Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe

Sweet potato casserole with pecan crumble is a delightful combination of creamy sweet potatoes, crowned with a crunchy and sweet pecan topping. It's a must-have dish for Thanksgiving, but it's wonderful for any special occasion. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the buttery pecans, offering a treat for the taste buds that's both flavorful and nutritious.

Photos of Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe

The main ingredients of this recipe are commonly found in most kitchens. However, if you don't regularly use pecans, you might need to pick them up from your local supermarket. They are essential for the crumble topping. Also, keep in mind the need for heavy cream and fresh rosemary, as those are sometimes not available in every household.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

Sweet potatoes: The main ingredient of the dish, providing a creamy, sweet base.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sweet potatoes and helps bring out their natural sweetness.

Brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the dish.

Eggs: Provide structure and bind the ingredients together.

Heavy cream: Adds creaminess to the sweet potato mixture.

Vanilla extract: Gives a hint of vanilla flavor.

Salt: Balances the sweetness of the dish.

All-purpose flour: Used in the crumble topping to give it a nice texture.

Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spiced flavor to the crumble.

Pecans: The star of the crumble topping, offering a delicious crunch.

Fresh rosemary: Optional for garnish but recommended for a touch of earthiness.

Sea salt: An optional garnish that complements the sweetness of the dish.

One reader, Dinny Garcia says:

This sweet potato casserole with pecan crumble recipe is a game-changer! The creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan topping create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It's a hit every time I make it, and my family can't get enough. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious and comforting dish.

Dinny Garcia

Techniques Required for Making Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

How to prepare sweet potatoes: Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, then allow them to cool before mashing them.

How to make the pecan crumble topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and pecans in a bowl, then spoon the mixture evenly over the sweet potato mixture before baking.

How to garnish with rosemary and sea salt: After the casserole has cooled for 5 minutes, sprinkle a little fresh rosemary and a pinch of sea salt on top for a flavorful garnish.

How To Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

Serve this sweet potato casserole this holiday and give guests a full autumn experience. It’s made with eggs and heavy cream and topped with spiced pecans.

Preparation: 40 minutes

Cooking: 50 minutes

Total: 1 hour 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2lbssweet potatoes,(3 large), peeled
⅓cupunsalted butter,melted
½cupbrown sugar,packed light or dark
2large eggs,beaten
½cupheavy cream,or whole milk
1tsppure vanilla extract
¼tspsalt

For Topping:

⅓cupall-purpose flour,spoon and leveled
½cupbrown sugar,packed light or dark
½tspground cinnamon
⅓cupunsalted butter,melted
2cupspecans,shelled

For Optional Garnish:

fresh rosemary,or thyme
sea salt

Instructions

Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot or dutch oven and cover them completely with water. Bring water to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Drain the water and allow the sweet potatoes to cool for 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Set aside.
Place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the potatoes until relatively smooth.
Add the butter, brown sugar, beaten, eggs, cream, vanilla, and salt. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.

Topping:

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon together. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the melted butter and pecans until the mixture is totally combined. Spoon evenly over potatoes.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until golden brown on top. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then top with a little fresh rosemary and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Serve warm and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 563.12kcal
Fat: 39.96g
Saturated Fat: 15.09g
Trans Fat: 0.62g
Monounsaturated Fat: 16.13g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.41g
Carbohydrates: 48.71g
Fiber: 6.00g
Sugar: 23.86g
Protein: 6.65g
Cholesterol: 107.55mg
Sodium: 484.77mg
Calcium: 90.31mg
Potassium: 547.81mg
Iron: 1.93mg
Vitamin A: 1015.29µg
Vitamin C: 3.09mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Your Sweet Potato Casserole

When preparing the sweet potato casserole, it's important to ensure that the sweet potatoes are fully cooked and tender before mashing. This will result in a smoother, creamier texture in your casserole. Additionally, when making the pecan crumble topping, be sure to evenly distribute it over the sweet potato mixture. This will ensure every bite has a bit of that delicious, crunchy topping. Lastly, don't skip the step of letting the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Sweet Potato Casserole

Prep ahead: Prepare the sweet potatoes and the pecan crumble topping the day before and store them separately in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of baking.

Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen tools like a stand mixer or food processor to quickly mix and blend the sweet potato casserole ingredients, saving time and effort.

