Sweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Crumble Topping Recipe

There's nothing like a warm, comforting Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping to complete your holiday table. The sweet, creamy filling paired with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

This recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s been a holiday staple in my family for years. We always look forward to that first bite, the perfect blend of creamy, caramelized sweet potatoes with the toasty, nutty topping. Trust me, you’ll be counting down the days until you can make this again!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole

Get ready to discover your new favorite holiday side dish. This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining irresistible flavors with the perfect texture contrast.

First of all, this casserole is incredibly easy to prepare. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll have a show-stopping dish that looks as good as it tastes. It's perfect for when you’re juggling multiple recipes in the kitchen during the holidays.

The flavor is off the charts. The sweet potatoes are whipped to perfection with brown sugar and warm spices, creating a cozy, caramelized base. Then, the buttery pecan topping adds a delightful crunch, balancing the sweetness of the filling beautifully.

This recipe is also super adaptable. Want to make it a little healthier? Cut back on the sugar or add a hint of orange zest for a citrus twist. Need a dairy-free version? Substitute the butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.

Finally, it’s a guaranteed family favorite. Even picky eaters find themselves sneaking extra helpings, and it pairs beautifully with almost any main course, from roasted turkey to glazed ham.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to this casserole's deliciousness lies in its combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in delivering that signature rich, comforting taste and texture.

Sweet Potatoes: The foundation of this dish is, of course, the sweet potatoes. For the best flavor and consistency, choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. When roasted and mashed, they bring a natural sweetness and creamy texture that's hard to beat.

Brown Sugar: This adds a touch of caramelized sweetness to the casserole and enhances the natural sugars in the sweet potatoes. You can use either light or dark brown sugar, depending on how deep of a molasses flavor you prefer.

Butter: Both salted and unsalted butter work well here. The butter enriches the sweet potato filling and adds a luxurious mouthfeel to the pecan crumble topping. If you’re using salted butter, be sure to adjust the additional salt in the recipe accordingly.

Heavy Cream: It gives the mashed sweet potatoes a velvety smoothness. For a lighter version, you could swap it out for whole milk or a non-dairy alternative, though the richness won’t be quite the same.

Pecans: The pecans are the star of the topping. They add a crunchy contrast to the soft sweet potato filling. Make sure to use fresh pecans for the best flavor and toasting them slightly beforehand intensifies their nutty aroma.

No special equipment is needed beyond a large mixing bowl and a baking dish, making this a fuss-free holiday side dish that you can whip up in no time.

How to Make This Sweet Potato Casserole

Creating this delicious Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping is simpler than you might think. Here's how to put it all together for maximum flavor and wow factor.

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Begin by roasting the sweet potatoes until they're fork-tender, about 45-50 minutes. This step caramelizes their natural sugars and deepens the flavor. Once roasted, peel the potatoes and mash them in a large bowl until smooth.

Next, add the brown sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the mashed sweet potatoes. Whip everything together until creamy and well-combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spices to your liking. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.

Now for the star of the show: the Butter Pecan Crumble Topping. In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Stir until the pecans are coated in the sweet, buttery mixture. Sprinkle this generously over the sweet potatoes, ensuring an even layer so that every bite has a bit of that delicious topping.

Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbling. The sweet potatoes should be warm and slightly puffed. Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Total time? About an hour and a half, but most of it is hands-off. The result is a rich, flavorful dish that makes every second of waiting worth it.

Storage Options

When it comes to storing your Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping, you have a few options to keep it fresh and tasty.

Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Freeze: You can also make this casserole ahead of time and freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, assemble the casserole but hold off on baking it. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping, and bake as directed.

Make-Ahead: If you want to save time on the big day, prepare the sweet potato filling and topping separately. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, then assemble and bake just before serving.

Reheating is a breeze. You can use the microwave for individual portions, but for the best texture, use the oven. This keeps the pecan topping crunchy and delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

This Sweet Potato Casserole is wonderfully versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative with it!

If you’re looking to make it a bit healthier, you can cut back on the sugar or use coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option. Alternatively, adding a splash of orange juice or zest to the filling brightens the flavor and adds a citrusy twist.

For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. The coconut milk gives the casserole a subtle tropical flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the pecan topping.

Want to make it nut-free? You can swap the pecans for a crunchy streusel made with rolled oats and seeds. This keeps the delicious crunch without the allergy risk, making it perfect for serving at gatherings.

If you enjoy a bit of spice, try adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the sweet potatoes for a hint of heat. It creates a lovely contrast with the sweetness and adds an unexpected layer of flavor.

Feel free to experiment and make this dish your own. However you choose to customize it, this Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping is sure to be a hit at your next holiday feast. Enjoy every sweet, crunchy, and creamy bite!

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