Caramelized Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Caramelized Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate cozy side dish you'll want on your table for any holiday feast or cozy family dinner. With a silky sweet potato base and a crunchy pecan topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that's both simple and indulgent.

Ingredients for Caramelized Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potatoes form the creamy base of this casserole, bringing natural sweetness and a rich texture. Unsalted butter provides a luscious, rich flavor that enhances the sweet potatoes. The brown sugar and maple syrup add a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pecans. A touch of vanilla extract and the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg give the dish its holiday essence. The milk helps achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Finally, the pecans, combined with flour and additional brown sugar, create a crunchy topping that's simply irresistible.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor; canned varieties might be too mushy.
  • Toast the pecans lightly before using them for an extra depth of flavor.
  • If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the brown sugar in the sweet potato mixture by a tablespoon or two.
  • This dish can be prepared a day in advance; just cover and refrigerate, then bake before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with roast turkey or ham, making it an ideal side for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the sweetness. And if you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top turns it into a dessert-like experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.

Caramelized Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, peel and cube about 4 pounds of sweet potatoes. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. You’ll want to cook them until they're tender—this usually takes around 15 minutes. Once done, drain the water and transfer the potatoes to a large bowl. Mash them until smooth.

Now, let’s build the flavor. Pour in the melted unsalted butter, and mix it with the mashed sweet potatoes. Add in half a cup of brown sugar, a quarter cup of maple syrup, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a quarter teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a quarter cup of milk. Stir everything together until you have a creamy, well-blended mixture.

Spread this sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Set it aside while you prepare the topping. In a separate bowl, combine half a cup of chopped pecans with a quarter cup of flour, another quarter cup of brown sugar, and a quarter teaspoon of salt. Mix these ingredients well, then sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, and let it bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and delightfully crunchy. Once ready, let it cool slightly before serving. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
  • Easy to prepare with everyday ingredients.
  • A classic dish with a delightful crunch from the pecan topping.
  • Can be made ahead of time, ideal for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

4 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup additional brown sugar for topping
1/4 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, boil the cubed sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them in a large bowl.
4. Mix in melted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and milk until smooth.
5. Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. In a separate bowl, combine pecans, flour, additional brown sugar, and salt.
7. Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crunchy.

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