The Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

The Best Sweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Crumble Topping Recipe

Sweet potatoes burst with comforting warmth and rustic charm in this butter pecan crumble topping casserole that promises pure culinary magic.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated these golden-orange treasures as a beloved side dish.

Creamy mashed sweet potatoes create a velvety base that melts beneath a crunchy, caramelized pecan layer.

Buttery, crisp nuts dance across the surface, adding irresistible texture and depth to every single bite.

Thanksgiving tables and family gatherings come alive with this decadent recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of smooth sweetness and nutty crunch that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Butter Pecan Crumble Topping: Sweet Potato Magic

  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Indulge in a delightful sweet potato casserole that brings warmth and joy to any gathering, with its creamy texture and irresistible buttery pecan crumble topping.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Whip up this mouthwatering dish with minimal cooking skills, using basic ingredients and straightforward steps that make it perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks.
  • Versatile Side Dish: Elevate your meal with a perfect companion that complements holiday feasts, weeknight dinners, and potluck parties, adding a touch of sweetness and richness to any spread.
  • Customizable Flavor Profile: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spices, adding marshmallows, or experimenting with different nuts to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Pecan Crumble Sweet Potato Casserole

Main Ingredients:
  • Sweet Potatoes: A hearty root vegetable that provides the rich, creamy base for this comforting casserole.
  • Sugar: Adds a delightful sweetness to complement the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.
  • Eggs: Help bind the casserole together and create a smooth, cohesive texture.
  • Butter: Contributes richness and depth of flavor to both the filling and topping.
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a creamy consistency in the sweet potato mixture.
  • Vanilla: Provides a warm, sweet undertone that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Cinnamon: Offers a warm, aromatic spice that complements the sweet potatoes.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Pecans, Flour, Brown Sugar: Create a crunchy, sweet, and nutty crumble that adds texture and flavor to the top of the casserole.

How to Make Pecan Crumble Casserole

Step 1: Boil Sweet Potatoes

Wash and peel sweet potatoes.

Cut into uniform cubes.

Place in a large pot of water and boil until fork-tender.

Drain water completely and return potatoes to pot.

Step 2: Mash and Season Potatoes

Mash sweet potatoes until creamy and smooth.

Add:
  • White sugar
  • Unsalted butter
  • Large eggs
  • Whole milk
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon

Whisk ingredients until well combined and silky.

Step 3: Create Crunchy Pecan Topping

In a separate mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Chopped pecans
  • Dark brown sugar
  • Melted butter

Mix with a fork until crumbly and textured.

Step 4: Layer in Baking Dish

Grease a rectangular baking pan.

Pour mashed sweet potato mixture into dish.

Spread evenly with a spatula.

Sprinkle pecan crumble across the entire surface.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place casserole in preheated oven.

Bake until topping turns golden brown and edges are slightly crisp.

The center should be bubbly and set.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven.

Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes.

Serve warm as a delightful side dish or sweet dessert.

Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender to ensure a creamy, lump-free mash without overcooking.
  • Use room temperature eggs and butter for better ingredient integration and smoother mixing.
  • Gently mix topping ingredients to maintain a loose, crumbly texture that creates a crispy, delightful crust.
  • Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent sogginess in the topping.
  • Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for enhanced flavor melding.

Variations for Butter Pecan Casserole

  • Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole: Replace eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
  • Gluten-Free Pecan Crumble: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free oat flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Maple Bourbon Variation: Add a splash of bourbon to the sweet potato mixture and replace some sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, sophisticated flavor profile.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Skip pecans in the topping and use rolled oats or sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture that accommodates nut allergies.

Serve Pecan Crumble Sweet Potatoes

  • Holiday Feast Companion: Pair this sweet potato casserole with roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham for a classic holiday meal that will impress everyone.
  • Dessert-Style Twist: Serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top to transform this side dish into a decadent dessert experience.
  • Breakfast Remix: Enjoy leftovers as a delightful morning treat, warmed up and paired with crispy bacon or scrambled eggs for a sweet and savory breakfast.
  • Potluck Showstopper: Bring this casserole to gatherings and watch it become the most requested dish at any potluck or family celebration.

Best Ways to Store This Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
  • Wrap casserole securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store frozen for maximum 2 months. Label container with date for tracking.
  • Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent topping from burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Remove foil last 5 minutes to crisp pecan topping.

FAQs

  • Are sweet potatoes healthy?

Sweet potatoes are nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. They support eye health, boost immunity, and provide complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

  • Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes work perfectly. Just drain and mash them before mixing with other ingredients. They save time and still deliver delicious results.

  • How do I know if sweet potatoes are cooked properly?

Sweet potatoes are done when a fork easily pierces through them without resistance. They should be soft but not mushy, with a tender texture that mashes smoothly.

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The Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

The Best Sweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Crumble Topping Recipe


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4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet potato casserole with butter pecan crumble emerges as a delightful Southern comfort classic, blending creamy mashed sweet potatoes and a crunchy, caramelized nutty topping. Dessert lovers will savor this irresistible holiday side dish that promises warmth and indulgence in each delectable spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes:

  • 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes)

Dairy and Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup whole milk

Eggs and Spices:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and scrub sweet potatoes thoroughly, then pierce with a fork. Roast at 400°F for 45-60 minutes until incredibly tender and caramelized, creating deeper flavor complexity.
  2. Allow roasted sweet potatoes to cool slightly, then peel and transfer flesh into a spacious mixing vessel. Mash potatoes meticulously until achieving a velvety, lump-free consistency.
  3. Incorporate sugar, melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon into mashed sweet potatoes. Whisk vigorously until ingredients harmonize into a silky, uniform texture.
  4. Create the crumble topping by combining flour, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Use fingertips to blend ingredients, generating a rustic, granular mixture with varied texture.
  5. Transfer sweet potato mixture into a generously buttered rectangular baking dish, ensuring an even surface. Delicately distribute pecan crumble across the entire casserole, covering completely.
  6. Position casserole in preheated 350°F oven, baking for approximately 35-40 minutes until topping transforms into a golden-amber hue and edges become slightly crisp.
  7. Remove from oven and allow casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes, permitting flavors to settle and topping to achieve optimal crunchiness before serving.

Notes

  • Soften sweet potatoes perfectly by selecting medium-sized, firm potatoes without bruises or soft spots for consistent cooking.
  • Avoid watery mash by draining boiled sweet potatoes thoroughly and letting them steam dry before mashing to maintain thick, creamy texture.
  • Enhance nutrition by leaving potato skins on during boiling, which preserves extra fiber and nutrients while simplifying preparation.
  • Customize for dietary needs by substituting coconut milk for regular milk and using gluten-free flour blend to make recipe friendly for dairy-free and gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 224
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 34 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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