Oh my goodness, let me tell you about sweet potato casserole! This dish is an absolute showstopper, and trust me, it’s not just for Thanksgiving! With its rich, creamy sweet potatoes blended to perfection and that delightful crunchy pecan streusel on top, it’s like a warm hug on a plate. The sweetness of the potatoes paired with the buttery, nutty crunch of the pecans creates a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with just about any meal, making it a go-to side dish for holidays or cozy family dinners. I simply can’t get enough of this comforting classic, and I know you’ll love it too!
Ingredients List
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds, peeled and mashed)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
How to Prepare Sweet Potato Casserole
Now, let’s dive into making this wonderful sweet potato casserole! I promise, it’s easier than it looks, and the end result is absolutely worth it. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish that’ll impress everyone!
Prepping the Sweet Potatoes
First things first, the sweet potatoes! I love using large, vibrant sweet potatoes for this dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and poke several holes in the sweet potatoes with a fork. This helps them bake evenly and prevents them from bursting in the oven—yikes! Bake them for about 45-60 minutes until they’re tender. You can test doneness by inserting a fork; it should slide in easily. Once they’re cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and mash them in a large bowl until smooth. This step is crucial for achieving that creamy texture!
Making the Sweet Potato Mixture
Now, onto the fun part! In the bowl with your mashed sweet potatoes, add the packed brown sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and kosher salt. Mix everything together until it’s super smooth and well combined. Don’t rush this step—getting a lovely, creamy consistency is key to a fabulous casserole!
Preparing the Pecan Streusel Topping
In a separate bowl, let’s whip up that crunchy pecan streusel topping! Combine the chopped pecans, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and softened butter. Mix it all together with your fingers or a fork until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want a nice, crumbly texture that’ll create that heavenly crunch when baked. Trust me, this topping is what takes your casserole to the next level!
Baking Instructions
Alright, it’s time to bake! Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and pour the sweet potato mixture into it, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the pecan streusel topping generously over the sweet potato layer. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. To check for doneness, just gently shake the dish; it should have a slight jiggle but not be too wobbly. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Yum!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this delightful sweet potato casserole is estimated to contain about 350 calories, making it a satisfying addition to any meal. You’ll find 15 grams of fat, including 5 grams of saturated fat, along with 5 grams of protein and 50 grams of carbohydrates. It also packs in 20 grams of sugar and 5 grams of fiber, which gives it a nice balance. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust accordingly. Enjoy this delicious dish while keeping track of your nutritional needs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and flavorful: The combination of sweet potatoes and pecans creates a mouthwatering dish that’s simply irresistible.
- Quick preparation time: With straightforward steps, you’ll have this casserole ready in no time, making it perfect for busy cooks!
- Perfect for holiday gatherings: This sweet potato casserole is a crowd-pleaser, adding warmth and comfort to any festive table.
- Vegetarian-friendly: It’s a delicious option that everyone can enjoy, especially those who prefer plant-based dishes.
- Versatile with ingredient substitutions: Feel free to swap ingredients like using walnuts instead of pecans or adding mini marshmallows for a sweet twist!
Tips for Success
To achieve the best sweet potato casserole, start by selecting the right sweet potatoes—look for firm, smooth-skinned ones that feel heavy for their size. This ensures a creamy texture when mashed. When baking, don’t rush the process; let them cool sufficiently before peeling to avoid burning your fingers!
For that perfect streusel topping, make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this helps create those lovely, crumbly bits. If you want an extra crunch, try toasting the pecans lightly before mixing them in. And remember, when baking, keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes—ovens can vary, and we want that topping to be beautifully golden without overcooking!
Variations
One of the best things about sweet potato casserole is how easily it can be customized! For a fun twist, try adding mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for that classic, sweet touch. If you prefer a different nut, walnuts make a fantastic alternative to pecans, offering a slightly different flavor profile. Want to spice things up? Consider incorporating ground ginger or allspice into the sweet potato mixture for a warm, aromatic kick. You can even experiment with a touch of maple syrup instead of brown sugar for an extra depth of flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving sweet potato casserole, the options are endless! This delightful dish pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or glazed ham, making it an ideal addition to any holiday feast. For a cozy family dinner, try it alongside herb-crusted chicken or savory pork chops. Want to keep things vegetarian? Serve it with a hearty quinoa salad or grilled vegetable skewers for a balanced meal. Don’t forget to complement it with some fresh cranberry sauce or a zesty green salad to brighten up the plate. No matter what you choose, this casserole will shine as the star side dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftover sweet potato casserole, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to save it for later, it freezes beautifully! Just portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through, and enjoy that comforting flavor once more!
Print
Sweet Potato Casserole: A Comforting Culinary Masterpiece
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and flavorful sweet potato casserole topped with a crunchy pecan streusel.
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork and bake for 45-60 minutes until tender.
- Allow sweet potatoes to cool, then peel and mash in a large bowl.
- Add brown sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, flour, granulated sugar, and softened butter. Mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
Notes
- For a twist, add mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred.
- Make it ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. Just increase baking time slightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: sweet potato casserole, holiday side dish, vegetarian casserole