Multi-task: While the sweet potatoes are boiling, use that time to prepare the pecan crumble topping or to preheat the oven and grease the baking pan.

Organize ingredients: Before starting the recipe, gather and organize all the ingredients and kitchen tools needed to streamline the cooking process.

Bake in advance: If you're planning for a special occasion, consider baking the sweet potato casserole a day ahead and reheating it before serving to save time on the day of the event.

Substitute Ingredients For Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe

sweet potatoes - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor to sweet potatoes and can be used as a delicious alternative in the casserole.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a rich and creamy texture to the casserole, and it's a great dairy-free alternative to butter.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can provide a natural sweetness and depth of flavor similar to brown sugar, and it complements the other ingredients in the casserole.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs in the recipe, providing binding and moisture to the casserole.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can add a luscious and creamy texture to the casserole, and it's a great dairy-free alternative to heavy cream.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: Gluten-free flour can be used to make the crumble topping suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts can be used as an alternative to pecans, providing a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the casserole.
fresh rosemary - Substitute with fresh thyme: Fresh thyme can be used as a garnish to add a fragrant and earthy flavor to the casserole, similar to rosemary.
sea salt - Substitute with Himalayan pink salt: Himalayan pink salt can be used as a substitute for sea salt, providing a similar level of saltiness and mineral-rich flavor to the dish.

Presenting Your Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

Elevate the plating: When presenting the sweet potato casserole with pecan crumble, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean lines and carefully arrange the dish to showcase the layers and textures.
Garnish with precision: Add a touch of sophistication to the dish by garnishing with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a pop of color and a hint of earthy aroma. This simple yet refined garnish will elevate the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Emphasize balance: Pay attention to the balance of colors and textures on the plate. The golden brown pecan crumble should contrast beautifully with the creamy sweet potato base, creating a visually striking and inviting presentation.
Incorporate negative space: Utilize the concept of negative space to allow the dish to breathe visually. Avoid overcrowding the plate and instead, focus on creating a well-composed presentation that highlights the star elements of the dish.
Use high-quality serveware: Opt for elegant, minimalist serveware that complements the sophistication of the dish. Choose porcelain or ceramic plates with a neutral color palette to allow the vibrant colors of the sweet potato casserole to take center stage.
Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the finer details, such as wiping the edges of the plate for a clean presentation, ensuring that every aspect of the dish reflects precision and care.
Consider the overall aesthetic: When plating the sweet potato casserole, envision the plate as a canvas and strive to create a visually stunning masterpiece that reflects the artistry and craftsmanship behind the dish.

Essential Tools for Making Sweet Potato Casserole

Large pot or dutch oven: Used for boiling the sweet potatoes.
9x13-inch baking pan: Used for baking the sweet potato casserole.
Handheld or stand mixer: Used for beating the sweet potatoes and mixing the ingredients.
Rubber spatula: Used for folding in the melted butter and pecans for the topping.
Whisk: Used for combining the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping.
Oven: Used for baking the sweet potato casserole.

Storing and Freezing Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

Allow the sweet potato casserole to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the topping soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole:
- Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer will help prevent freezer burn.
- Label the casserole with the date and contents, so you can easily identify it later.
- Place the wrapped casserole in the freezer, where it will keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat the casserole:
- If frozen, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator.
- Remove the plastic wrap and cover the casserole with aluminum foil.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If the topping starts to brown too much, you can keep it covered with foil for the entire reheating time.
- For a crispy topping, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of reheating.
If you want to make the casserole ahead of time without freezing, you can prepare it up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed in the recipe, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to account for the colder starting temperature.

How To Reheat Leftover Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover sweet potato casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the pecan crumble topping.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a serving of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Keep in mind that the microwave may soften the pecan crumble topping.
For a crispy topping, you can also reheat the casserole in a skillet on the stovetop. Place a portion of the casserole in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the bottom is slightly crispy. Remove the lid for the last minute to allow any excess moisture to evaporate.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the sweet potato casserole while maintaining a crispy pecan crumble topping. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place a portion of the casserole in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is crispy.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the casserole with a food thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safe to consume. If needed, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to help moisten the casserole if it seems dry after reheating.

