Description: This rich Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole topped with savory bacon pecans brings warmth and depth to your Thanksgiving Side Dishes. A cozy twist inspired by Half Baked Harvest flavors, it pairs perfectly with any Feast or Potato Casserole spread—discover the details.
A Family Tradition Wrapped in Sweet and Smoky Comfort
There’s a comforting rhythm to Thanksgiving—the same dishes emerging from the oven year after year, the familiar aromas weaving through the house just as memories do through time. In my family, sweet potato casserole has always been the dish that anchors the table. Its deep orange hue and cloud-like texture remind us of warmth, gratitude, and togetherness. But like any heirloom recipe, it eventually begged for a new story—a modern twist that still respected its roots.
That’s how the Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole was born. One chilly November evening, the idea came while warming a splash of bourbon into maple syrup for a glaze. The scent of vanilla and caramel drifted through the kitchen, and it clicked—why not blend that same warmth into the sweet potatoes themselves? When the thought of topping it with bacon pecans came next, the transformation from classic comfort food to show-stopping Sweet Potato Casserole with Bacon Pecans was complete.
Each bite feels like layers of memory—sweetness from the potatoes, gentle spice from the bourbon, and a smoky-salty crunch from the bacon pecans. It’s not just food; it’s a nod to the past with a touch of celebration for the present. Whether you’re crafting your Thanksgiving Menu or hosting a simple autumn gathering, this dish brings soul and sophistication to the table, embodying everything we love about the season.
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Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole with Bacon Pecans
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A creamy sweet potato casserole infused with bourbon and topped with a crunchy bacon pecan crumble, perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Wash, prick, and roast sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 45–60 minutes until tender. Let cool, peel, and mash.
3. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes with butter, cream, brown sugar, salt, bourbon, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
4. Cook chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain and reserve fat.
5. Toast pecans in reserved fat for 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup, sea salt, and bacon pieces.
6. Spread sweet potato mixture in prepared dish. Scatter bacon pecan topping evenly over the surface.
7. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until edges bubble and topping is golden.
8. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes to maintain crisp topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: side dish
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 50
Keywords: bourbon sweet potato casserole, thanksgiving menu, sweet potato casserole, bacon pecans, thanksgiving side dishes, potato casserole, half baked harvest
Why This Dish Deserves a Spot on Every Thanksgiving Table
A truly memorable dish balances comfort and contrast. That’s what makes this Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole so unforgettable. The sweet potatoes form a silky, buttery layer that captures the heart of a homestyle casserole, while the bourbon folds in notes of oak, vanilla, and gentle spice. On top, crisp bacon mingles with toasted pecans in a glaze of brown sugar or maple syrup, adding irresistible crunch and smoky depth.
What sets this Sweet Potato Casserole with Bacon Pecans apart is how effortlessly it fits into any Thanksgiving Side Dishes lineup. It’s indulgent enough to sit next to the turkey and stuffing but flexible enough to appear at a smaller Sunday dinner or a cozy winter potluck. You can prepare it ahead of time, bake it fresh for guests, or serve it warm straight from the oven beside a golden roast.
Inspiration for this recipe came from the rustic, flavor-forward style made popular by Half Baked Harvest—where classic dishes get delicate modern nuances. Here, that spirit shines in the balance between sweet and savory, tradition and creativity. You still get the nostalgia of Grandma’s sweet potato casserole, yet it carries a distinctive richness and warmth that feels personal and current.
If your Thanksgiving Menu needs a dish that bridges generations and sparks conversation, this casserole might be it. The combination of bourbon, bacon, and pecans transforms a humble vegetable into an experience of contrast—creamy and crisp, smoky and sweet. It’s proof that simple ingredients, when treated with a bit of imagination, can become the most memorable part of the feast.
As you gather around the table, this Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole will likely inspire the same kind of comfort that defines Thanksgiving itself—a blend of nostalgia, generosity, and flavor that keeps everyone coming back for one more scoop.
The Perfect Base – Sweet Potatoes and Bourbon Magic
Choosing and Preparing the Best Sweet Potatoes
The foundation of every memorable Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole lies in choosing the right sweet potatoes—firm, heavy for their size, and rich orange-fleshed for the best natural sweetness and color. You want potatoes with smooth skin and no soft spots. These gems promise flavor and balance in every spoonful, the perfect beginning to a cozy Potato Casserole spread for your Thanksgiving Side Dishes.
While some recipes call for boiling, roasting is the secret that elevates the dish. The dry heat of the oven coaxes out caramel notes and concentrates the potatoes’ sugars, giving the casserole a deep, earthy sweetness. Simply wash and scrub the potatoes, prick them a few times with a fork, and roast at 400°F (200°C) until tender—about 45–60 minutes depending on their size.
Once roasted, let them cool just enough to handle. Peel away the skins and mash the soft centers until smooth. Blend the potatoes with butter, cream, brown sugar, and a touch of salt. The texture should be creamy and lush yet able to hold its shape. This stage builds that velvety base defining your Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole. Roasting amplifies the flavor, butter softens the edges, and a short whip in a mixer adds lightness—ensuring a gorgeous golden surface when baked.
