Name: Sweet Potato Casserole with Nutty Crumble Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 large sweet potatoes, about 3 pounds; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or melted butter, plus more for drizzling and the baking dish; 1¼ cups milk, plus more if necessary; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; ¾ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¼ cup fresh sage leaves, for garnish; ⅔ cup whole rolled oats; ½ cup pecans, plus more for garnish; ½ cup walnuts, plus more for garnish; 1 garlic clove; 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon maple syrup; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or melted butter; ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves; ½ teaspoon minced fresh rosemary; 1½ teaspoons sea salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s both wholesome and bursting with flavor, you’re in for a treat today. This Sweet Potato Casserole with Nutty Crumble Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for cozy family dinners and holiday gatherings alike. The creamy, spiced sweet potatoes paired with a crunchy, savory nut topping? Trust me, it’s pure magic—and I can’t wait to share how you can nail it in your own kitchen.

🤍

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The warm ginger and fresh herbs blend seamlessly with the natural sweetness of the potatoes and the nutty crunch.
Texture Heaven: Creamy sweet potato base with a satisfyingly crisp and aromatic crumble topping every time.
Great Make-Ahead Dinner: You can prep most of it ahead and finish baking right before serving, saving you time on busy days.
Family Favorite Status: My crew literally goes crazy for this version, and yours will too, I promise.

A white rectangular dish holds a layered pumpkin-colored puree spread evenly at the bottom. On top of this smooth orange layer is a textured crumb layer made of crushed walnuts and pecans, giving a crunchy appearance. Scattered on the crumb layer are whole pecans, which are darker brown and ridged. Fresh green sage leaves are arranged decoratively over the nuts, adding a bright contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and part of a woman's hand is seen at the bottom left corner, holding the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sweet Potato Casserole with Nutty Crumble, comforting sweet potato casserole, holiday sweet potato side dish, easy sweet potato casserole recipe, nutty crumble topping dessert

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a rich and aromatic casserole. I’ve found that simple, quality ingredients—like fresh sage and good maple syrup—really take this dish to the next level, so try to pick the best you can find.

Flat lay of five large bright orange sweet potatoes, a small white bowl of golden extra-virgin olive oil, a small white bowl of creamy milk, a small white bowl of fresh green sage leaves, a small white bowl of whole rolled oats, a small white bowl of whole pecans, a small white bowl of whole walnuts, one peeled garlic clove, a small white bowl of amber maple syrup, a small white bowl of dried thyme leaves, a small white bowl of minced fresh rosemary, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Sweet Potato Casserole with Nutty Crumble, comforting sweet potato casserole, holiday sweet potato side dish, easy sweet potato casserole recipe, nutty crumble topping dessert

Sweet potatoes: Look for large, firm potatoes with smooth skin for roasting evenly.
Extra-virgin olive oil or melted butter: Either works; butter adds richness while olive oil gives a subtle fruitiness.
Milk: Whole milk keeps the mash creamy—but you can sub with almond or oat milk if you prefer.
Ground ginger: A little warmth to complement the natural sweetness without overpowering.
Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential to balance flavors.
Fresh sage leaves: Adds an earthy, aromatic touch as a garnish.
Whole rolled oats: The base for the crumble’s texture—make sure they’re old-fashioned, not instant.
Pecans and walnuts: Both provide crunch and rich nuttiness; toast them lightly if you want an extra flavor punch.
Garlic clove: Just one—adds a subtle depth without taking over.
Maple syrup: My secret to a perfectly balanced crumble topping with a gentle sweetness.
Dried thyme and fresh rosemary: These herbs build a savory, slightly piney layer of flavor in the crumble.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Sweet Potato Casserole with Nutty Crumble Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Here are a few ways I’ve changed it up over the years—and you can have fun experimenting, too!

