Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes
peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks, about 3 large
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
melted, ½ stick
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
lightly beaten
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
½ stick
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup pecans
coarsely chopped
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position.
- 2
Bring a large pot of water to a boil (no need to salt). Add the sweet potatoes and cook until soft and very tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain and let cool.
- 3
Meanwhile, make the topping: Melt the butter in a medium bowl in the microwave. (Alternatively, melt it in a small pan over low heat and transfer to a medium bowl.) Add the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon and mix until well combined. It should look a little clumpy. Stir in the chopped nuts and set aside.
- 4
In a large bowl, mash the cooked and drained sweet potatoes with a potato masher or large fork until very smooth. Add the melted butter, salt, sugar, and nutmeg and mix well. Mix in the eggs. It's okay if there are some lumps. Set aside.
- 5
Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a 2-quart baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture and bake, uncovered, for about 40 minutes, or until the topping is nicely browned. Let cool slightly before serving.
- 6
Make-Ahead/Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The assembled casserole can be refrigerated for 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If frozen, allow a few extra minutes in the oven to bake.
Sweet Potato Casserole
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About this Recipe
Ready to give your holiday sweet potato casserole a truly memorable upgrade? This recipe transforms the classic by replacing traditional marshmallows with a rich, crunchy brown sugar pecan streusel, ensuring a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret lies in its irresistible topping. Instead of a sticky marshmallow crust, you'll find a buttery streusel packed with light brown sugar, flour, warming cinnamon, and plenty of coarsely chopped pecans. This ingenious swap delivers a delightful textural contrast and a depth of nutty, caramelized flavor that elevates every bite.
What to Expect You'll be treated to a luscious, creamy sweet potato base, subtly sweetened with brown sugar and enhanced with a hint of nutmeg and a touch of salt to balance the flavors. This velvety smooth foundation provides the perfect canvas for the streusel's satisfying crunch. The result is a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes, a truly comforting dish that will earn a permanent spot on your holiday menu.
Customization & Variations While the pecans are key to this casserole's charm, you can certainly experiment with other chopped nuts like walnuts or even almonds in the streusel. If you're looking to play with the spices, a small pinch of ginger or allspice could be added to the sweet potato mash for an extra layer of warmth, complementing the existing nutmeg.
Serving & Context This elegant sweet potato casserole is the quintessential side dish for any festive occasion, particularly holiday gatherings. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats and complements a variety of other seasonal dishes, making it a standout addition to your spread.