Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

The aroma of roasted sweet potatoes fills the air like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine diving into a creamy, dreamy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans that dances delightfully on your taste buds. This dish is not just a side; it’s an experience that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary celebrations.

Let me take you back to last Thanksgiving when my Aunt Martha proudly unveiled her infamous casserole masterpiece. With a golden crust and nutty aroma wafting through our family gathering, we knew we were in for a treat! The moment we dug in, the combination of sweet warmth and crunchy pecans had us all reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds).

I still chuckle remembering my cousin’s face when he discovered the casserole was gone before he could even get a spoonful. It became legendary that day—let’s just say Aunt Martha had no idea she was creating a family tradition!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes; they should yield slightly when pressed.
• Brown Sugar: This adds rich sweetness; dark brown sugar gives an even deeper flavor.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning.
• Milk: Whole milk provides creaminess; you can substitute with almond or oat milk if desired.
• Eggs: These help bind the mixture; use large eggs for best results.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the sweetness and flavor profile.
• Pecans: Chop them coarsely for texture; toasted pecans add extra depth of flavor.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices bring warmth and enhance the natural sweetness of the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and chop about four medium sweet potatoes into cubes. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, which takes about 15-20 minutes.

Make the Filling Mixture: Drain the sweet potatoes and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add in butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mash everything together until smooth.

Add Some Crunch!: Stir in half of your chopped pecans into the sweet potato mixture. Reserve the remaining pecans for topping later.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish lightly and pour in your delightful filling mixture.

Create the Pecan Topping: In a separate bowl, combine your reserved chopped pecans with some butter and sugar. Sprinkle this heavenly mixture evenly over your casserole.

Bake it Up!: Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Now you’re ready to serve up this deliciousness! Remember that twinkle in Aunt Martha’s eye? You’ll have it too when everyone asks for seconds (or thirds).

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans will elevate any meal from mundane to magnificent! It’s time to savor those flavors—happy cooking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the sweet potatoes until fork-tender, then mash them before mixing with other ingredients. Bake the casserole until bubbly and golden brown on top for best results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap brown sugar for maple syrup or add marshmallows on top for an extra layer of sweetness. Experimenting can lead to delightful surprises.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, keeping it crispy.

A memorable moment was when my cousin tried this casserole at Thanksgiving and declared it “life-changing.” Who knew sweet potatoes could spark such enthusiasm?

FAQ

Can I use canned sweet potatoes for the casserole?

Yes, but fresh sweet potatoes provide better texture and flavor.

How long does it take to bake sweet potato casserole with pecans?

Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it a day before and refrigerate until baking time.

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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

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• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans is a deliciously creamy dish topped with crunchy pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family meals.

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Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes
• Brown sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Whole milk
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Pecans
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Peel and cube 4 medium sweet potatoes. Boil in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
2. Drain and mash the sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl. Add butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix until smooth.
3. Stir in half of the chopped pecans; transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
4. For the topping, combine reserved chopped pecans with melted butter and sugar; sprinkle over the casserole.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole (approximately 150g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg