🎉 Introduction

Nothing says comfort quite like a warm, creamy sweet potato casserole, especially when it’s topped with a buttery, nutty crumble that adds the perfect crunch. This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Topping takes everything you love about the classic holiday dish and adds a naturally sweet, wholesome twist — thanks to Medjool dates, almond flour, and pepitas.

It’s smooth, rich, and lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, balanced by the earthy crunch of pecans and pumpkin seeds. Every bite is a harmony of textures and flavors: buttery sweet potatoes, caramel-like dates, and a golden, crisp topping that melts in your mouth.

Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy family dinner, this casserole is guaranteed to impress. It’s a classic Southern-inspired side dish with a nutritious modern twist — comforting, wholesome, and completely irresistible.

Let’s make the Best Sweet Potato Casserole Side Dish Recipe with Pecan Crumble Topping — your new favorite addition to every holiday table.

🧰 Equipment Needed

To make this beautiful, crowd-pleasing casserole, you’ll need:

• Large pot (for boiling sweet potatoes)
• Colander (for draining)
• Potato masher or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk or fork
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Oven mitts

Optional:

• Food processor (for chopping nuts or pureeing sweet potatoes)

🛒 Ingredients

Fruits & Vegetables

• 3 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 Medjool dates, pitted and roughly chopped

Dry Ingredients & Spices

• ¼ cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nuts & Seeds

• ¾ cup pecans, chopped
• ¼ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Dairy

• ⅜ cup (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, divided
• ¼ cup milk (whole or 2%)

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

1. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into evenly sized chunks.
2. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water.
3. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
5. Drain well and return to the pot.

Step 2: Mash the Potatoes

1. Add 4 tablespoons of butter to the hot sweet potatoes.
2. Mash until smooth and creamy.
3. Stir in milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt.
4. Fold in the chopped Medjool dates for natural sweetness and texture.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — add more cinnamon or salt to balance flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Crumble Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, pecans, pepitas, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
2. Mix until the nuts are evenly coated and crumbly.
3. For a more decadent topping, you can add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup (optional).

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
4. Sprinkle the pecan crumble mixture evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and fragrant.
2. The casserole should be bubbling slightly around the edges, with a crispy, toasty topping.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving — this allows the filling to set slightly.
2. Serve warm, straight from the dish, with extra pecans or a drizzle of honey on top for presentation.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 8–10
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes

Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or Sunday family dinners.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

• Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
• For a quick option, microwave individual portions for 45–60 seconds.

🥄 Variations

• Maple-Pecan Casserole: Add 2 tablespoons maple syrup to the sweet potato base and drizzle a bit more on top before serving.
• Coconut Cream Version: Replace milk with coconut milk and butter with coconut oil for a tropical twist.
• Spiced Autumn Flavor: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra warmth.
• Marshmallow-Topped Option: Add a layer of mini marshmallows over the pecan crumble during the last 5 minutes of baking for that classic holiday look.
• Vegan-Friendly Version: Replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, and milk with plant-based milk.
• Crunchy Oat Topping: Mix in ¼ cup rolled oats with the crumble for added texture.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but fresh sweet potatoes provide the best flavor and texture. If using canned, drain well before mashing.

2. What’s the best cheese to pair with this?
While not traditional, a sprinkle of Parmesan or Gruyère adds a savory contrast to the sweetness.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (without baking) and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving.

4. Can I reduce the sweetness?
Yes, omit the dates or use fewer — they add natural sweetness, so you won’t need extra sugar.

5. Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds work great. You can also make a nut-free version with extra pepitas or oats.

6. How do I make it creamier?
Add an extra ¼ cup milk or a spoonful of sour cream to the mashed sweet potatoes.

7. Can I make this gluten-free?
It already is! Almond flour replaces wheat flour, keeping it gluten-free and delicious.

8. What protein pairs best with this dish?
It’s perfect with roasted chicken, turkey, salmon, or grilled tofu.

9. How can I prevent the topping from burning?
If it browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger casserole dish and increase the bake time by 10–15 minutes.

🏁 Conclusion

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Topping is the ultimate comfort dish — warm, creamy, and filled with flavor. The sweetness of the mashed sweet potatoes meets the crunch of toasted pecans and pepitas, creating a perfect balance of soft and crisp textures.

The dates add a natural caramel note that takes this dish from ordinary to extraordinary, while the almond flour crumble keeps it light and slightly nutty. It’s indulgent without being heavy — just the kind of side dish that disappears from the table before you can blink.

Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy dinner at home, this casserole brings the perfect mix of tradition, nutrition, and Southern charm. Every forkful tastes like comfort, celebration, and the joy of homemade cooking.

So grab your sweet potatoes, preheat your oven, and get ready to serve a dish that will become everyone’s favorite holiday memory.

