Classic Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole You’ll Crave Year-Round

Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole is that one dish that shows up to Thanksgiving dinner, steals the spotlight from the turkey, and has everyone sneaking back for seconds. It’s creamy, dreamy, and has that sweet-savory balance that even the pickiest eater at the table can’t say no to. This casserole isn’t just a side dish—it’s a little holiday miracle in a 9×13 dish.

Whether you’re planning a big family dinner or a cozy Friendsgiving, adding Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole to the menu is a no-brainer. The best part? It feels like dessert, but totally counts as a vegetable. Let’s talk about how this easy comfort food favorite, loaded with buttery mashed sweet potatoes and topped with a brown sugar coconut-pecan crunch, might just be the MVP of your holiday spread.

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What is Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole?

Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole is a Southern-style baked dish made with mashed sweet potatoes as the base and topped with a buttery, nutty, sweet crumble. It’s warm, comforting, and typically served as a side during holiday meals—though if you told me you ate it for dessert, I wouldn’t blame you. The “crunch” comes from the brown sugar pecan topping mixed with sweetened coconut and just enough flour and butter to make it irresistibly crisp after baking.

Inside, the sweet potatoes are mashed with milk, sugar, vanilla, and eggs for a custard-like texture that’s just begging to be scooped. This dish has all the cozy vibes of sweet potato pie without the crust, and enough texture and flavor to keep it interesting on your plate. It’s not fancy or fussy, just good old-fashioned comfort food at its finest.

Reasons to Try Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole

If your holiday table could talk, it would probably ask you to make Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole. Here’s why: first, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Even the family members who “don’t like sweet potatoes” find themselves going in for another scoop (maybe it’s the brown sugar and pecans doing the heavy lifting). Second, this casserole is make-ahead friendly.

Prep it the day before, toss it in the oven before dinner, and boom—your kitchen still looks calm, and you look like you’ve got it all together. Third, the texture contrast is everything. You’ve got creamy mashed sweet potatoes layered with that buttery, golden-brown topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. And if you’re cooking for kids, it secretly gets them eating vegetables—tastes like dessert, counts as a veggie. Win-win. Plus, it pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, or any protein you’re serving. Trust me, it’s the side dish people will ask for the recipe.

Ingredients Needed to Make Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole

• 6 sweet potatoes
• ⅓ cup butter
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• ½ cup milk
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crunch Topping:

• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup sweetened flaked coconut
• ¾ cup chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions to Make Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole

If you’re the kind of cook who appreciates clear directions and a sprinkle of kitchen confidence, you’re in the right place. This step-by-step Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole guide will walk you through every move from prep to bake, so you’re never left second-guessing what comes next. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making this just because (yes, it’s that good), these detailed steps will help you pull it off with ease—and maybe even a little flair.

Want to see more sweet potato side dishes? Check out our Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole for another family favorite.

Step 1: Boil and Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Start by giving your sweet potatoes a good rinse. Don’t worry about peeling them just yet—you can save time by boiling them with the skins on. Place the whole sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to bring out their natural sweetness. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork slides in easily. Once cooked, drain the water and let the potatoes cool slightly before peeling. The skins should slide right off like a dream.

👉 Tip: Need help selecting the best sweet potatoes? Read our guide to ingredient prep tips to choose the right size and type.

Step 2: Mash and Mix the Sweet Potato Base

Place the peeled sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add ⅓ cup of butter and 2 tablespoons of white sugar, then mash until smooth using a potato masher or electric mixer. You’re looking for a soft, creamy texture—no chunks left behind. Once the potatoes are mashed, mix in ½ cup of milk, 2 beaten eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer for the best consistency. This will turn your mashed potatoes into a smooth, slightly custardy base with just enough sweetness to shine under the topping.

👉 Craving more cozy fall sides? You’ll love our Creamy Butternut Squash Soup.

