This Sweet Potato Casserole is a warm, comforting dish topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. It’s sweet, creamy, and perfect for family gatherings or holiday dinners!
I love how the pecans add a delightful crunch. Just when you think it can’t get any better, the sweet potatoes melt in your mouth. It’s a crowd-pleaser, trust me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Look for firm, smooth sweet potatoes for the best texture. If you’re in a pinch, butternut squash or pumpkin puree could work in a similar way.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar is great for sweetness, but if you prefer natural options, honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar can serve as good substitutes. Just adjust the amounts as these options can be sweeter.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add a wonderful crunch. If you’re allergic or prefer another nut, walnuts or almonds can be nice alternatives, although the flavor will vary a bit. You can also skip nuts altogether for a nut-free version!
Butter: Unsalted butter is key for flavor control. If you’re dairy-free, you can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
How Do I Get the Sweet Potatoes Extra Creamy?
The key to a smooth sweet potato base is proper mashing. Use a potato masher or a hand mixer for a fluffy texture. Ensure you boil the sweet potatoes until they’re completely tender, around 15-20 minutes.
- Peel and chop the sweet potatoes for quick cooking.
- Make sure to drain them well after boiling to avoid excess liquid, which can lead to a watery consistency.
- Mix in other ingredients while the sweet potatoes are still warm for better blending.
These steps will help achieve that creamy, dreamy consistency that makes this casserole so delicious!
Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Streusel
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 to 4 pounds)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
For the Pecan Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sweet potato casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll spend about 50 minutes getting this delightful dish ready, making it a great choice for family dinners or holiday feasts!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, take a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish or a similarly sized oval dish and set it aside. This will be where all the magic happens!
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
Next, peel the sweet potatoes and chop them into chunks for quicker cooking. Place the chunks into a large pot filled with water and bring it to a boil. Let them cook until they’re very tender, which will take about 15-20 minutes. Once they are tender, drain the sweet potatoes well in a colander.
3. Mash Those Sweet Potatoes:
Once drained, place the sweet potatoes in a large bowl and mash them thoroughly until smooth. You can use a potato masher or a hand mixer for this step. Now, it’s time to add some flavor!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the granulated sugar, softened butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and the optional ground cinnamon. Mix everything together until you have a well-combined, creamy mixture. It’s going to be delicious!
5. Spread the Sweet Potato Mixture:
Now that your sweet potato base is ready, transfer it into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
6. Make the Pecan Streusel Topping:
For the streusel, combine chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Just stir until it becomes crumbly and deliciously mixed.
7. Top It Off:
Evenly sprinkle the pecan streusel topping over the sweet potato mixture. This will add a delightful crunch!
8. Bake Away:
Place the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and crisp!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This dish is warm, comforting, and sure to please everyone at your table. Enjoy!
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel is a wonderful side dish for holiday meals, family dinners, or any cozy occasion. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes for convenience! Use about 3 cups of drained, mashed canned sweet potatoes. Just skip the boiling step and mix them directly with the other ingredients. You may want to reduce the sugar slightly, as canned sweet potatoes can be sweeter than fresh ones.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole with the streusel topping just before baking. This way, you’ll save time on the day of your event!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover sweet potato casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or you can use the microwave for quick reheating.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! Just assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until heated through.
