Imagine sinking your fork into a warm, velvety dish that brings together the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes and the irresistible crunch of pecans baked into a golden crumble. This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe is the perfect comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser for holiday dinners or family gatherings, but it also balances creamy, spiced sweet potato goodness with a crisp, nutty topping that makes every bite a delight. If you love dishes that combine sweet and savory in the most satisfying way, this recipe is bound to become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple is the key here. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and texture, from the luscious sweetness of the sweet potatoes to the toasty, buttery pecan topping that finishes the dish beautifully.
- Sweet potatoes (4 large, about 3 lbs): The star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and a creamy base once mashed.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Adds richness and smoothness to the sweet potato mixture.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup plus 1/2 cup for topping): Imparts deep caramel notes that enhance the sweet potatoes and complement the pecans perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup plus 1/4 cup melted for crumble): Essential for a silky texture in the base and binding the crunchy topping together.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle warmth and spice that lifts the overall flavor.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Provides a hint of aromatic depth to the sweet potato mix.
- Pure vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Rounds out the sweetness with a gentle floral note.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): A small pinch that balances and enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Large eggs (2): Help bind the casserole to maintain a tender but firm structure.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Gives the pecan crumble its perfect crumbly texture.
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): The crunchy, nutty highlight in the topping that brings texture and flavor contrast.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and bakes evenly to a nice golden crust.
Step 2: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover with water. Bring this to a boil, then simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender—about 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly so your casserole isn’t watery, then mash the sweet potatoes until they’re smooth and creamy, which gives your base a luscious texture.
Step 3: Mix the Sweet Potato Base
To your creamy sweet potatoes, add the milk, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix everything together thoroughly until the flavors meld perfectly and the mixture is luxuriously smooth.
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs
Beat the eggs near the surface, making sure the mashed sweet potatoes have cooled slightly to prevent cooking the eggs. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is crucial to give your casserole a slightly firm, custard-like structure after baking.
Step 5: Prepare the Pecan Crumble
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans for the ultimate crunchy, sweet topping. Stir in the melted butter just until the mixture becomes crumbly, creating that perfect texture to contrast with the creamy sweet potatoes beneath.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer. Then sprinkle the pecan crumble topping evenly over the surface. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the topping is a beautiful golden brown and the center is set but still creamy.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool just slightly to make slicing and serving easier, letting all those gorgeous textures settle into place.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle some additional chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon over the top just before serving. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup can add a delightful sweetness that complements the casserole’s warm spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or ham, making it a treasured addition to any holiday table. For a vegetarian-friendly meal, serve alongside a vibrant green salad or sautéed greens to balance the richness with some freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, try serving individual portions of this casserole in ramekins, topped with a few whole toasted pecans for garnish. You can also add a crispy bacon crumble on top for a savory twist. Its golden-brown topping also looks stunning straight from the casserole dish placed at the center of a rustic wooden board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly to maintain moisture and prevent the topping from becoming soggy.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well too! Store the casserole in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover loosely with foil to keep it from drying out, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through, then remove the foil for the last few minutes to refresh the crisp topping.
FAQs
Can I make the Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the whole milk and butter with your favorite plant-based milk and vegan butter or coconut oil to make a dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor or creaminess.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If pecans aren’t your favorite or you have allergies, chopped walnuts or almonds make excellent alternatives that still offer a delightful crunch to the crumble topping.
Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Add the pecan topping just before baking for the best texture and freshness.
How do I reheat without making the topping soggy?
Heat the casserole uncovered in the oven on a lower temperature to maintain the crunch, or briefly use the broiler for a minute or two at the end of reheating to re-crisp the topping.
Is this Sweet Potato Casserole recipe very sweet?
The brown sugar adds a gentle sweetness that balances perfectly with the natural earthiness of the sweet potatoes, making it sweet but not overpoweringly so—just right for every palate.
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply comforting about a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome, and this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe nails that balance exquisitely. It’s a perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and crunchy that’s sure to bring smiles to your table. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or just craving a cozy side dish, give this recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did!
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Potato Casserole features creamy mashed sweet potatoes mixed with warm spices and topped with a buttery pecan crumble. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting and festive side dish perfect for holiday meals or any cozy dinner gathering.
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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain them thoroughly.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large bowl and mash until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Mix Sweet Potato Ingredients: To the mashed sweet potatoes, add whole milk, brown sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure the sweet potato mixture has cooled enough to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly 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 and well combined.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the pecan crumble evenly over the top of the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing and serving to ensure clean portions.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for different nutty flavors.
- For a richer flavor, use half and half or cream instead of whole milk.
- Make sure the sweet potato mixture is not hot when adding eggs to avoid curdling.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- Use fresh nutmeg if possible for a more vibrant spice taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
