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Crispy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe – Best Brown Sugar Pecan Topping

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This crispy sweet potato casserole features a velvety sweet potato base topped with a crunchy brown sugar pecan crust. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for holidays or weeknight comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
  • Pinch of salt (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for topping)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or ginger (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Place peeled sweet potato chunks in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
  3. Drain the potatoes well and let cool for 5 minutes. Mash with a potato masher or use an electric mixer for creamier texture.
  4. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, milk, eggs, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
  5. Pour sweet potato mixture into prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. In a separate bowl, stir together chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix until crumbly.
  7. Sprinkle pecan mixture evenly over sweet potato base. Press topping gently into the surface for extra crunch.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until topping is golden brown and crispy and edges bubble slightly. Check at 20 minutes; if topping browns too fast, cover loosely with foil.
  9. If using marshmallows, scatter on top after 25 minutes and return to oven for 5 minutes, until puffed and golden.
  10. Remove from oven and set dish on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend in the topping. For vegan, substitute dairy-free milk, vegan butter, and flax eggs. Omit nuts for nut-free. Bake uncovered for maximum crispiness. For extra crunch, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely. Leftovers reheat best in the oven to restore the crispy topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, brown sugar pecan topping, Thanksgiving, holiday side, comfort food, easy casserole, vegetarian, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/crispy-sweet-potato-casserole-recipe-best-brown-sugar-pecan-topping/