If you're in search of a dish that's both comforting and a little bit indulgent, this Wholesome Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble is just the ticket. It's a perfect blend of creamy sweetness and nutty crunch, making it a hit for any occasion—from cozy family dinners to festive holiday feasts.
Sweet potatoes: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a creamy texture that forms the base of the casserole.
Granulated sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the sweet potatoes without overpowering their natural flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the mixture and helps create the perfect crumble topping.
Eggs: Act as a binder, giving the casserole structure and a creamy finish.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth, complementing the sweet notes of the potatoes.
Whole milk: Provides moisture and creaminess to the casserole mixture, ensuring a smooth texture.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a hint of spice, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the dish.
Salt: Enhances the flavors, allowing the sweetness and spices to shine through.
Chopped pecans: Provide a crunchy, nutty contrast to the creamy base.
Brown sugar: Sweetens the crumble topping and adds a slight caramel flavor.
All-purpose flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients together to form a delicious crumble.
This sweet potato casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham, making it an excellent choice for holiday meals. For a weeknight dinner, serve alongside grilled chicken or pork chops, and add a fresh green salad for balance.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, peel and cube about 4 pounds of sweet potatoes. Toss them into a large pot of boiling water. You’ll want them tender, so let them cook for around 20 minutes.
Once tender, drain the sweet potatoes and transfer them into a large mixing bowl. Mash them until smooth—no lumps here. Now, stir in the granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Next, spread this sweet potato mixture evenly into a 9x13-inch baking dish. In another bowl, prepare the topping by combining the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and softened butter. Mix these until they form a crumbly texture.
Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the sweet potatoes, ensuring an even layer. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crunchy.
Once done, let it cool just enough so you can handle it comfortably. Serve it up and enjoy every bite!