Smoked Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Pecan Topping

Smoked Sweet Potato Casserole is a smoky twist on a Thanksgiving classic. Once I started making this casserole on the smoker I wasn’t sure I’d ever go back to the oven method. Though it’s often associated with the holidays, this dish works as a comforting side for any meal year-round.

Sweet potatoes are a family favorite here, so we make this casserole throughout the year. I prepared this version on a Pitboss Pro 1100—perfect for freeing up oven space on Thanksgiving and pairing with other sides like green bean casserole.

Smoked Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients:

• Sweet Potatoes
• Butter
• Eggs
• Vanilla
• Ground Cinnamon
• Sugar
• Heavy Cream

Sweet Potato Casserole Topping Ingredients:

• Flour
• Light Brown Sugar
• Chopped Pecans

How To Smoke Sweet Potatoes:

Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove all dirt.

Dry them and pierce each potato several times with a skewer or knife so they won’t burst while smoking.

Prepare and clean your smoker, then preheat it to 350°F (175°C).

Place the sweet potatoes on the smoker. If your smoker has hot and cool zones, arrange smaller potatoes on the cooler side and larger ones on the hotter side for more even cooking.

How Long To Smoke Sweet Potatoes:

Smoke the sweet potatoes for about 35 minutes.

Check for doneness by gently squeezing with tongs or testing with a fork; they should be fork-tender and beginning to soften.

Remove the potatoes and keep the smoker on if you plan to bake the casserole in it.

How To Make Sweet Potato Casserole:

You can finish the casserole in the oven or bake it on the smoker. Using smoked sweet potatoes gives the dish a subtle smoky depth even if you finish it in the oven.

Slice and peel the smoked sweet potatoes. Use an oven glove if they’re still hot or let them cool slightly.

If you did not smoke the potatoes, boil them until tender before mashing.

In a large mixing bowl, add the peeled sweet potatoes, 1/4 cup butter, eggs, vanilla, ground cinnamon, white sugar, and heavy cream.

Mix with an electric mixer, hand mixer, or potato masher until smooth and creamy.

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole pan with cooking spray. Note: placing the dish on the smoker can leave smoke staining, so consider using an aluminum pan if you want to avoid staining glassware.

Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.

For the topping, combine 1/4 cup butter (room temperature), flour, light brown sugar, and chopped pecans in a small bowl. Mix with a spatula until you get a coarse, crumbly streusel.

Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the sweet potato filling for a crunchy pecan-topped finish.

Bake or smoke the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, until the topping is golden and the casserole is heated through.

Serve warm and enjoy. This pairs beautifully with smoked ham or other holiday mains.

Smoking side dishes saves oven space and adds comforting, smoky flavor. What do you like to smoke for your holiday meals?

How To Store Leftover Sweet Potato Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. A lidded Pyrex or covered baking dish works well.

Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dishes:

• Smoked Green Bean Casserole
• Loaded Mashed Potatoes
• Smoked Cream Cheese
• Smoked Cheesy Potatoes

Pellet Smoker Recipes To Check Out

If you enjoy smoker recipes, explore other ideas for everything from ham and macaroni & cheese to prime rib and more. Try different smoked sides and mains to build a full menu around your smoker.