This Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole with Savory Bacon Pecans brings a bold twist to classic holiday fare. Featuring creamy bourbon-swirled sweet potatoes, crispy bacon, and toasted pecans, it’s the perfect fusion of sweet and savory for your festive table.

A Family Tradition with a Twist

Every family has that one dish that signals the holidays have truly arrived. For mine, it’s always been sweet potato casserole—a creamy, comforting staple that joins roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and laughter around the table. Over the years, though, I found myself craving something that elevated this timeless favorite, something that spoke to an older, more adventurous crowd. That’s how the idea for Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole with Savory Bacon Pecans was born.

Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole with Savory Bacon Pecans

The first time I whisked a splash of bourbon into the mashed sweet potatoes, the rich aroma immediately hinted at caramel and oak—deep, warming notes that make the kitchen smell like celebration. Then came the crunch: crisp, smoky bacon and buttery roasted pecans topping that silky base. It was love at first bite. The bourbon lends a grown-up twist, while the savory bacon and pecan crumble tie everything together in harmony.

It’s not just another side dish—it’s an experience. The scent of roasted sweet potatoes mingled with bourbon caramelization creates a cozy nostalgia that lingers in the air long after dinner is over. Whenever I pull the Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole with Savory Bacon Pecans from the oven on Thanksgiving morning, I know it’s the moment that brings the whole family closer together.

This recipe doesn’t ask you to abandon tradition—it invites you to reimagine it. And whether it’s your first time trying this version or your tenth, Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole with Savory Bacon Pecans will earn its place as the centerpiece of your holiday spread.

Why This Dish Steals the Holiday Spotlight

What makes this casserole irresistible isn’t just its flavor—it’s the perfect balance of texture and taste. The sweet potatoes are whipped to velvety perfection, the bourbon infuses a subtle richness, and the topping of savory bacon and caramelized pecans adds crunch in every bite. It’s both familiar and delightfully unexpected.

Unlike the traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans, this one walks the delicious line between sweet and savory. The smoky saltiness from the bacon contrasts beautifully with the natural sweetness of the potatoes, while the toasted nuts bring out a deep nuttiness that feels indulgent without being overly heavy. It’s the kind of flavor balance that keeps guests going back for seconds.

Serve it alongside roasted turkey, holiday ham, or even a Sunday roast chicken—it shines in any season. More than a side dish, this casserole becomes part of the conversation: a recipe guests ask for again and again. If you’ve been searching for a way to surprise your family while honoring tradition, this Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole with Savory Bacon Pecans is the ultimate showstopper to add to your festive lineup.

Ingredients and Preparation

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Flavor

The success of this Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole comes down to choosing the right ingredients and balancing sweet and savory notes. Fresh sweet potatoes form the creamy base, rich bourbon adds depth, and the topping—a mix of bacon and toasted pecans—turns this dish into something extraordinary.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes / Tips
Sweet potatoes	4 large (about 3 pounds)	Choose firm, orange-fleshed potatoes for natural sweetness.
Bourbon	3 tablespoons	Go for a smooth, mid-range bourbon—something you’d enjoy sipping.
Unsalted butter	6 tablespoons	Divided for both filling and topping. Softened to room temperature.
Brown sugar	1/3 cup	Light brown sugar gives a mild molasses flavor.
Heavy cream	1/2 cup	Creates a velvety, rich consistency.
Eggs	2 large	Help bind the mash and give a light, custard-like texture.
Salt	1 teaspoon	Enhances the sweetness of the potatoes and bacon.
Ground cinnamon	1 teaspoon	Adds warm undertones that complement the bourbon.
Crumbled cooked bacon	1/2 cup	Thick-cut, crispy bacon provides savory contrast.
Chopped pecans	3/4 cup	Toast lightly before adding for more aroma and crunch.
All-purpose flour	1/4 cup	Helps crisp the topping.
Maple syrup (optional)	1 tablespoon	Deepens flavor and pairs beautifully with the bourbon.

Before you begin, make sure everything is measured and ready. The goal of this Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole is to make each element—from the creamy base to the crunchy bacon-pecan topping—balanced and perfectly baked.

