Silky smooth sweet potato casserole has notes of bourbon, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and a crunchy pecan streusel topping. Originally published November 2020. last updated September 2022.
Honestly, I didn't grow up on sweet potato casserole so I'm not quite sure but what I do know is that my Bourbon Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole is the bomb. Silky smooth, spiced sweet potato meets crunchy, brown sugary pecan streusel topping and it's such an easy holiday recipe. Whether you classify it as a side dish or Thanksgiving dessert recipe, I gotchu. Want to learn how to make sweet potato casserole from scratch? It's much simpler than you might think. Let's get into the details.
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What is Sweet Potato Casserole?
Sweet potato casserole is a sweet baked side dish or dessert typically served at holiday tables, especially in the American south. It's sometimes called sweet potato soufflé or sweet potato pone depending on where you live and what goes into it. Because I developed this recipe using my grandmother's teachings, Kentucky bourbon, and Texas pecans, I classify it as a southern or soul food sweet potato casserole. Typical toppings for sweet potato casserole include marshmallows, bacon, streusel, and plain old pecans. I like a pecan streusel topping for praline-like flavor. The result is just one of the most decadent dishes you can bring to the Thanksgiving table.
What You'll Need for this Recipe
This bourbon sweet potato casserole is not easy only to make, it calls for really simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand during the holiday season. Here's what to add to your grocery list.
- Bourbon
- Brown Sugar
- Butter
- Cinnamon
- Egg
- Flour
- Heavy Cream
- Nutmeg
- Pecans
- Sea Salt
- Sweet Potatoes
- Vanilla Extract
As far as tools, you'll need a food processor to whip sweet potatoes and I recommend grabbing a silicone spatula, as well. And an oval casserole dish is the perfect vessel for baking and serving Thanksgiving dishes. Have everything you need to make my bourbon sweet potato casserole? Scroll on down to the recipe card to get started! You'll also learn how to make easy streusel topping with pecans.
How to Mash Sweet Potatoes for Soufflé
In case you're wondering if you can mash sweet potatoes by hand, you can. This spatula is very helpful with that. But if you want silky sweet potato filling, I recommend using a food processor to get the mashed sweet potato texture just right. It makes quick work of mashing sweet potatoes for casserole and gets rid of those pesky sweet potato strings.
I use a food processor to make smooth sweet potatoes for other Thanksgiving recipes like my bourbon sweet potato pie and sweet potato pecan pie. This is really the best way to mash sweet potatoes for baby food or anything else!
I hope you enjoy my soul food sweet potato casserole at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or really any dinner soon. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this recipe for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
How to Make Bourbon Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole
Bourbon Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Bourbon Spiced Sweet Potato Filling
- 5 medium sweet potatoes about seven pounds
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 tablespoons butter melted
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Pecan Streusel Topping
- 1 ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Using a fork or knife, pierce sweet potatoes several times then place in oven to roast for about 45 minutes or until tender. Carefully remove sweet potatoes from oven and place in fridge until cool enough to handle (about 20 minutes). Reduce oven heat to 375 degrees.
- Meanwhile, make pecan streusel topping. Combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter in a bowl and stir by hand until a kind of crumbly paste forms. Set aside.
- Remove skin from sweet potatoes and place into bowl of food processor. Add brown sugar, bourbon, vanilla extract, melted butter, heavy cream, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sea salt then process on medium speed until smooth. It may be necessary to pause and scrape down the sides of the bowl to get the mixture completely smooth.
- Spread mixture into a baking dish with about 2.25 qt capacity (like a medium-sized casserole dish or a square baking dish). Use a spoon or rubber spatula to smooth out the top of the sweet potato mixture.
- Spoon pecan streusel over top and gently press it into the sweet potato mixture. Place dish into oven and bake for about 1 hour or until streusel topping is firm and golden brown.
- Allow sweet potato casserole to cool for about 45 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
M.Harris says
Made this for Thanksgiving this year and it was a hit, even the elders in my family approved and they never approve anything new. Will be adding this to the rotation.
Jazz says
Thanks so much for the feedback. Elder approval is such a high compliment!
Kevin Foodie says
I am not a fan of this kind of sweet potatoes. But the burbon and pecans were what got me. Love the simplicity of the recipe.
Chenée Lewis says
I could eat this for every meal! It's perfectly sweet and spiced, and the streusel topping gives it an amazing texture boost. Can't wait til Thanksgiving so I can make it again.
Tamara says
The bourbon in this casserole truly took it over the top! It was a huge hit! I can’t wait to make it again for Thanksgiving!
Capri says
I love the amount of Bourbon in this and the Pecan Streusel Topping! So delicious!
Eric & Shanna Jones says
Couldn't wait to make it for Thanksgiving so we made it in advance...lol! Loved the texture of the casserole and the pecan streusel topping was fantastic! Can't wait to make it for Thanksgiving!
Crystal says
Side, dessert, I’ll call it whatever you want! It was delicious and amazing! Can’t wait to make this again on Thanksgiving! Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe!
Crystal says
Side, dessert, I’ll call it whatever you want! It was delicious and amazing! Can’t wait to make this again on Thanksgiving! Thanks for sharing!
Marta says
I've been looking for a good sweet potato casserole, but my daughter HATES marshmallow topped ones. Thank God for your recipe Jazz. I t was hit!
Renia says
I loved this recipe. Sweet Potatoes are my jam and the addition of Bourbon just kicked this recipe up a notch!
Robin says
Almost nothing tastes better than these sweet potatoes topped with pecans.
Barry J. says
This looks like heaven and a great use of bourbon! I'll be making this for Sunday dinner tomorrow and am confident that it'll be made on Thanksgiving day to show off for my friends. Thanks for the recipe!
Britney says
I loved this recipe! The taste reminds me of the huge holiday dinners that we used to have at my grandmas house. This recipe was easy to make and just so delicious. I will be making this for our Christmas dinner and I know my family will love it!