Indulge in the rich, sweet, and savory flavors of our Heavenly Sweet Potato Casserole. This dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a crunchy, nutty topping, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. It's an irresistible addition to any meal, especially during the holiday season.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings and Size
- Servings: Serves 6-8 people
- Serving Size: 1 hearty scoop
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (2 kg or 4.4 lbs)
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup or 113g)
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup or 100g)
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon or 2.6g)
- Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon or 1.2g)
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon or 2.5g)
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon or 5ml)
- Eggs, beaten (2 large)
For the Topping
- Chopped pecans (1 cup or 109g)
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup or 100g)
- All-purpose flour (1/3 cup or 42g)
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup or 57g)
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Boil the sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash and Mix: Mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl.
- Stir in 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla extract, and eggs.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine pecans, 1/2 cup brown sugar, flour, and 1/4 cup melted butter.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the sweet potato mixture into a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Consistency: For a smoother casserole, blend the sweet potatoes in a food processor.
- Variations: Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds for the topping.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole a day ahead and bake before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use canned sweet potatoes? Yes, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly from fresh.
- How to store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can this be made vegan? Yes, use plant-based butter and a suitable egg substitute.