This Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect mix of creamy sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. It’s a cozy dish that warms your heart and your belly!
Honestly, who can resist that crispy pecan topping? I could eat it straight off the dish—okay, maybe I have! It’s a great side for any meal, especially around the holidays.
I love how easy it is to whip up this casserole! Just mash, mix, bake, and enjoy. It’s like a hug in a dish, perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Look for firm, smooth sweet potatoes. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you can try butternut squash or pumpkin as alternatives, although the flavor will be slightly different.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. If you want to keep it dairy-free, go for coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. Just keep in mind this might change the flavor slightly.
Pecans: Chopped pecans provide a lovely crunch. Feel free to substitute with walnuts or almonds if you’re not a fan of pecans. You could even leave the nuts out for a nut-free version!
Milk: I recommend whole milk for creaminess, but you can use almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk you prefer. Just ensure it’s unsweetened to balance the sugar in the recipe.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Sweet Potatoes?
Getting the sweet potatoes creamy is vital. Start by peeling and chunking them to ensure even cooking. Boil them until fork-tender, around 15-20 minutes. Drain well to remove excess water before mashing.
- Transfer hot potatoes to a bowl, add butter, milk, and seasonings, and mash until smooth.
- Don’t overmix; otherwise, they could become gummy.
Remember, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or some maple syrup if you like it a bit sweeter!
Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Streusel
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 15-20 minutes for preparation and about 30-35 minutes for baking. In total, you can expect to spend around 1 hour to get this delicious casserole on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil. Cook the sweet potatoes until they are soft and tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once they are done, drain the water well.
3. Mash the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, transfer the drained sweet potatoes. Blend in the granulated sugar, softened butter, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash everything together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. If you prefer it sweeter or more seasoned, feel free to adjust to taste!
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Take a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spoon the mashed sweet potato mixture into it, spreading it evenly so that it’s nice and smooth.
5. Prepare the Pecan Streusel Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Then, take the cold butter and cut it into the mix using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it forms a crumbly texture. This will be your delicious streusel topping!
6. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the pecan streusel evenly over the top of the sweet potato mixture—it should cover it nicely!
7. Bake the Casserole:
Pop the dish into the oven and bake it uncovered for about 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing at this point!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel is ready to be enjoyed—perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or any cozy night at home!
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes for convenience! Just drain and mash them, then mix with the other ingredients. You might want to reduce the sugar slightly since canned varieties can be sweeter.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this casserole dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk. The flavor will still be delicious!
Can I Prepare This Casserole in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and streusel topping a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate them separately. When you’re ready to bake, assemble them in the baking dish and increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or use the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.