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Sweet Potato Casserole Cracker Barrel Recipe

This Sweet Potato Casserole inspired by Cracker Barrel is the perfect blend of comfort and sweetness. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are flavored with butter, sugar, and vanilla, then topped with a crunchy pecan streusel for that classic Southern-style finish. It's a cozy, holiday-favorite side dish that's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser—just like the one you'd find at Cracker Barrel! Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you want a nostalgic taste of home.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sweet Potato Mixture:
  • 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes about 4 large sweet potatoes​
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar​
  • 2 large eggs beaten​
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted​
  • 1/3 cup whole milk​
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract​
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon​
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg​
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt​
For the Topping:
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed​
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour​
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter softened​
  • 1 cup chopped pecans​

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or potato masher​
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula​

Method
 

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).​
  2. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks.​
  3. Boil them in a large pot of water until tender, about 15 minutes.​
  4. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.​
Make the Sweet Potato Mixture:
  1. Mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth.​
  2. Add granulated sugar, beaten eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.​
  3. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.​
Assemble the Casserole:
  1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.​
  2. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the dish.​
Prepare the Topping:
  1. In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar and flour.​
  2. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture is crumbly.​
  3. Stir in the chopped pecans.​
Add the Topping and Bake:
  1. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.​
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown.​

Notes

For the most authentic flavor, use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned ones. Roasting them enhances the natural sweetness and adds depth.
The pecan streusel topping is key—don’t skip it! It adds a rich, buttery crunch that balances the smooth, sweet filling. You can also make this casserole ahead of time—just assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Add the topping right before baking for best texture.