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.
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.
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.
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.