There’s something so comforting about a sweet potato casserole that’s creamy, spiced, and topped with a crunchy pecan crumble.
This sweet potato casserole pineapple version is a delicious twist that brings natural sweetness, cozy spices, and a buttery nutty topping.
It’s a perfect side dish for holidays, family gatherings, or even a cozy Sunday dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It combines creamy sweet potatoes with warm spices and a crunchy topping.
The buttery brown sugar pecan crumble adds texture and sweetness.
It’s simple to prepare ahead, making holiday cooking easier.
It’s a crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs beautifully with savory mains.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Sweet potatoes are the hearty base, naturally sweet and creamy when mashed.
Brown sugar balances with richness and enhances flavor.
Half and half and butter create a silky smooth texture.
Pecans add crunch and a nutty flavor to the crumble topping.
Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring a holiday touch.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Cut potatoes into even pieces so they cook evenly.
Mash until smooth but leave small lumps for texture.
Toast pecans lightly before adding for deeper flavor.
Cover with foil during baking to prevent burning, then uncover for a golden top.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole Pineapple
Step 1 – Prep the oven and dish
Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C).
Spray a medium baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
Step 2 – Cook the sweet potatoes
Boil peeled and cut sweet potatoes in water over medium-high heat for 14–18 minutes, until fork-tender.
Step 3 – Mash and mix
Transfer potatoes to a bowl.
Add brown sugar, half and half, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt.
Mash until mostly smooth with small lumps.
Spread evenly in the prepared dish.
Step 4 – Make the crumble topping
In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, chopped pecans, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over potatoes.
Garnish with pecan halves if desired.
Step 5 – Bake to perfection
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until topping is golden and pecans are toasted.
Step 6 – Rest and serve
Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
What to Serve Them With
Pairs perfectly with roasted turkey or ham.
Serve alongside green beans, Brussels sprouts, or salad.
Enjoy with other classic holiday sides like stuffing or cranberry sauce.
Variations / Substitutions
Add crushed pineapple to the potato base for extra sweetness.
Use walnuts instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
Try marshmallow topping in place of the pecan crumble.
Make it dairy-free with coconut milk and vegan butter.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months; thaw before baking.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and bake before serving.
Can I add pineapple to the base mixture?
Yes, crushed pineapple works well for extra sweetness and moisture.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling gives a smoother mash, but you can leave skin on for more texture.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but fresh sweet potatoes give the best flavor and texture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free flour blend in the crumble topping.
What if I don’t have half and half?
You can use heavy cream, whole milk, or even coconut milk.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, cut the brown sugar slightly in the base or topping if desired.
Can I substitute butter with oil?
Butter is best for flavor, but coconut oil works as a substitute.
How do I keep the topping crunchy?
Bake uncovered at the end to toast the pecans and crisp the crumble.
Is this dish sweet or savory?
It’s a lightly sweet side dish with warm spices, perfect for balancing savory mains.
Final Thoughts
This sweet potato casserole pineapple is the perfect balance of creamy, spiced, and crunchy.
It’s a dish that feels festive yet comforting, and one that will quickly become a holiday favorite.
