The Best Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Recipe

My grandmother’s classic sweet potato casserole with butter pecan crumble topping always sparks joy around our holiday table.

Creamy mashed potatoes nestle beneath a crunchy, caramelized nutty layer that sings with rich southern comfort.

Warm spices dance through each decadent bite, promising a nostalgic experience that connects generations.

Comfort and tradition blend seamlessly in this beloved side dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Pecans add a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the velvety sweet potato base.

Memories of family gatherings flood back with each forkful of this irresistible casserole.

Dive into this recipe and create your own delicious moment of culinary magic.

FAQs

• Are sweet potatoes nutritious?

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy and nutrient-dense vegetable that supports immune function and eye health.

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended, canned sweet potatoes can work in a pinch. Just drain and pat them dry before mashing to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

• How do I know when sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked?

Sweet potatoes are done when a fork easily pierces through them without resistance. They should be soft and tender, with no firm or hard spots in the center.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Guide

• Maximize Cheesy Goodness: Packed with sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, this potato salad delivers an irresistible flavor punch that transforms an ordinary side dish into a crowd-pleasing sensation.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks, allowing you to combine ingredients quickly without complicated techniques or professional skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, and family barbecues, this potato salad offers a delicious twist on the classic recipe that appeals to both kids and adults with its creamy texture and savory mix-ins.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows simple modifications like swapping bacon for ham, adding extra herbs, or adjusting cheese types to match personal preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Pecan Crumble Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: A nutritious and creamy base that provides the main flavor and texture for this classic casserole.

• Brown Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Add depth of sweetness and rich flavor to the sweet potato mixture.
• Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy consistency in the casserole.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and provide structure to the dish.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a crispy, golden-brown topping.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes a caramel-like sweetness to the crumble.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a crumbly texture for the topping.
• Pecans: Provide a crunchy, nutty element that complements the sweet potato base.

Preparation Steps for Pecan Crumble Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Sweet Potatoes

Wash and pierce sweet potatoes with a fork. Boil or bake the sweet potatoes until they’re soft and easily pierced with a fork.

Once cooked, let them cool slightly for easier handling.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sweet Potato Base

Peel the cooked sweet potatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl.

• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Vanilla extract

Blend the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 4: Craft Butter Pecan Crumble Topping

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Chopped pecans

Use your fingers or a fork to create a crumbly texture with the ingredients.

Step 5: Apply Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the butter pecan crumble evenly over the sweet potato base, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

The topping should turn golden brown and the edges slightly crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Remove the casserole from the oven.

Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy this delightful sweet potato casserole warm as a side dish or dessert.

Tips for Sweet Potato Pecan Crumble Casserole

• Swap traditional white sugar for coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option that adds a subtle caramel flavor to the dish.
• Use almond milk or oat milk as dairy-free alternatives to keep the recipe creamy and accessible for those with lactose intolerance.
• Enhance the nutty crumble by toasting pecans beforehand, which intensifies their rich, earthy flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
• Reduce sugar content by adding warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to boost natural sweetness without extra calories.
• Prep sweet potatoes in advance by roasting them whole, which concentrates their natural sugars and creates a deeper, more complex taste profile.

Flavorful Twists for Pecan Crumble Sweet Potato Casserole

• Marshmallow Madness: Replace the pecan crumble with mini marshmallows for a classic, gooey sweet potato topping that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
• Spiced Maple Sensation: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and pure maple syrup to the sweet potato mixture for a warm, aromatic flavor profile that screams autumn comfort.
• Coconut Crunch Explosion: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the pecan crumble for a tropical-inspired texture and subtle nutty sweetness that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Praline Paradise: Mix crushed praline pecans into the crumble topping for an extra layer of caramelized, sugary crunch that brings southern charm to the dish.

Serving Ideas for Pecan Crumble Sweet Potato Casserole

• Holiday Feast Companion: Pair this sweet potato casserole with roasted turkey or glazed ham for a classic Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish that brings warmth to the table.
• Brunch Delight: Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a decadent weekend morning meal that feels like a special treat.
• Potluck Showstopper: Bring this casserole to community gatherings or family reunions, where its rich, comforting flavors will have everyone asking for the recipe.
• Dessert Alternative: Enjoy as a sweet ending to your meal, almost like a pie, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the warm, nutty crumble topping.

Storage Advice for Pecan Crumble Sweet Potato Casserole

• Store the sweet potato casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent the topping from burning. Add a splash of milk if the mixture seems dry to restore creamy texture.
• Divide leftovers into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go meals or quick lunch options throughout the week.

The Best Sweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Crumble Topping Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy sweet potato casserole with butter pecan crumble topping highlights Southern comfort cuisine’s rich traditions. Smooth mashed potatoes beneath a crunchy, caramelized pecan layer create a perfect holiday side dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 lbs sweet potatoes (large)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk (whole)
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup butter (unsalted, melted)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare sweet potatoes by boiling or roasting until fork-tender, approximately 25-30 minutes.
2. Drain and mash sweet potatoes thoroughly, incorporating brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
3. Transfer the velvety sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula.
4. Create the crumble topping by combining softened butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and finely chopped pecans in a separate bowl, mixing until it forms a crumbly texture.
5. Generously sprinkle the pecan crumble across the entire surface of the sweet potato base, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping turns a rich golden brown and the edges become slightly crispy.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes, which helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
8. Serve warm as a delectable side dish, garnishing with additional chopped pecans if desired.

Notes

• Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk to make this casserole dairy-free and suitable for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Reduce sugar content by using coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-glycemic version that’s still deliciously sweet.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the crumble topping.
• Use parchment paper or lightly grease the baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg