Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is the stuff legends are made of. It’s indescribably delicious, and decadent beyond measure. It will have your family or guests clamoring for more. And, it’s the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter.
Of course, this traditional sweet potato casserole is also perfect for any other holiday gathering or special occasion. Not only is it easy and delicious, but you can make it 24-48 hours ahead and cook it whenever you are ready.
Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole is my husband’s recipe. He makes it every year to take to our neighborhood Thanksgiving potluck party and it’s usually one of the first dishes to run-out.
I know over the years you have probably had lots of really good sweet potato casseroles, but I promise you your family and guests will absolutely swoon over this one. With a crunchy topping of pecans, brown sugar, and butter, it is addicting and deserves a place of honor on your holiday table.
Unfortunately, this casserole is not a low-calorie dish. Despite the fact that sweet potatoes are healthy, with the butter and sugar, it’s probably not a dish you should eat every night. But since it’s a holiday… well, maybe you might want to take a long walk after dinner.
More sweet potato recipes:
If you like sweet potatoes as much as we do, be sure to check out these other scrumptious sweet potato recipes on my blog:
Easy Southern Sweet Potato Bread with Pecans
Easy Southern Sweet Potato Hash
Southern Candied Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Bourbon
Healthy Roasted Sweet Potato Stacks
Easy Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet Potato Biscuits with Cranberry Aioli
You might also want to check out my roundup post: 35 Best and Easiest Sweet Potato Recipes for Thanksgiving.
Looking for even more options for easy and delicious Thanksgiving recipes?
10 Amazing Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes
12 Delicious Thanksgiving Dressing and Stuffing Recipes
40 Best Desserts for Thanksgiving – Recipes and Menu Ideas
12 Awesome Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
50 Best Thanksgiving Desserts to Make Now
Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients:
You will need canned yams or sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, salt, eggs, butter, milk, ground cinnamon, flour, pecans, and vanilla extract.
How to make Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Rinse, drain and mash the sweet potatoes.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, eggs, melted butter, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla. Mix well.
Pour this mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish which has been lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
How to make the pecan topping:
Combine, light brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter in a small bowl and mix well.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
Bake the casserole uncovered for approximately 35-40 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly.
Sharon’s Expert Tips:
This recipe calls for two (40-ounce) cans of cut sweet potatoes in syrup. Canned sweet potatoes are sometimes called yams, so if you don’t see canned sweet potatoes, look for yams.
You can substitute six to seven cups of fresh cooked and mashed sweet potatoes for the canned sweet potatoes in this recipe.
This recipe can be made up to 48 hours ahead of time. If making ahead, cover and refrigerate until about an hour before you are ready to bake it.
★ If you make Terry’s Sweet Potato Casserole, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!
Thank you so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones!
Terry's Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
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
Topping
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans chopped
- 5 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
For the Sweet Potato Mixture
- Use a potato masher and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, eggs, butter, milk, vanilla and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Pour into a 9x13 inch casserole dish that has been lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
For the Pecan Topping
- Combine topping ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well.
To assemble the casserole and bake.
- Sprinkle evenly over the top of the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for approximately 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is bubbling and light golden brown, and the sweet potato mixture has set.
Notes
Nutrition
*Updated October 29, 2019, to add new pictures, expanded directions, and tips. The recipe was also revised to increase the amount of sweet potatoes added and reduce the amount of butter and sugar added.
I have always fixed yams with butter and brown sugar on various holidays because my family enjoyed them. I, on the other hand have never been a big fan of yams, ever. I tried this recipe and loved it along with everyone else. I was so impressed and delighted! This topping is to die for. I use it on a multitude of desserts.
Very rich and decadent but delicious. Can’t wait to make it for Christmas!
Hi, Sharon–Enjoying all of your recipes. Thanks for sharing.
The sweet potato casserole is too funny. We have been enjoying the same recipe for holidays in our family for YEARS! I got it from my sister, who had used it for many years before that. And you’re right – it is delicious!
Hey Maud Marie,
It’s great to hear from you! I hope you are enjoying retirement as much as I am!
That is funny about the recipe. And, here I thought it was a secret family recipe!
Happy Easter to you and your family!
Sharon