Sweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Crumble Topping Recipe

There's nothing quite as comforting as a warm Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping. Imagine rich, creamy sweet potatoes topped with a buttery, nutty, caramelized pecan crumble. The aroma of roasted pecans and brown sugar will fill your kitchen, creating an inviting holiday atmosphere.

My love for this dish goes back to childhood Thanksgivings, where it always held a special spot on our holiday table. Over the years, I’ve refined it to a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a side dish that could easily double as dessert.

Ready to try it yourself? Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole

Get ready to fall head over heels for this Sweet Potato Casserole. It's the kind of dish that wins over even the most vegetable-averse guests and pairs perfectly with any holiday feast.

First off, the smooth, fluffy sweet potato base is infused with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These subtle hints of spice complement the natural sweetness of the potatoes without overpowering the dish.

The Butter Pecan Crumble Topping takes this casserole to the next level. Picture crunchy, caramelized pecans mixed with melted butter and brown sugar, creating a perfect contrast to the silky potatoes underneath. It’s a textural dream that keeps you coming back for more.

What’s more, this dish can be made ahead of time, saving you from last-minute holiday stress. Simply prepare, cover, and refrigerate, then bake it off right before serving. Perfect for those who like to plan ahead!

Plus, this recipe is super versatile. While it's a star during Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, it’s equally delightful for a cozy Sunday brunch or even as a surprise weeknight treat.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Sweet Potato Casserole lies in the combination of simple ingredients that come together to create magic. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

Sweet Potatoes: You'll want to use fresh, vibrant sweet potatoes for the base. Their natural sweetness shines when roasted. Peel and dice them into even chunks to ensure they cook evenly and mash smoothly.

Brown Sugar: Both the sweet potato base and the pecan topping get a boost from brown sugar. Its deep, molasses-like flavor adds warmth and richness that granulated sugar just can't deliver. Feel free to adjust the amount to taste.

Butter: Salted or unsalted butter both work, but I recommend using salted to balance the sweetness in the crumble topping. Melted butter helps bind the pecans and sugar together, forming the irresistible, crunchy layer.

Pecans: The pecans are the real stars of the topping. Toasting them first brings out their natural nuttiness and intensifies their flavor. You can chop them roughly or leave them in halves, depending on the texture you prefer.

Warm Spices: A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavors of the sweet potatoes. These spices create a warm, inviting aroma that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

You’ll also need a mixing bowl, a potato masher, and a 9x13 baking dish for this recipe. Trust me, it’s worth having everything ready before you begin!

How To Make This Sweet Potato Casserole

Creating this Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Boil them in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.

Step 2: Mash the sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated and the potatoes are fluffy. Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9x13 baking dish.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, prepare the Butter Pecan Crumble Topping. Combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and melted butter. Stir until the pecans are well coated and the mixture forms clumps.

Step 4: Sprinkle the pecan crumble evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

The total prep and bake time for this dish is just under an hour, but the results taste like you’ve been working all day!

Storage Options

This Sweet Potato Casserole is perfect for making ahead or storing leftovers (if there are any!).

Refrigerate: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers into an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

Freeze: If you’re preparing the casserole in advance, freeze it before baking. Wrap the dish in plastic wrap, then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheat: When reheating, make sure to cover the dish with foil to prevent the topping from burning. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp it up again.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this Sweet Potato Casserole lies in how adaptable it is to your preferences. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:

Marshmallow Topping: For a more classic version, swap the pecan crumble for mini marshmallows. Add them in the last 5-10 minutes of baking so they melt and turn golden.

Healthier Option: Lighten things up by using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar and coconut oil in place of butter. You can also add a splash of orange juice to the sweet potato mixture for a fresh, citrusy kick.

Nut-Free: If you have nut allergies in the family, you can replace the pecan topping with an oat-based crumble. Mix rolled oats, brown sugar, and butter for a crunchy, nut-free alternative.

Savory Twist: Add a touch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the sweet potatoes for a sweet-and-spicy combo. You can also sprinkle crispy bacon bits into the topping for a savory surprise.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. Whichever way you choose to make it, this Sweet Potato Casserole will be a hit on your holiday table or any time of the year!

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