Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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If you're looking to add a twist to your holiday table or simply want a side dish that sings with warmth and flavor, this Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole is your go-to. It marries the creamy sweetness of sweet potatoes with a crunchy, nutty topping, making it a must-try for any occasion.

Ingredients for Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potatoes are the star here, offering a naturally sweet and creamy base when mashed. The brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness. Unsalted butter gives richness and helps the flavors meld together. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves provide that classic holiday spice profile, while heavy cream makes the dish luscious and silky. A hint of vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. The pecans in the topping offer a crunchy contrast, with flour and oats binding it together. Lastly, maple syrup brings a touch of earthy sweetness to the mix.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a fluffier texture, use a potato masher or a fork instead of a blender.
  • Make the topping in advance and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it.
  • Add a pinch of salt to the topping to enhance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with roast turkey or chicken, making it ideal for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it alongside a hearty bean stew or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes, but make sure to drain them well before mashing.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it right before serving.
What can I use instead of pecans?
Walnuts or almonds make great substitutes if you're out of pecans or have an allergy.

Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First, crank up your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give your baking dish a light greasing. No one likes sticking! Start by peeling and cubing your sweet potatoes. Get them into a pot of salted water and let them boil away until they’re nice and tender — usually around 20 minutes should do the trick.

Once they’re soft, drain the water and move the potatoes into a big mixing bowl. Mash them up until smooth, then stir in your brown sugar, melted butter, and all those lovely spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until everything’s well combined and silky.

Spread this sweet potato mix into your prepared dish. Now, for the topping: in a separate bowl, toss together the pecans, flour, oats, and maple syrup. Sprinkle this evenly over your sweet potato layer.

Pop the casserole into the oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, crispy topping that smells irresistible. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before digging in.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines creamy and crunchy textures for an irresistible bite.
  • Infused with warm spices that make it perfect for fall and winter gatherings.
  • Simple enough for weeknights, special enough for holiday feasts.
  • Can be made ahead, saving you time on the big day.

Ingredients

4 large sweet potatoes
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup maple syrup
Pinch of salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then boil them in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them in a large bowl.
4. Mix in the brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. In a separate bowl, combine pecans, flour, oats, and maple syrup to create the topping.
7. Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
9. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

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