Adam

Best Sweet Potato Casserole Side Dish Recipe with Pecan Crumble Topping – Sweet, Nutty, and Comforting Perfection!

Nothing says comfort quite like a warm, creamy sweet potato casserole, especially when it’s topped with a buttery, nutty crumble that adds the perfect crunch. This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Topping takes everything you love about the classic holiday dish and adds a naturally sweet, wholesome twist — thanks to Medjool dates, almond flour, and pepitas. It’s smooth, rich, and lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, balanced by the earthy crunch of pecans and pumpkin seeds. Every bite is a harmony of textures and flavors: buttery sweet potatoes, caramel-like dates, and a golden, crisp topping that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy family dinner, this casserole is guaranteed to impress. It’s a classic Southern-inspired side dish with a nutritious modern twist — comforting, wholesome, and completely irresistible. Let’s make the Best Sweet Potato Casserole Side Dish Recipe with Pecan Crumble Topping — your new favorite addition to every holiday table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Fruits & Vegetables

• 3 large sweet potatoes about 3 pounds, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 Medjool dates pitted and roughly chopped

Dry Ingredients & Spices

• ¼ cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nuts & Seeds

• ¾ cup pecans chopped
• ¼ cup pepitas pumpkin seeds

Dairy

• ⅜ cup 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• ¼ cup milk whole or 2%

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Equipment

• To make this beautiful, crowd-pleasing casserole, you’ll need:
• large pot (for boiling sweet potatoes)
• Colander (for draining)
• Potato masher or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk or fork
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Oven mitts
• Optional:
• Food processor (for chopping nuts or pureeing sweet potatoes)

Method

 

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

1. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into evenly sized chunks.
2. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water.
3. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
5. Drain well and return to the pot.

Step 2: Mash the Potatoes

1. Add 4 tablespoons of butter to the hot sweet potatoes.
2. Mash until smooth and creamy.
3. Stir in milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt.
4. Fold in the chopped Medjool dates for natural sweetness and texture.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — add more cinnamon or salt to balance flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Crumble Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, pecans, pepitas, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
2. Mix until the nuts are evenly coated and crumbly.
3. For a more decadent topping, you can add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup (optional).

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
4. Sprinkle the pecan crumble mixture evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and fragrant.
2. The casserole should be bubbling slightly around the edges, with a crispy, toasty topping.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving — this allows the filling to set slightly.
2. Serve warm, straight from the dish, with extra pecans or a drizzle of honey on top for presentation.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Freeze in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.

For a quick option, microwave individual portions for 45–60 seconds.

🥄 Variations

Maple-Pecan Casserole: Add 2 tablespoons maple syrup to the sweet potato base and drizzle a bit more on top before serving.

Coconut Cream Version: Replace milk with coconut milk and butter with coconut oil for a tropical twist.

Spiced Autumn Flavor: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra warmth.

Marshmallow-Topped Option: Add a layer of mini marshmallows over the pecan crumble during the last 5 minutes of baking for that classic holiday look.

Vegan-Friendly Version: Replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, and milk with plant-based milk.

Crunchy Oat Topping: Mix in ¼ cup rolled oats with the crumble for added texture.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but fresh sweet potatoes provide the best flavor and texture. If using canned, drain well before mashing.

2. What’s the best cheese to pair with this?
While not traditional, a sprinkle of Parmesan or Gruyère adds a savory contrast to the sweetness.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole (without baking) and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving.

4. Can I reduce the sweetness?
Yes, omit the dates or use fewer — they add natural sweetness, so you won’t need extra sugar.

5. Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds work great. You can also make a nut-free version with extra pepitas or oats.

6. How do I make it creamier?
Add an extra ¼ cup milk or a spoonful of sour cream to the mashed sweet potatoes.

7. Can I make this gluten-free?
It already is! Almond flour replaces wheat flour, keeping it gluten-free and delicious.

8. What protein pairs best with this dish?
It’s perfect with roasted chicken, turkey, salmon, or grilled tofu.

9. How can I prevent the topping from burning?
If it browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger casserole dish and increase the bake time by 10–15 minutes.

🏁 Conclusion

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Topping is the ultimate comfort dish — warm, creamy, and filled with flavor. The sweetness of the mashed sweet potatoes meets the crunch of toasted pecans and pepitas, creating a perfect balance of soft and crisp textures.

The dates add a natural caramel note that takes this dish from ordinary to extraordinary, while the almond flour crumble keeps it light and slightly nutty. It’s indulgent without being heavy — just the kind of side dish that disappears from the table before you can blink.

Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy dinner at home, this casserole brings the perfect mix of tradition, nutrition, and Southern charm. Every forkful tastes like comfort, celebration, and the joy of homemade cooking.

So grab your sweet potatoes, preheat your oven, and get ready to serve a dish that will become everyone’s favorite holiday memory.