Interesting Fact About Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

The sweet potato casserole with pecan crumble recipe is a popular dish in the Southern United States, especially during the holiday season. It is often served as a side dish during Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. This dish is a delicious combination of creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy pecan topping, making it a favorite among many families. It's a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, and it's a great way to incorporate nutritious sweet potatoes into a meal.

Is Making Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this sweet potato casserole with pecan crumble recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of ingredients in your area. Sweet potatoes and pecans are generally affordable, while heavy cream and butter may contribute to the cost. Considering the yield and the satisfaction it brings, this dish rates a solid 8. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a reasonable option for a delightful and comforting dessert.

Is Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Healthy or Unhealthy?

This sweet potato casserole recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The dish is high in calories, sugar, and fat due to the generous amounts of butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and pecans used. The sweet potatoes themselves are nutritious, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but the other ingredients overshadow their health benefits.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of butter and brown sugar in both the sweet potato mixture and the topping, or replace some of the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey
Replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as milk or coconut milk
Decrease the number of pecans in the topping or replace some of them with rolled oats for added fiber
Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive sugar

By incorporating more nutrient-dense ingredients and reducing the overall sugar and fat content, you can transform this sweet potato casserole into a healthier option that still satisfies your craving for a comforting and indulgent side dish. Experiment with different modifications to find the perfect balance of taste and nutrition that works for you and your family.

Editor's Opinion on This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

The sweet potato casserole with pecan crumble recipe is a delightful combination of creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy, nutty topping. The use of brown sugar and vanilla adds a warm, comforting flavor, while the pecan crumble provides a satisfying texture contrast. The optional garnish of fresh rosemary and sea salt elevates the dish, adding a hint of freshness and complexity. Overall, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, making it a wonderful addition to any holiday or special occasion meal.

Enhance Your Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes with a hint of parmesan cheese and chives

Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with crispy bacon and caramelized onions

Roasted Carrots: Honey glazed roasted carrots with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and a drizzle of balsamic reduction

Alternative Recipes to Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: This creamy and comforting soup is perfect for a cozy night in. The roasted butternut squash adds a depth of flavor that will warm you up from the inside out.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: This sweet and savory salmon dish is a crowd-pleaser. The honey garlic glaze caramelizes beautifully on the salmon, creating a deliciously sticky and flavorful crust.

Apple Crisp: This classic dessert is a great way to use up any extra apples you have lying around. The warm, cinnamon-spiced apples are topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar crumble for the perfect balance of textures.

Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Whip up a creamy and cheesy dip featuring spinach and artichokes for a classic appetizer that never fails to impress. Serve with crispy bread or tortilla chips for a delicious pre-dinner snack.

Main Courses:

Beef Wellington: Imagine a perfectly seared beef tenderloin, coated in a layer of savory mushroom duxelles, all wrapped in a flaky puff pastry. The result is a show-stopping main course that is sure to impress your dinner guests.

Chicken Alfredo: Picture tender pieces of grilled chicken, smothered in a creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce, and served over a bed of perfectly cooked fettuccine. This classic Italian dish is comfort food at its finest.

Why trust this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe:

This recipe for sweet potato casserole with pecan crumble is a delightful combination of sweet potatoes, butter, and pecans. The sweet potatoes are mashed to perfection and combined with brown sugar, eggs, and heavy cream for a rich and creamy texture. The pecan crumble topping, made with flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, adds a delightful crunch. The use of pure vanilla extract and a sprinkle of sea salt elevates the flavors. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for any holiday feast.

Have you tried this delicious Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Recipe? Share your experience and any tweaks you made in the Baking and Desserts forum section!

FAQ:

Can I make this sweet potato casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this sweet potato casserole ahead of time. You can prepare the casserole up to two days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat it in the oven until warmed through.

Can I use a different type of nut for the pecan crumble?

Absolutely! If you prefer a different type of nut or have allergies, you can easily substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for the crumble topping.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?

While fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes as a time-saving alternative. Just make sure to drain them well before mashing and proceeding with the recipe.

Can I make this sweet potato casserole dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this sweet potato casserole dairy-free by using a dairy-free butter substitute and a non-dairy heavy cream alternative, such as coconut cream or almond milk. The taste and texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Can I freeze the sweet potato casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the sweet potato casserole. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven until warmed through.