Sweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Crumble Topping Recipe

There’s something magical about Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping that brings out the cozy, comforting spirit of the holidays. The soft, velvety texture of the sweet potatoes, combined with the rich, buttery pecan topping, creates a dish that’s the perfect blend of savory and sweet, crunch and creaminess.

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I remember the first time I made this casserole for Thanksgiving. My grandmother, a master of traditional recipes, gave it a curious glance, but by her second bite, she was asking for the recipe! Since then, it has become a staple, requested every year and always the first dish to disappear from the table.

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

Get ready to fall in love with this delightful twist on a classic holiday side dish. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’ll leave your guests raving.

First, let’s talk about the flavors. The combination of creamy, spiced sweet potatoes and the crunchy, caramelized pecan topping is simply irresistible. Each spoonful is a delicious blend of natural sweetness and buttery, nutty decadence.

This recipe is also incredibly simple to prepare, perfect for those hectic holiday mornings when time is precious. You can even make it ahead of time, freeing you up to focus on the main course or just enjoy time with family and friends.

Plus, it’s a versatile side that pairs beautifully with everything from roasted turkey to glazed ham. It complements savory dishes with its natural sweetness and luxurious texture, making it a fantastic addition to any holiday spread.

Lastly, it’s a family-friendly recipe that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. The buttery crumble topping adds a touch of indulgence, appealing to kids and adults alike, and it’s a great way to introduce new flavors to little ones.

Ingredient Notes

The magic of this Sweet Potato Casserole lies in its simple, yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Let’s dive into each component and how they elevate this dish.

The sweet potatoes are the star of the show. You’ll want about four large sweet potatoes, peeled, cubed, and boiled until fork-tender. Their natural sweetness and creamy texture provide a perfect base for the casserole. For the best flavor, select potatoes that are firm and free from blemishes.

Brown sugar and maple syrup add a warm, caramel-like sweetness to the sweet potatoes. They work beautifully together to enhance the natural sugars in the potatoes without overpowering them. I always opt for pure maple syrup to ensure a rich, authentic flavor.

Butter plays a dual role here. It adds richness to the mashed sweet potatoes and transforms the pecan topping into a crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth layer. For a more pronounced buttery flavor, use high-quality, unsalted butter.

The pecans are what make this casserole unforgettable. Chopped pecans mixed with brown sugar and melted butter form the ultimate crunchy, sweet, and slightly salty topping. Toast the pecans lightly beforehand for an even deeper flavor.

A touch of cinnamon and nutmeg spices up the sweet potatoes with a warm, cozy aroma. These spices give the dish that unmistakable holiday vibe. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste, but don’t skip them!

You’ll also need a splash of vanilla extract to add depth to the sweet potatoes and balance the flavors. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference.

How To Make This Sweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Crumble Topping

Making this Sweet Potato Casserole is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a show-stopping side dish ready in no time.

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and doesn’t stick when serving.

Next, prepare the sweet potatoes. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into even-sized cubes, then boil them in a large pot of water until they’re fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

Mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher until smooth and creamy. Add melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir in vanilla extract for an extra boost of flavor. Once everything is well combined, spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Now, for the Butter Pecan Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and melted butter until crumbly. The mixture should hold together when pressed but still easily crumble apart. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potatoes.

Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sweet potatoes are heated through. You’ll know it’s done when the edges start bubbling slightly and the kitchen is filled with the irresistible aroma of caramelized pecans.

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. The topping will set as it cools, making each bite a perfect balance of soft and crunchy.

Storage Options

This casserole is not only delicious but also holds up well for leftovers. Here’s how to store and enjoy it after the big meal.

For short-term storage, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 300°F until heated through.

If you’d like to make it ahead of time, prepare the sweet potato base and topping separately. Store the mashed sweet potatoes in the baking dish, covered, and refrigerate. Keep the pecan topping in a sealed container at room temperature. When ready to bake, assemble and proceed with baking as directed.

To freeze, cool the casserole completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Variations and Substitutions

This casserole is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to experiment and make it your own.

For a healthier version, try reducing the brown sugar in the sweet potatoes or swapping it with a natural sweetener like honey or coconut sugar. You can also use a bit less butter in the topping, though it will affect the richness.

To make this dish nut-free, omit the pecans and use an oat-based crumble topping instead. Mix rolled oats, a bit of flour, brown sugar, and melted butter to create a delicious crunch without the nuts.

Want to add a twist? Try mixing marshmallows into the topping. Half pecan crumble and half marshmallow topping create a playful, kid-friendly version of the classic.

If you prefer a savory twist, skip the crumble topping and finish the sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of crispy bacon and fresh herbs. This variation pairs well with savory mains and adds a delightful contrast of flavors.

Lastly, for a vegan version, use plant-based butter and swap out the dairy with coconut milk or almond milk in the sweet potatoes. The topping can be made with vegan butter as well, ensuring everyone can enjoy this holiday favorite.

No matter how you prepare it, this Sweet Potato Casserole is bound to be a hit. So roll up your sleeves, get your oven ready, and watch as your friends and family fall in love with this unforgettable dish!

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