Step-by-Step Method to Make It Perfect

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13‑inch casserole dish.
Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Boil them in salted water for 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain well and let them steam off moisture.
Mash and Mix: In a large bowl or mixer, mash until smooth. Add butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, eggs, salt, cinnamon, and bourbon. Blend until creamy. For deeper flavor, gently warm the bourbon before adding.
Layer the Casserole: Spread the sweet potato mixture into the dish, smoothing the top.
Prepare the Bacon‑Pecan Topping: Combine flour, chopped pecans, bacon, and remaining butter. Mix until crumbly; drizzle maple syrup if desired.
Bake to Perfection: Sprinkle topping evenly and bake uncovered 30–35 minutes until edges bubble and pecans are golden.
Finish and Serve: Rest 10–15 minutes before serving so the bourbon mellows and topping sets.

Assemble ahead up to 24 hours before baking for convenience.
Cool mashed sweet potatoes slightly before adding the topping to prevent sogginess.
Bake on a sheet pan to catch overflow.
Serve warm (not hot) for best flavor balance of bourbon, bacon, and pecans.

Your Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole with Savory Bacon Pecans will emerge with a silky center and golden crunch that wows guests every time.

Why It Works—Flavor, Texture & Tips

The Perfect Blend of Sweet, Smoky, and Crunchy

The Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole with Savory Bacon Pecans thrives on perfect balance. Each spoonful offers contrasts—sweet, smoky, creamy, and crisp—to create a harmonious holiday side.

Sweet potatoes provide rich, natural sweetness, while bourbon amplifies it with caramel and oak undertones. During baking, the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a decadent depth that melds beautifully with butter and cream. Bacon adds savory magic and a hint of salt that highlights the potatoes’ sweetness—an irresistible duo for any palate.

The roasted pecans complete the masterpiece. Toasting them sharpens their nutty aroma, and unsalted butter in the topping helps achieve even browning and crunch. Together they create the ultimate Sweet Potato Casserole Strussel—a crisp, buttery crown contrasting the smooth base. This combination of creamy interior and crunchy top ensures every bite feels both indulgent and balanced.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This casserole fits naturally among seasonal entrées. The bourbon and bacon notes pair well with roasted turkey, herb‑crusted chicken, or maple‑glazed ham, and also complement vegetarian mains like stuffed squash or lentil loaf.

For classic sweetness: use candied pecans for a glossy, sugary topping.
For nostalgic flavor: add mini marshmallows halfway through baking for a gooey finish.
For simplicity: craft a plain strussel with butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Leftovers become stars of their own. Transform them into a sweet potato breakfast hash topped with fried eggs, or repurpose as rich stuffing for baked sweet potatoes. The integrated bourbon and bacon ensure that flavors stay bold even the next day, a hallmark of the Best Sweet Potato Casserole.

From Thanksgiving to Sunday dinners, this recipe captures the essence of festive cooking—nostalgia refreshed by a daring twist.

FAQs and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare up to the topping step, cover, and chill for 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before baking. It keeps its velvety texture and crisp finish beautifully.

What kind of bourbon works best?
Choose a smooth, mid‑range bourbon with caramel and vanilla tones. Heavy, smoky varieties can overshadow the dish, while mellow ones highlight the sweetness of this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans.

How do I keep the topping crispy?
Cool mashed potatoes slightly before topping, bake uncovered, and rest briefly before serving. To re‑crisp leftovers, broil for one minute to revive the crunch on your Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole.

Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version?
Yes. Substitute butter‑toasted pecans or crispy shallots for savory texture. You’ll still have the rich, nutty flavor that defines this delightful Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to four days, or freeze in portions. Reheat at 325°F until bubbly for that fresh‑from‑the‑oven flavor.

A Warm Holiday Finish

Every spoonful of Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole with Savory Bacon Pecans captures the warmth of home cooking—comforting, memorable, and just a little daring. It’s more than a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavor and togetherness, guaranteed to spark conversation and joy around your table.

Imagine the golden pecan topping shimmering in the light, the scent of bourbon sweet potatoes filling the room, and loved ones eagerly waiting to serve themselves another helping. This dish doesn’t just complement your feast—it completes it.

Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole with Savory Bacon Pecans brings warmth, comfort, and bold flavor to every table.