Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe: Soul Sweet ‘Taters That Will Steal The Show

When Ree Drummond shares a recipe she calls “soul sweet ‘taters,” you know it’s going to be something special. This isn’t your typical marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole. Instead, The Pioneer Woman’s version features a buttery pecan streusel that transforms this holiday side dish into something truly unforgettable.

What Makes This Sweet Potato Casserole Different?

Most sweet potato casseroles fall into one of two camps: the marshmallow lovers or the streusel enthusiasts. Ree Drummond’s Soul Sweet ‘Taters recipe firmly plants itself in the latter category, and for good reason. The combination of creamy, vanilla-scented sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy brown sugar and pecan mixture creates a dish that hovers beautifully between side dish and dessert territory.

The Pioneer Woman describes this recipe as near and dear to her heart, noting that her mother and aunt made it every Thanksgiving during her childhood. It’s the kind of dish that becomes a family tradition, with each bite offering both comfort and nostalgia.

The Secret to Perfect Sweet Potatoes

The foundation of this casserole starts with properly prepared sweet potatoes. Rather than boiling them, which can make the potatoes watery and dilute their natural sweetness, baking whole sweet potatoes at 375°F brings out their caramelized, concentrated flavor. This method takes about an hour, but it’s mostly hands-off time that makes all the difference in the final dish.

Once the potatoes are fork-tender and cool enough to handle, their flesh gets scooped into a bowl and mashed with granulated sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. The key here is to not overmix—you want a slightly chunky texture rather than a baby-food-smooth puree. This gives the casserole character and a more rustic, homestyle appeal.

The Star of the Show: Pecan Streusel Topping

What truly sets this recipe apart is the crumbly, butterscotch-like topping. Made with brown sugar, chopped pecans, flour, and butter, this mixture gets crumbled over the sweet potato base before baking. In the oven, the brown sugar caramelizes while the pecans toast, creating a golden, candy-like crust that provides the perfect textural contrast to the creamy potatoes beneath.

The topping uses a full cup each of brown sugar and chopped pecans (measured before chopping), along with half a cup of flour and six tablespoons of butter. Mixed together with a pastry cutter or fork until thoroughly combined, this streusel becomes the crown jewel of the dish.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients for the Sweet Potato Base:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt

Ingredients for the Pecan Topping:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Wash the sweet potatoes and pierce them several times with a knife. Bake until they’re tender when pierced with a fork, about one hour. Let them cool for 10 minutes before handling.

Make the Sweet Potato Mixture: Slice the baked sweet potatoes open lengthwise and scoop the flesh into a large bowl, discarding the skins. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until they reach a slightly chunky consistency. Add the granulated sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue mashing or stirring until everything is well incorporated.

Create the Streusel: In a separate medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, chopped pecans, flour, and sliced butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to work the mixture until it’s thoroughly combined and crumbly.

Assemble and Bake: Increase oven temperature to 400°F. Spread the sweet potato mixture into a 2-quart baking dish (or a 13×9-inch pan for maximum topping coverage). Sprinkle the pecan streusel evenly over the entire surface. Bake until the topping is golden brown and bubbly, 30 to 35 minutes.

Tips for the Best Results

Choose the Right Pan: Use a shallow baking dish to maximize the ratio of crunchy topping to sweet potato. A 13×9-inch dish works perfectly and ensures every serving gets plenty of that delicious streusel.

Don’t Skip the Baking Step: While it might be tempting to save time by boiling or microwaving the sweet potatoes, baking them really does make a difference. The natural sugars caramelize during roasting, giving the casserole a richer, deeper flavor.

Make It Ahead: This casserole is wonderfully make-ahead friendly. You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and the streusel topping separately up to two days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake on the day you plan to serve it.

Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Some home cooks find this recipe quite sweet (it does use two full cups of sugar between the base and topping). Feel free to reduce the granulated sugar in the sweet potato mixture by half if you prefer a less dessert-like side dish.

Serving Suggestions

This sweet potato casserole serves about 10 people and pairs beautifully with classic Thanksgiving fare. Serve it alongside roasted turkey, green bean casserole, dinner rolls, and cranberry sauce for a complete holiday spread. The sweetness complements savory dishes while the crunchy topping adds textural interest to the meal.

Because of its sweetness, some families even serve leftovers as a breakfast side or dessert option. There’s no wrong way to enjoy these soul sweet ‘taters.

Why This Recipe Works

The genius of this Pioneer Woman sweet potato casserole lies in its balance. The creamy, custardy interior provides comfort and richness, while the caramelized pecan topping adds sophistication and crunch. The vanilla in the sweet potato base and the butterscotch notes from the brown sugar topping create layers of flavor that keep each bite interesting.

Unlike marshmallow-topped versions that can sometimes feel one-note in their sweetness, the pecan streusel adds nuttiness and a more complex flavor profile. It’s sweet without being cloying, indulgent without feeling heavy.

Make It Your Own

While The Pioneer Woman’s original recipe is perfection as written, there are a few ways to customize it to your family’s preferences. Some cooks add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture for extra warmth and spice. Others use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk for an even richer filling.

If you’re feeding a crowd, the recipe doubles easily. Just use a larger baking dish and keep an eye on the baking time, as it may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover sweet potato casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 20 to 30 minutes until heated through. Individual portions can be microwaved for about 30 seconds.

You can also freeze this casserole before baking. Prepare it completely, cover it well with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

The Verdict

The Pioneer Woman’s Soul Sweet ‘Taters deserve their spot on your holiday table. They’re the kind of dish that becomes a family favorite instantly, with people requesting the recipe year after year. The combination of creamy sweet potatoes and that irresistible pecan topping creates a casserole that’s both comforting and special occasion-worthy.

Whether you serve it as a side dish or sneak it in as dessert, this sweet potato casserole will steal the spotlight at any gathering. Give it a try this holiday season and discover why Ree Drummond considers it one of her all-time favorite Thanksgiving recipes.