There's something magical about the comforting aroma of sweet potatoes baking in the oven, especially when topped with a buttery, golden pecan crumble. This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping is the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and nutty goodness. It's the kind of dish that transforms any meal into a celebration.

I first discovered this recipe during a holiday dinner with family, and it’s been a staple on our Thanksgiving table ever since. Whether you're hosting a crowd or just want a taste of nostalgia, this casserole is sure to impress. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot in your recipe repertoire!

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

Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite side dish. This Sweet Potato Casserole takes everything you love about comfort food and elevates it with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping.

First, the creamy sweet potato base is irresistibly smooth and perfectly sweetened. It’s like a warm hug in casserole form, balancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes with just the right amount of brown sugar and spices.

Next, that butter pecan crumble topping is nothing short of spectacular. Imagine crunchy, caramelized pecans blended with a hint of cinnamon and buttery oats, creating the ultimate contrast to the creamy filling below.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you serve it as a decadent side dish or a dessert, this recipe adapts beautifully to any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.

And let’s not forget how easy it is to make. With simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time, making it perfect for busy schedules.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Sweet Potato Casserole lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the irresistible flavors and textures of this dish.

Sweet Potatoes: The foundation of this casserole, sweet potatoes are naturally creamy and sweet when baked. Look for medium-sized potatoes with smooth skin for even cooking. You’ll need about 4-5 large sweet potatoes for this recipe.
Brown Sugar: Adds warmth and depth to the filling and the topping. Use light or dark brown sugar depending on your preference – dark will give a more molasses-like flavor.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and add a cozy, holiday-inspired flavor. Freshly grated nutmeg makes a noticeable difference!
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the salt levels in the dish. It’s melted for the filling and used generously in the crumble topping for richness.
Pecans: The star of the crumble topping! Choose whole pecan halves and chop them coarsely for the best texture. They toast beautifully in the oven, adding a nutty crunch.
Oats: Rolled oats lend body and chewiness to the crumble. You can use quick oats in a pinch, but avoid instant oats, which can become mushy.

If you’re making this for a holiday meal, you’ll also need a large baking dish (9x13 inches works well) and a potato masher or hand mixer for a smooth filling.

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

Creating this show-stopping casserole is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect balance of creamy filling and crunchy topping.

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into large chunks. Boil them in a large pot of salted water for about 15 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and mash until smooth.
Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly into a greased baking dish.
Prepare the Crumble Topping: In another bowl, mix brown sugar, chopped pecans, oats, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle in melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble the Casserole: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the sweet potato layer, making sure every bite will have a little crunch.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

This casserole takes about 1 hour from start to finish, making it a manageable addition to your holiday meal prep.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? This casserole stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option.

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so it might taste even better the next day!
Freezing: If you’re prepping ahead, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating: To reheat, pop the casserole into a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. For single portions, use the microwave for quick reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this casserole is its versatility. Here are some creative ways to make it your own:

Make It Nut-Free: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free crumble topping that’s just as crunchy and delicious.
Add Marshmallows: For a traditional twist, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Vegan Option: Substitute butter with vegan butter, use almond milk instead of regular milk, and replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
Boost the Flavor: Add a splash of vanilla extract or orange zest to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
Healthier Version: Reduce the sugar in the filling and topping, or use coconut sugar for a natural sweetness.

No matter how you customize it, this Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble Topping is sure to be a hit.

This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. Whether it’s a centerpiece at your holiday table or a comforting side dish on a regular weeknight, this casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds. Go ahead, give it a try – you’ll see why it’s earned a permanent place in my recipe box!