Crisp, buttery pecans meet creamy, sweet potatoes in this comforting casserole. The interplay of textures and flavors is what makes this dish truly special: the sweetness of the potatoes is beautifully balanced by the nutty crunch of the pecan crumble. The buttery richness ties everything together, creating a symphony of flavors that’s both decadent and comforting.
This Cozy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble is a perfect addition to any holiday table or cozy fall meal. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible.
Why you’ll love this Cozy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble
- It delivers a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors.
- The pecan crumble topping adds a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy sweet potato filling.
- It’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
- This sweet potato casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
- The recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences.
- It’s a fantastic way to use seasonal sweet potatoes.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Pecan Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Walnuts or almonds can be used as a substitute for a different nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
How to make Cozy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Sweet potato casserole makes every moment feel indulgent. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
Step 3: Mash and Mix
In a large bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes. Add milk, melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined. For a truly smooth casserole, use an electric mixer.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Make the Pecan Crumble
In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Chef’s Tip: Make sure the butter is cold for the best crumble texture.
Step 6: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the pecan crumble topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sweet potato mixture is bubbly.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the sweet potatoes, or they will become waterlogged.
- Use cold butter for the pecan crumble to ensure a crumbly texture.
- If the topping starts to brown too quickly, tent the casserole with foil.
- For a richer flavor, consider using maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet potato casserole pairs perfectly with savory dishes like roasted turkey or glazed turkey ham. It’s also a delightful addition to vegetarian meals. Consider serving it alongside a green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For another great side dish option, you could try this classic hashbrown casserole recipe.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the pecan topping just before baking.
- Can I use canned sweet potatoes? While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Be sure to drain them well before mashing.
This Cozy sweet potato casserole with pecan crumble is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, balancing the sweetness of the potatoes with a crunchy, nutty topping. Its ease of preparation and delicious flavor make it a must-try for any occasion. Let us know what you think!
Cozy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble
This decadent sweet potato casserole is the perfect comforting side dish for any occasion. Creamy, sweet potatoes are topped with a buttery pecan crumble for a truly unforgettable flavor combination. The sweetness of the potatoes is perfectly balanced by the crunchy, nutty topping, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that will disappear quickly. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the aroma while it bakes is simply divine. This casserole is a must-try for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy fall meal. Get ready for rave reviews!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Pecan Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes. Add milk, melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the pecan crumble topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sweet potato mixture is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For a smoother casserole, use an electric mixer to blend the sweet potato mixture. You can substitute maple syrup for granulated sugar for a richer flavor. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. Add a dash of orange zest to the sweet potato mixture for a bright, citrusy note.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg