I can’t even imagine any holiday dinner without some form of sweet potato pecan casserole, at least at my family celebrations. Although it’s sweet, it’s typically served as a side dish rather than dessert.

You don’t have to wait for the holidays to serve them. In fact, I think that sweet potatoes and pork go together really well. That’s why I recommend having them with these sesame ginger ribs.

Ingredients

All of the ingredients are things that can be found at most grocery stores. Here is what you’ll need:

• Sweet potatoes
• Evaporated milk
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Uncooked oats
• Pecans
• Marshmallows (optional)

Marshmallows are optional. I prefer this casserole without them, but I usually put them on the top of one side, leaving a corner bare for anyone who prefers not to have them.

Directions

First, bake the sweet potatoes on a low temperature for a couple of hours. This gives them time to release their natural sugars. Set the potatoes aside and allow them to cool slightly so you can handle them more easily.

After they’re ready, scoop the inside out of the potatoes into a large mixing bowl.

Next, add the milk, vanilla, half of the cinnamon, and the half of the butter. Stir.

Add beaten eggs to the mixture and stir again.

Pour the mixture into your baking pan or casserole dish.

Grind the uncooked oats in your food processor. Combine them with brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Fold in the chopped pecans.

Finally, spread this mixture over the sweet potato mixture in the casserole dish.

I also like to add some pecan halves on top. Bake for a half hour.

Remove from the oven.

If you want marshmallows, sprinkle them on top. As I mentiuoned, I usually leave a corner without marshmallows because I prefer not to have them. Return the casserole to the oven and bake until the marshmallows are a golden brown.

With or Without Pecans

I prefer having pecans because they deliver extra flavor and crunch. However, you can leave them off if you prefer. They are definitely one of my favorite foods. In fact, I put them on a lot of main dishes and sides. Check out these pecan recipes for even more scrumptious dishes.

More Holiday Side Dishes

Here are a few other sides I like to serve for holiday meals:

Cranberry Sauce – This homemade cranberry sauce is super easy to make, and it adds a delightful tangy sweetness to your holiday dinner.

Cornbread Dressing – Some people correct me and call this stuffing. However, I was raised calling it dressing if it’s served outside of the turkey. But whatever you call it, you’ll have to agree that it’s delicious.

Balsamic Glazed Zucchini – Add a touch of elegance to your special dinner with this balsamic glazed zucchini. And be prepared to give the recipe to those who ask for it … or not.

Corn Casserole – This yummy side dish has cream cheese and green chiles for a boatload of flavor! It’s super easy to make and absolutely wonderful!

Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes – If you like to offer a mashed potato option, this one from Back to My Southern Roots is perfect! They’re creamy and delicious, perfect as the foundation for this turkey gravy.

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