There's something magical about the warm, sweet aroma of sweet potato casserole baking in the oven. Topped with a buttery, nutty pecan crumble, this dish is the perfect blend of comfort food and holiday decadence. Whether you're making it for Thanksgiving, a potluck, or a cozy family dinner, it’s bound to steal the show.

I first fell in love with this recipe when hosting my first Thanksgiving dinner. With its creamy sweet potato base and irresistible topping, it quickly became a family tradition—and one that I now can’t imagine our holiday table without.

Why You'll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble

Get ready to make this year's Thanksgiving feast unforgettable with this show-stopping casserole. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it's also surprisingly simple to whip up.

First, let’s talk texture. The silky smooth sweet potatoes pair perfectly with the crunchy, buttery pecan crumble. It’s like having dessert for dinner—but in the best way possible.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. While it shines as a Thanksgiving side, it works just as well as a make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or a potluck crowd-pleaser.

Finally, it's a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. The natural sweetness of the potatoes combined with the irresistible crumble topping means there won’t be any leftovers—no matter how big the batch!

Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this casserole so special.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to this sweet potato casserole lies in its carefully balanced ingredients. From the rich sweet potato base to the nutty pecan topping, every element adds to its irresistible charm.

Sweet Potatoes: Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes with smooth skin. They’ll give you that natural sweetness and creamy texture. Bake or boil them before mashing to bring out their full flavor.
Brown Sugar: Used in both the base and the topping, this adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness. You can swap in coconut sugar if you prefer.
Butter: Unsalted butter works best, letting you control the salt in the recipe. Its richness enhances both the potatoes and the pecan topping.
Pecans: Fresh, crunchy pecans are key. Toasting them briefly before mixing them into the topping intensifies their flavor.
Spices: Cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg are all you need to give this dish a warm, cozy flavor profile.

Special equipment? You’ll need a 9x13-inch baking dish to give your casserole room to shine. A hand mixer also makes quick work of the sweet potato mash.

How To Make This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble

Creating this masterpiece is as simple as it is satisfying. Follow these steps for a fail-proof, crowd-pleasing dish.

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Bake the sweet potatoes until they’re fork-tender, about 45-60 minutes. Let them cool slightly, then peel and mash them until smooth.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and spices. Beat until creamy and well blended. Spread the mixture evenly into your baking dish.
Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Stir until crumbly and well-coated.
Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the pecan topping generously over the sweet potato base. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbling.

Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly as this casserole bakes. Once it's done, let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving—it’ll be hard to resist diving in!

Storage Options

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep your casserole fresh and delicious.

Refrigerate: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to cover it tightly to maintain its moisture.
Freeze: This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this sweet potato casserole is how easily it can be customized to suit your preferences.

Nut-Free Version: Swap the pecans for rolled oats or sunflower seeds to keep the topping crunchy and flavorful without the nuts.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water).
Spiced Twist: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for a unique flavor upgrade.
Marshmallow Topping: For a more traditional take, swap the pecan crumble for mini marshmallows. Add them during the last 10 minutes of baking to avoid over-browning.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is forgiving and adapts beautifully to different flavors and dietary needs.

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Butter Pecan Crumble is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that’s guaranteed to bring people together. Whether you’re serving it as part of a holiday feast or enjoying it on a regular weeknight, this dish is one you’ll come back to again and again. Happy cooking!