Infusing Bourbon for Rich Depth and Flavor
The defining touch of this Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole is, of course, the bourbon itself. Just a splash transforms the taste from simple to sophisticated. Bourbon carries natural notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak that harmonize with the potatoes’ sweetness, creating warmth and maturity perfect for the Thanksgiving Menu.
Choose a smooth, full-bodied bourbon like Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, or Four Roses—varieties that blend easily into recipes. Warm butter and bourbon together in a small pan, simmering briefly to let the alcohol cook down. Stir this mixture into your sweet potatoes with a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne for depth. For an alcohol-free version, use bourbon extract or vanilla for similar character.
As the casserole bakes, the bourbon flavor mellows, merging with the butter and sugar into something rich and rounded. It evokes that elevated yet homey feel found in Half Baked Harvest-inspired dishes—modern, rustic, and irresistible. Once the base is ready, all that remains is the topping that transforms it into a Thanksgiving showstopper.
The Topping – Savory Bacon Pecans and Sweet Crumble
Crafting the Bacon Pecan Topping
The crowning glory of this Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole is its topping—the crispy, smoky-sweet layer adding bold contrast to the creamy base. Quality thick-cut bacon and fresh pecans build the flavor foundation. Toasted pecans release buttery oils, while bacon provides crunch and salt that balances every bite.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thick-cut bacon | 4–5 slices, chopped | Provides savory crunch and salt balance |
| Pecans | 1 cup halves or pieces | Adds nutty depth and rich texture |
| Brown sugar or maple syrup | 2–3 tablespoons | Sweet glaze for caramelized finish |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon | Helps topping crisp and fuse ingredients |
| Sea salt | Pinch | Enhances flavors and contrasts sweetness |
| Optional spices | Dash of cayenne or cinnamon | Adds warmth and layered aroma |
Tools: skillet, mixing bowl, whisk, baking pan, parchment paper, spatula.
Cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Drain it, saving a bit of rendered fat for flavor. In the same skillet, toss in the pecans for a few minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat, stir in butter and sugar or maple syrup with a pinch of salt, then fold in the bacon. Spread the mixture on parchment to cool slightly—forming caramelized, crunchy clusters.
This topping elevates your Sweet Potato Casserole with Bacon Pecans to something truly memorable—each bite balancing sweet, salty, nutty, and buttery notes in perfect harmony. It’s the ideal crunchy crown for the creamy casserole base beneath.
Baking and Serving the Final Dish
Spoon the prepared sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish, smoothing the top. Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg if desired. Scatter the cooled bacon-pecan mixture evenly over the surface.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.
- Stop when the topping turns golden and the edges gently bubble.
To prepare ahead, refrigerate the base up to two days and store the topping separately. Bring to room temperature before baking. Leftovers last three days refrigerated and reheat best in the oven rather than the microwave to preserve crispness.
Serve this Sweet Potato Casserole with Bacon Pecans beside turkey, stuffing, or green beans to complete your Thanksgiving Menu. Sweet, smoky, and comforting—it ties every element of the holiday together while offering something just a little unexpected, much like a signature from Half Baked Harvest itself.
FAQs and Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions About Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole
1. Can I make this casserole without alcohol?
Yes. Replace bourbon with apple cider, orange juice, or a blend of vanilla and maple syrup for similar richness. These ingredients keep your Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole flavorful and fitting for every diner on your Thanksgiving Menu.
2. How far ahead can I prepare the casserole?
You can make the sweet potato base two days in advance. Store covered in the fridge and keep the topping separate at room temperature. Assemble and bake just before serving to keep flavor and texture at their peak.
3. What substitutes work for pecans or bacon?
For nut-free versions, try sunflower seeds or toasted breadcrumbs. Vegetarians can swap bacon for smoked paprika or caramelized coconut flakes. This flexibility makes the Sweet Potato Casserole with Bacon Pecans adaptable for any Thanksgiving Side Dishes spread.
4. How do I keep the topping crispy when reheating?
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes. Tent with foil for ten minutes, then uncover to crisp. Avoid the microwave—it adds moisture that can soften the crumble.
Thanksgiving Comfort in Every Bite
At the heart of Thanksgiving are recipes that carry memories. This Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole with Bacon Pecans is one of them—a fusion of sweet, smoky, and creamy textures that appeal to every generation. The bourbon’s warmth, the buttery potatoes, and the crisp pecan-bacon topping create harmony and indulgence in every bite.
Whether inspired by the rustic charm of Half Baked Harvest or your own family recipes, this dish brings elegance and comfort to your Potato Casserole spread and beyond. It complements classics like turkey, green beans, and stuffing while standing out as its own conversation piece.
As you craft your Thanksgiving Menu, serve it bubbling from the oven and bask in the aroma of sweetness and smoky richness swirling through the kitchen. This dish isn’t just about tradition—it’s about infusing familiar flavors with creativity. When shared among friends and family, it becomes more than dinner. It becomes memory.
