The Best Sweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Crumble Topping Recipe

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping is the ultimate side dish to bring comfort and flavor to your holiday table. Soft, creamy sweet potatoes are topped with a buttery pecan crumble that adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. The nutty, caramelized topping perfectly complements the smooth, spiced potatoes beneath – it’s a dish everyone will come back for seconds on!

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The first time I made this casserole, I was looking for a new twist on the traditional sweet potato side, and this buttery pecan crumble was a game-changer. Now, it’s a must-have every Thanksgiving. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this recipe will elevate your meal and add warmth and comfort to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping

This casserole brings together the best flavors and textures to create a truly unforgettable dish. Here’s why it’s a must-have:

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a crowd-pleasing side dish ready without any fuss.

The combination of creamy sweet potatoes with a crispy, buttery topping makes for an amazing texture contrast. Every forkful is filled with sweet, soft potatoes and a crunchy, rich pecan crumble.

The butter pecan topping is absolutely irresistible. Toasted pecans, brown sugar, and butter melt together in the oven, creating a caramelized, nutty crust that tastes like pure indulgence.

It’s also versatile and customizable. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking, make it nut-free, or even add marshmallows for a traditional twist. Plus, it fits well with both savory and sweet dishes on your holiday table.

Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in this Sweet Potato Casserole is chosen to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what makes each component special:

• Sweet Potatoes: The base of the casserole, sweet potatoes bring a naturally sweet and creamy texture. Look for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, which have the ideal flavor and color.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a subtle molasses flavor to both the filling and the topping, creating a warm, caramel-like sweetness that complements the potatoes perfectly.
• Butter: Butter is essential for both the filling and the topping, adding richness and creating a smooth, velvety consistency. Unsalted butter is best, so you can control the saltiness.
• Eggs: Eggs help bind the sweet potato mixture, making it light and fluffy. Let the eggs come to room temperature for easier blending.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add a cozy warmth to the dish without overpowering the natural sweetness of the potatoes. They bring a hint of holiday flavor that pairs beautifully with the pecan topping.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds depth and richness to the sweet potato filling. It may seem like a small addition, but it enhances the flavors beautifully.
• Pecans: Pecans are key to the topping, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly contrasts with the creamy potatoes. If you’re nut-free, you can substitute with oats or granola.

For equipment, you’ll need a 9x13 baking dish to bake the casserole evenly and a mixer or potato masher for a smooth filling.

How to Make This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping

Creating this Sweet Potato Casserole is as easy as it is delicious. Here’s how to make it step-by-step for the perfect result every time:

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes, then place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
2. Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a mixing bowl. Add the butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Use a mixer or potato masher to blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sweetness or spices if needed.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9x13 baking dish and spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the dish, creating a smooth base layer. This layer will provide a soft, flavorful foundation for the crumble topping.
4. Make the Butter Pecan Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well coated and crumbly. This topping will add a delicious, caramelized crunch to the casserole. Sprinkle it evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges of the casserole are bubbling. The crumble should be crisp, and the sweet potato layer will be soft and fluffy.

Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. The buttery pecan topping adds an incredible crunch and flavor that makes this casserole unforgettable!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though it’s rare!), this Sweet Potato Casserole stores beautifully and is easy to reheat.

• Refrigerator: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Freezer: You can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. To serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until hot.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare this casserole up to one day in advance. Simply assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature, then bake as directed.

Variations and Substitutions

This Sweet Potato Casserole is versatile and adaptable to suit any taste. Here are some ways to make it your own:

• Add Marshmallows: For a more traditional twist, add mini marshmallows over the pecan topping during the last 10 minutes of baking. They’ll melt and toast to a golden brown, adding a gooey sweetness.
• Make It Nut-Free: Substitute the pecans with gluten-free oats or crushed gluten-free granola for a similar crunch without nuts.
• Use Maple Syrup: Swap some or all of the brown sugar in the filling for pure maple syrup for a natural, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pecans.
• Spice It Up: Add a touch of ginger or allspice to the sweet potato filling for extra warmth and complexity, especially for holiday dinners.
• Lighten It Up: Replace half of the butter with coconut oil, or use less sugar for a lighter version. You’ll still get a rich and flavorful casserole with fewer calories.

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping will quickly become a staple at your holiday gatherings. With its soft, spiced sweet potatoes and caramelized pecan topping, it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy every warm, comforting bite – and get ready to be asked for the recipe!

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