Step 3: Assemble the First Layer in the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour half of the sweet potato mixture into the dish and gently spread it out into an even layer with a spatula. This is the creamy foundation for your crunchy topping, so make it nice and smooth.

👉 Need a dairy-free version? Swap the milk and butter with your favorite alternatives. Our ingredient substitution tips can help.

Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping

In a separate bowl, combine ¾ cup brown sugar, ¾ cup sweetened flaked coconut, ¾ cup chopped pecans, and 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Stir everything together until evenly mixed. Then, drizzle in 3 tablespoons of melted butter and stir again until the mixture becomes crumbly and well-coated. This is where the “crunch” in Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole truly comes to life—think sweet, nutty, and buttery with just the right amount of chew from the coconut.

👉 Pro tip: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to the topping for extra warm flavor.

Step 5: Layer and Finish Assembling the Casserole

Sprinkle half of the topping mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer in the baking dish. This adds a surprise crunch in the middle. Pour the remaining sweet potato mixture on top and gently smooth it out again. Finally, top with the rest of the crunchy topping, spreading it evenly across the surface so every bite gets a little of that buttery crisp.

👉 Want a double crunch experience? Consider doubling the topping and layering it thicker on top!

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Set

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. The topping should turn a beautiful golden brown, and the sweet potato base will be fully set and slightly puffed. Your kitchen will smell like a bakery-meets-holiday-heaven, and that’s when you know it’s almost ready.

When it’s done, let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. This makes it easier to slice and serve cleanly without falling apart—and honestly, it just tastes better after settling.

👉 Make this ahead? Assemble everything and refrigerate overnight. Then, bake fresh before serving. Check out our holiday prep recipes for other make-ahead ideas.

What to Serve with Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole

This casserole may be a side, but it plays nice with just about everything. It’s dreamy next to a Juicy Dry-Brined Spatchcock Turkey or glazed ham. The sweetness also balances out spicier dishes, so if you’re serving something like Apple Cider Chicken or Green Thai Chicken Coconut Curry, this dish adds a little mellow charm. On a fall or winter table, it pairs beautifully with roasted brussels sprouts, a tangy cranberry relish, or a crisp salad to cut the richness. Honestly, it’s one of those dishes that could show up solo at a potluck and still get rave reviews.

Key Tips for Making Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole

• Use fresh sweet potatoes if you can—they give the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t skip the eggs! They help set the casserole and give it that custardy, soufflé-like vibe.
• You can mash by hand, but a mixer gives you that ultra-smooth consistency that feels almost like pie filling.
• Want a thicker crunch? Double the topping (nobody’s judging).
• Make it ahead! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
• If coconut’s not your thing, you can leave it out or sub with rolled oats for texture without the tropical flair.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store your Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also cover the whole dish tightly with foil and refrigerate. To reheat, pop it back into a 325°F oven for about 20–25 minutes until warmed through and the topping crisps up again. For single servings, a quick spin in the microwave works—just note the topping might lose a little of its crunch. Want to freeze it? Totally doable. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Honestly, it tastes just as good the next day—maybe better.

FAQs

Can I make this without coconut?
Absolutely. Just skip it or replace it with oats, more pecans, or even crushed graham crackers.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but drain them well and reduce added sugar slightly since they’re often pre-sweetened.

Is this more of a dessert or a side dish?
Honestly… both. It’s served as a side, but tastes like dessert. Basically, it’s living its best double life.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Totally. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Bake when you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole is the dish that turns heads and keeps plates full. Whether it’s the comforting mashed sweet potato base or that buttery, nutty topping that wins people over, one thing’s for sure—this casserole belongs on your table. It’s warm, cozy, just the right amount of sweet, and packed with feel-good flavors. Add it to your holiday menu (or let’s be real—any Sunday dinner that needs a little extra magic) and watch it disappear. Looking for more cozy, crave-worthy recipes? Browse our collection of seasonal favorites like Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle or Soft Baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls to round out your feast.

Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.

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