This sweet potato casserole is a warm, comforting dish topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. Perfect for family gatherings, its sweet and nutty flavors make it a holiday favorite!
Honestly, who can resist that crispy topping? I often make it just to enjoy a little extra of that pecan crunch. It’s so easy, you can whip it up and impress everyone with minimal effort!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of this dish! I recommend using medium to large sweet potatoes baked or boiled. If you’re short on time, canned sweet potatoes can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best for flavor!
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with maple syrup or honey—just remember it might change the texture a bit!
Milk: Whole milk makes this creamy, but any type of milk will do. For a dairy-free option, almond milk or coconut milk works great too!
Pecans: They add a lovely crunch. If you’re nut-free, try using crushed graham crackers or oats for the topping instead. They don’t have quite the same flavor, but they add nice texture!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Sweet Potatoes?
Getting the sweet potatoes just right is crucial for a smooth and creamy base. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes for quicker cooking.
- Boil them in water until they are fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. This helps achieve the soft, mashed consistency.
- After draining, mash them while still warm for the best texture. Let them cool a little before mixing in other ingredients to avoid cooking the eggs.
With these tips, your sweet potato casserole will surely be a hit at your next meal!
Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Streusel
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Pecan Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 20 minutes to prepare and roughly 30-40 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour, which is perfect for getting ready for dinner or a holiday feast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes into small cubes. Boil them in a large pot of water until they become fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Once tender, drain them and mash them until smooth, then let them cool slightly before proceeding.
2. Preheat Your Oven:
While the sweet potatoes are cooling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13 inch casserole dish and grease it with butter or a non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Sweet Potato Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the smooth mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, salt, and if you’re feeling it, add cinnamon and nutmeg for extra flavor. Mix everything well until it’s fully blended and creamy—this is your sweet potato base!
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
5. Prepare the Pecan Streusel Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon. Now, add the cold butter pieces. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the ingredients look like coarse crumbs. This is the streusel topping that will add a delightful crunch!
6. Top the Casserole:
Evenly sprinkle the pecan streusel over the sweet potato mixture, making sure to cover it well for the best texture and flavor.
7. Bake the Casserole:
Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. You may want to keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This casserole is best served warm and is a perfect addition to holiday meals or cozy family dinners!
Enjoy your creamy sweet potato base topped with crunchy pecans—it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Canned sweet potatoes are convenient but drain them well before mashing. Using about 3 cups of canned sweet potatoes should work nicely.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add the streusel topping right before baking to keep it crunchy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Substitute Pecans with Another Nut?
Yes, feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or almonds based on your preference! If you need a nut-free option, try using oats mixed with a bit of brown sugar for the streusel topping.
