Last updated on February 15th, 2023 at 12:24 pm
Sweet potatoes are a staple in many households, and for good reason. Not only are they versatile, but they are also packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy diet. One of the most popular ways to prepare sweet potatoes is in a casserole, and when paired with a crunchy pecan topping, this sweet potato casserole with pecan topping is a true feast for the taste buds.
If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting dish to serve up for your next family dinner or holiday gathering, then look no further than this mouthwatering Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping recipe.
This dish is a crowd-pleaser, with its creamy sweet potato base and crunchy, nutty pecan topping that perfectly balances out the sweetness.
Not only is it a guaranteed hit at any event, but it’s also easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. So grab your apron and get ready to whip up a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- For the Pecan Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large pot, boil the sweet potato slices until they are soft and tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and mash the sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the white sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top.
- To make the pecan topping, in a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and softened butter. Mix well until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake the sweet potato casserole in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for 5minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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Notes
- Boiling the sweet potatoes: It is essential to boil the sweet potatoes until they are soft and tender, as this will make it easier to mash them and ensure that they are fully cooked when the casserole is baked.
- Mashing the sweet potatoes: Make sure to mash them until they are smooth and free of lumps, as this will affect the texture of the casserole. You can mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher or a fork.
- Topping the casserole: The pecan topping should be crumbly, not sticky or wet. If the topping is too wet, the casserole may become soggy. To avoid this, mix the topping ingredients until they are crumbly combined.
- Baking the casserole: The casserole should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F until the top is golden brown and the sweet potatoes are fully cooked. This will take approximately 35 minutes.
- Letting the casserole cool: After baking, let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to settle and the flavors to blend.
- Storing the casserole: If there are leftovers, store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or the microwave before serving.
- Variations: This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes. You can add different spices or flavorings, such as nutmeg or cinnamon, to the sweet potato mixture or use other nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, in the topping.
- Serving suggestions: This casserole is typically served as a side dish and is perfect for a family dinner or holiday meal. Serve it with roasted meats, such as turkey or ham, or other classic holiday dishes like green bean casserole or stuffing.
Serving Suggestions:
This sweet potato casserole with pecan topping is the perfect side dish for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday dinner or a weeknight meal. Serve it alongside roasted meats or vegetables, or as a standalone dish. The sweet and savory flavors of the casserole, combined with the crunch of the pecan topping, make it a dish that is sure to please.
What is the best type of sweet potato to use for this casserole?
Look for sweet potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free of any bruises or blemishes. You can use either orange or purple sweet potatoes for this recipe.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are fully cooked?
To test if the sweet potatoes are fully cooked, insert a fork into one of the slices. If the fork easily pierces the sweet potato, it’s done.
Can I use regular sugar instead of white sugar in the casserole?
Yes, you can use regular sugar instead of white sugar in the casserole.
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans in the topping?
Yes, you can use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans in the topping if you prefer.
How can I store leftovers of this casserole?
You can store leftovers of this casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time and then bake it later?
Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time and then bake it later. Just assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
Can I use margarine instead of butter in the casserole?
Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter in the casserole, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I use milk or cream instead of eggs in the casserole?
No, you should not use milk or cream instead of eggs in the casserole as this will affect the texture and consistency of the final dish.
Can I use different spices besides cinnamon and nutmeg in the casserole?
Yes, you can use other spices such as cloves, ginger, or allspice in the casserole if you prefer.
Final thought on Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
This sweet potato casserole with pecan topping is a classic recipe that will never go out of style. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, combined with the crunch of the pecan topping, make it a dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this casserole is easy to make and sure to impress. So why not give it a try and see for yourself just how delicious sweet potatoes can be?
