, vanilla, and salt. Mix until creamy.
• Spread filling evenly into the casserole dish.
• In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and softened butter until crumbly. Fold in pecans.
• Sprinkle topping over sweet potato mixture.
• Bake 30–35 minutes until topping is golden and casserole is heated through.
• Rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a nut-free version, use rolled oats instead of pecans. Mash potatoes while warm and cool slightly before adding eggs. Add a teaspoon of butter to the topping if it feels too dry.

Keyword holiday side dish, pioneer woman casserole, sweet potato casserole, thanksgiving casserole