This sweet potato casserole is a warm hug on a plate. Creamy sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan streusel make it a perfect comfort food!
I can’t resist the crispy topping; it’s like a treasure hunt for your taste buds! I love serving this dish for family gatherings—it always brings smiles and happy bellies.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of the dish! Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, you can use canned sweet potatoes—just make sure to drain them well.
Butter: I like using unsalted butter in this recipe for better control over the saltiness. If you prefer, you can substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but feel free to swap it with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Heavy cream can also be used for extra creaminess.
Pecans: These add crunch and flavor! If you’re not a fan, you can use walnuts or even crushed graham crackers for a different texture.
How Can I Achieve Creamy Sweet Potatoes?
Getting your sweet potatoes perfectly creamy is vital for this casserole. Here’s how to do it:
- After boiling, drain the sweet potatoes well. Any excess water can make them slimy.
- Mash them while they’re still warm for easier blending, and use a hand mixer for a super smooth texture.
- Mix in your ingredients until fully incorporated, but don’t over-mix; otherwise, they may become gummy.
Follow these steps, and your sweet potatoes will be velvety smooth, ready to impress anyone at the table!
Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Streusel
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 3 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 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
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious sweet potato casserole takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 to 35 minutes of baking time. Including cooking the sweet potatoes, the total time is roughly 50-60 minutes. Perfect for a quick and comforting side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
Start by peeling and chopping the sweet potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot of boiling water and cook until they are very tender, which should take about 20-25 minutes. Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes and mash them until smooth. You’ll need about 4 cups for the casserole.
2. Make Sweet Potato Mixture:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the granulated sugar, beaten eggs, melted butter, milk (or cream), vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix everything together until it’s creamy and well blended. This is the heart of your casserole!
3. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the dish and smooth it out evenly. This will be your lovely base.
4. Prepare Pecan Streusel Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Then, add the chopped pecans and pour in the melted butter. Mix it all together until the dry ingredients are moistened, creating a crumbly texture for your streusel topping.
5. Add Topping:
Sprinkle the pecan streusel evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish. This will give it that delightful crunch when baked!
6. Bake:
Put the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and crispy. It’s going to smell amazing!
7. Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, and watch it disappear from your table!
Enjoy this comforting classic, featuring a creamy sweet potato base topped with crunchy, buttery pecan streusel! It’s perfect for holidays or any cozy gathering!
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes! Just make sure to drain them well and mash them until smooth before proceeding with the recipe. This can save you some time!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave, covering with foil to prevent the topping from getting too brown.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and spread it in the baking dish, but for best results, keep the streusel topping separate until just before baking. Cover and refrigerate the casserole for up to 24 hours, then add the topping and bake as directed.
What Can I Substitute for Pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds instead. Alternatively, you can leave the topping off entirely or substitute with crushed graham crackers for a different crunch!