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg: I tried this twist one Thanksgiving, and it brought a cozy fall vibe that my guests adored.
Swap the nuts: If you’re allergic or prefer other nuts, almonds or hazelnuts make a lovely crumble topping.
Make it vegan: Use plant-based milk and olive oil or a vegan butter substitute to keep it dairy-free without losing creaminess.
Boost the savoriness: Stir in some grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese into the sweet potato mash for a more umami-packed dish.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Nutty Crumble Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes Until Tender

Preheat your oven to 425°F, and line a baking sheet with foil—it helps with quick cleanup. Use a fork to poke a few holes in the sweet potatoes; this helps steam escape so they cook evenly. Roast them on the baking sheet for about 60 minutes, or until they’re really soft when you squeeze or poke gently with a fork. Don’t rush this part! The tenderness here is key to a creamy mash later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Nutty Crumble Topping

While the sweet potatoes roast, toss your oats, pecans, walnuts, garlic, maple syrup, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper into a food processor. Pulse just until everything is combined but still has some texture. You want that topping to be crumbly and not paste-like. Set this mixture aside—it’s going to bring that delightful crunch we all crave.

Step 3: Mash and Season the Sweet Potatoes

Once your sweet potatoes are roasted and cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh into the food processor. Add in olive oil (or melted butter), milk, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth and creamy—but if it feels too thick, add a splash more milk. This is where the magic happens: the subtle warmth and seasoning really bring out the sweet potatoes’ natural richness.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread your creamy sweet potato mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish brushed with olive oil. Now generously sprinkle the nutty crumble topping all over, adding extra nuts and fresh sage leaves for a pop of color and fragrance. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil to help the topping crisp up beautifully. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, or until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and sounds crunchy when you lift the dish. Let it cool a few minutes before serving—it smells heavenly!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Casserole with Nutty Crumble Recipe

Roast Evenly: Choose sweet potatoes of similar size for consistent roasting times and texture.
Don’t Overprocess Topping: You want texture in the crumble, so pulse just to combine, not pureed to a paste.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh rosemary and sage really makes the topping’s flavor pop—dry herbs just don’t give the same aroma.
Avoid Soggy Casserole: Make sure your sweet potato mash isn’t too wet; a slightly thick consistency keeps the topping crisp.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Nutty Crumble Recipe

Sweet Potato Casserole with Nutty Crumble Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with a few extra fresh sage leaves because their peppery, piney flavor is just the perfect contrast. Toasted pecans scattered on top add both beauty and crunch, making the dish feel festive and inviting.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines alongside roast turkey or chicken for Sunday dinners or Thanksgiving. I often serve it with simple steamed green beans or a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to bake this in individual ramekins topped with mini nut crumbles and a fresh herb sprig; it feels special and lets everyone enjoy their own personal portion. Layering the casserole in a clear glass dish also shows off the beautiful orange mash with the golden crumble on top—such a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully, and the flavors actually mellow and deepen, if you can believe it.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole many times with great results. Just freeze tightly wrapped in foil or in an airtight container before baking the crumble topping. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake directly until warmed through and crunchy.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for about 20 minutes, uncovering at the end to crisp the topping again. Avoid microwaving unless in a pinch, since the topping loses its crunch that way.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this Sweet Potato Casserole with Nutty Crumble Recipe?

While canned sweet potatoes might save time, I find that roasting fresh sweet potatoes gives a richer flavor and better texture for this recipe. The roasting also concentrates their sweetness, which canned versions sometimes lack.
What’s the best way to toast the nuts for the crumble topping?

Toasting nuts enhances their flavor dramatically. I spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Just watch carefully—they can burn quickly!
Can I prep this casserole entirely ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can roast and mash the sweet potatoes a day ahead, prepare the crumble topping, and assemble the dish in your baking dish. Keep it covered in the fridge overnight and then bake it fresh just before serving.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Simply swap the milk for your favorite plant-based milk, and use olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious without dairy.
Why is my crumble topping sometimes soggy?

That usually happens if the sweet potato mash is too wet or if the topping gets covered too tightly before baking. Make sure your mash is thick enough, and bake uncovered so the crunch can develop.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Sweet Potato Casserole with Nutty Crumble Recipe turns out every time—it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that feels fancy without fuss. When I first tried it, my family couldn’t stop raving, and I think you’ll find it earns a spot on your regular dinner rotation too. Give it a go, and enjoy the mix of creamy comfort and nutty crunch that only a dish like this can offer.