Sweet Potato Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Welcome to the world of comfort food with a twist! Sweet Potato Delight marries the wholesome goodness of sweet potatoes with a crunchy, nutty topping that's sure to become a family favorite. It's perfect for any occasion, from holiday feasts to a cozy weekend dinner.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Delight

The star of this dish is, of course, the sweet potatoes. They bring a naturally sweet and earthy flavor to the table, making them a fantastic base. To enhance their sweetness, we add granulated sugar, which also contributes to the creamy texture. The unsalted butter binds everything together, providing a rich, buttery taste. Milk adds creaminess, while eggs help set the mixture and give it a slight lift. A splash of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors and brings a hint of warmth. Finally, a pinch of salt balances the sweetness.

The topping is a delightful crunch thanks to pecans, which add a nutty flavor and texture. Brown sugar caramelizes as it bakes, creating a sweet crust, while all-purpose flour helps bind the topping ingredients. Finally, softened butter ensures the topping is crumbly and rich.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a potato masher for best results; a blender can make the sweet potatoes too smooth.
  • Toast the pecans lightly before using them for an extra depth of flavor.
  • If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the granulated sugar by half.
  • Let the dish sit for 10 minutes after baking to make serving easier.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet Potato Delight pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey or ham. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables. A glass of crisp white wine or a tart cranberry juice can complement the sweet and savory notes beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if needed.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Sure thing! Walnuts or almonds would also work well if pecans aren’t your favorite.
Is there a substitute for milk?
You can use almond milk or any other milk alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

Sweet Potato Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's ready to go once your dish is assembled. Next, grab a 9x13 inch casserole dish and give it a good greasing with butter or cooking spray. You don’t want your delightful creation sticking to the sides.

Now, onto the sweet potatoes. Peel and cube them, aiming for roughly equal pieces so they cook evenly. Toss them into a large pot of boiling water and let them go until they're tender, about 15 minutes should do. Once they’re soft, drain them thoroughly and transfer them to a large bowl for mashing.

Add the granulated sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl with your mashed sweet potatoes. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Spread this sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish.

For the topping, mix together the pecans, brown sugar, flour, and softened butter in a separate bowl. Use your fingers or a fork to combine these ingredients until they form a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the sweet potato layer.

Pop the casserole dish into your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Once done, let it cool slightly before serving so the flavors can meld together beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
  • Crispy, nutty topping adds a delightful texture
  • Simple ingredients you likely already have
  • Easy to prepare and a hit at gatherings

Ingredients

4 lbs sweet potatoes
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
2. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Boil them in a large pot of water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash in a large bowl.
3. Stir in granulated sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth.
4. Spread the sweet potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the pecans, brown sugar, flour, and softened butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

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