Sweet potatoes are often relegated to holiday tables, but I like to think of them as the ultimate blank canvas. This casserole elevates the humble tuber with a secret ingredient that makes all the difference. It’s about embracing the chaos of holiday cooking and turning it into something memorable.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

It’s forgiving, rich in flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. The bourbon’s smoky note is subtle but memorable, and topping it with toasted pecans makes every bite a crunch party. It’s a dish I keep returning to, especially when I want holiday warmth without the fuss.

Breaking Down the Sweet Potatoes & Toppings

• Sweet Potatoes: Creamy, naturally sweet, and earthy. The base that holds everything together.
• Pecans: Toasted until fragrant, they add crunch and a nutty richness.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens and deepens flavor, caramelizes slightly during baking.
• Bourbon: Adds smoky warmth and complexity, a secret twist I love.
• Graham Crackers: Crushed for a crunchy topping that’s just the right amount of sweet.
• Butter: Melted and mixed into toppings, it makes everything golden and luscious.
• Maple Syrup: Sweetens naturally, adds a sticky, glossy finish.

Tools & Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot: Boiling sweet potatoes
• Mashing tool or fork: Pureeing the cooked sweet potatoes
• Skillet: To toast pecans and develop flavor
• Mixing bowls: Combining ingredients
• Baking dish: Assembling and baking the casserole

Step-by-Step for a Show-Stopping Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Drain and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Set aside.

Step 4: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and toast until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, brown sugar, a pinch of nutmeg, and a splash of bourbon. Mix well.

Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish, smoothing the top.

Step 7: For the topping, mix crushed graham crackers, more pecans, melted butter, and a touch of maple syrup. Spread over the sweet potato base.

Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Step 9: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with a drizzle of honey and extra pecans if desired.

Sweet Potato Bourbon Casserole with Pecan Topping

This sweet potato casserole features creamy mashed sweet potatoes combined with a secret splash of bourbon for warmth. Topped with toasted pecans, crushed graham crackers, and a drizzle of maple syrup, it offers a balance of rich, sweet, and crunchy textures. Baked until golden and bubbling, it’s a comforting dish that elevates humble ingredients into a memorable holiday side.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 330

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 large sweet potatoes peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter for toasting pecans and topping
• 1/2 cup pecans chopped and toasted
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar for sweetening
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup for drizzle and topping
• 1/4 cup bourbon adds warmth and depth
• 1 cup crushed graham crackers for crunchy topping
• 2 eggs eggs to bind the filling
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg optional, for flavor
• to taste salt for boiling water and seasoning

Equipment

• Large pot
• Mashing tool or fork
• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into even chunks, then place them in a large pot filled with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes, until they easily mash when pressed.
3. Drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly, then mash them until smooth and creamy using a mashing tool or fork. Set aside.
4. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and toast gently, stirring often, until fragrant and golden, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, brown sugar, a pinch of nutmeg, and bourbon. Whisk until smooth and well combined, letting the bourbon infuse the mixture with warmth.
6. Transfer the sweet potato mixture into a buttered baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even layer.
7. Prepare the crunchy topping by mixing crushed graham crackers, toasted pecans, melted butter, and a splash of maple syrup in a bowl until crumbly and combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer.
8. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
9. Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Drizzle with additional maple syrup and sprinkle extra pecans on top for added crunch and sweetness.
10. Serve warm, enjoying the creamy sweet potatoes topped with crunchy, caramelized bits and fragrant with bourbon warmth. Perfect as a festive holiday side!

Notes

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the sweet potato mixture.

Cooking Checkpoints & Tips to Nail It

• Sweet potatoes should be very tender and mashable.
• The topping should be golden and crispy but not burned.
• The casserole should be bubbling around the edges when done.

Common Mistakes & How to Correct Them

• Sweet potatoes are still firm after boiling.? Undercooked sweet potatoes? Cook longer, test with a fork until they’re super soft.
• Topping is limp and greasy.? Topping soggy? Bake a few minutes longer until crispy.
• Topping turns dark before casserole is heated through.? Burned topping? Cover with foil for the remaining baking time.
• Casserole tastes overly sugary.? Too sweet? Reduce sugar or add a splash of lemon juice.

This casserole isn’t just about sweetness; it’s about layering flavors and textures in a way that surprises. The bourbon adds a smoky warmth, and the pecans give it a satisfying crunch. It’s a dish that invites sharing, especially when the table is lively and full of chatter. Feel free to tweak the toppings or add a dash of chili powder for a spicy kick.

Jonny

I’m Jonny, the cook, writer, and food lover behind this flavorful corner of the internet. Whether it’s a sizzling weeknight stir-fry, a no-bake dessert that saves the day, or a comforting Sunday classic — this blog is where I share recipes that are bold, doable, and made to impress without the stress.