If you’re looking for that perfect combination of cozy comfort and delightful crunch, this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe has got you covered. Sweet potatoes bring their natural sweetness and creamy texture, while the buttery pecan crumble topping adds a satisfyingly crunchy contrast that makes every bite a little celebration. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, ideal for sharing with family and friends during the holidays or any time you need a touch of home-cooked goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the rich, balanced flavors of this dish. Each component, from the tender sweet potatoes to the fragrant spices and crunchy pecans, plays a vital role in creating a harmonious and irresistible casserole.
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs), peeled and cubed: The star ingredient, they provide natural sweetness and a creamy base.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds smoothness and helps achieve the perfect mash consistency.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Infuses richness and enhances the flavor throughout the dish.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that pairs beautifully with sweetness.
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle nutty spice that lifts the flavor profile.
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Introduces a fragrant sweetness that rounds out the mashed potatoes.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the mixture together and add richness.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Creates structure in the crumble topping.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the crunch topping with a caramel depth.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: The crunchy star of the topping, providing texture and nutty flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crumble toppings and lends richness.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—it’s the perfect vessel for baking this hearty casserole. Boil the cubed sweet potatoes until they’re fork-tender, roughly 15 minutes, then drain them thoroughly. This step ensures your sweet potatoes will mash up silky smooth, forming the creamy heart of the casserole.
Step 2: Mash and Flavor the Sweet Potatoes
Once drained, mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl until nice and creamy. Then, stir in the whole milk, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. This blend of ingredients infuses the sweet potatoes with warmth, sweetness, and depth—you’ll already want to dive in before even baking!
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs
Beat the eggs in one at a time. It’s important to ensure your sweet potato mixture isn’t too hot at this stage to avoid scrambling the eggs; letting it cool a bit before adding them keeps the texture silky and well-integrated, setting the base for your casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Base Layer
Spread the luscious sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. This layer will bake into a soft, velvety foundation that pairs perfectly with the crunchy topping.
Step 5: Make the Pecan Crumble Topping
In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Drizzle in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly but holds together slightly when pressed. This topping brings the signature texture and nutty flavor that elevates this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe to a show-stopper.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the pecan crumble evenly over the sweet potato layer. Bake your casserole for 30 to 35 minutes, until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center feels set to the touch. This baking locks in all those incredible flavors and creates a beautiful contrast between creamy and crunchy.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing and serving—this helps it set perfectly and makes serving a breeze, ensuring every portion holds together gorgeously on your plate.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a light dusting of cinnamon can add a pop of color and an aromatic touch to your dish. Some like to drizzle a bit of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream to add a little extra indulgence—both will elevate the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with savory mains like honey-glazed ham, roast turkey, or herb-rubbed chicken. Light green salads or steamed vegetables create a balanced and colorful plate that complements the sweet richness of the casserole without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in mini ramekins for individual portions at gatherings—it’s a charming way to impress your guests! You could also top it with candied pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flair that’ll wow everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for make-ahead meals or warming up again for next-day indulgence.
Freezing
You can freeze this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble as instructed and wrap tightly with foil, keeping it frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze after baking, allow it to cool fully, then wrap securely to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and the topping is crisp again, about 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving when possible to keep that coveted pecan crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
While fresh sweet potatoes provide the best texture and flavor, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just ensure they are well-drained and mashed smoothly, and adjust sweetness as canned versions can vary.
How do I keep the pecan topping crunchy?
To maintain a crunchy topping, avoid covering the casserole tightly while baking. Also, reheating in the oven rather than microwaving helps keep the pecan crumble crisp and delightful.
Can this casserole be made vegan?
You can make a vegan version by substituting the milk with plant-based milk, replacing the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and using flax eggs instead of regular eggs. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is it possible to add marshmallows on top?
Absolutely! Adding marshmallows on top during the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking gives a classic sweet touch that many love, especially around the holidays.
How far ahead can I prepare this dish?
This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and kept refrigerated before baking, which allows flavors to meld and saves time on the day you plan to serve it.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe a try—it’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug from the inside out. Whether it’s a festive centerpiece or a comforting side, it pairs creamy sweet potato goodness with a crunchy, buttery topping that you and your loved ones will keep coming back to. So grab your ingredients, turn up the oven, and enjoy every scrumptious bite!
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic Sweet Potato Casserole featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes mixed with warm spices and topped with a buttery, crunchy pecan crumble. Perfectly baked until golden brown, this comforting dish makes a delightful side for holiday meals or any cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, which takes about 15 minutes. Drain the water thoroughly.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large bowl and mash them until smooth and creamy, ensuring no large lumps remain.
- Mix Sweet Potato Ingredients: Add whole milk, brown sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, pure vanilla extract, and salt to the mashed potatoes. Stir until all ingredients are fully combined into a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure the sweet potato mixture has cooled enough to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Spread Mixture in Dish: Evenly spread the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly in texture.
- Add Topping to Casserole: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the sweet potato layer in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the sweet potato mixture is not too hot when adding eggs to prevent curdling.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts if desired.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk instead of whole milk.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the mashed potatoes.
