Sweet potatoes are like the cozy blankets of the food world—warm, comforting, and perfect for snuggling up on a chilly evening. Imagine a creamy, dreamy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans that’s as inviting as a big hug from your favorite relative. You take a forkful and let that smooth sweetness dance across your taste buds while crunchy pecans provide the perfect little pop of texture.
Every time I whip up this delightful dish, I’m reminded of Grandma’s kitchen during Thanksgiving—a true love affair between me and those vibrant orange tubers. The anticipation builds as we gather around the table, waiting for that first bite of sweetness. It’s joy served in a casserole dish!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans is incredibly easy to prepare
- The flavor is a delightful blend of sweet and nutty that’s visually stunning at any gathering
- It’s versatile enough to serve year-round or for special occasions like holidays and potlucks
- Plus, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking what’s baking!
I remember my cousin’s eyes lighting up when she tasted this casserole for the first time—pure bliss! It has become a staple at our family gatherings ever since.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm ones without blemishes; they should feel heavy for their size.
- Pecans: Opt for fresh pecans; chopped or whole adds a delightful crunch.
- Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for sweetness; it adds a lovely caramel flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted butter works best; it allows you to control the saltiness.
- Milk: Whole milk gives creaminess; feel free to substitute almond milk if preferred.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon enhances sweetness; it’s essential for that warm, cozy flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the overall taste; skip imitation varieties if possible.
- Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything together while adding richness.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances out all those lovely flavors!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a large baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and chop about 3-4 medium sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender—about 15 minutes will do!
Mash Them Up: Drain those beauties and transfer them to a large bowl. Mash until smooth but still slightly chunky—like your favorite uncle’s jokes at dinner!
Add Flavor: Mix in ½ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of melted butter, ½ cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and two beaten eggs until everything is well combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Pecan Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of chopped pecans with ¼ cup of brown sugar and another tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this crunchy goodness over the sweet potato mixture.
Bake It: Place in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top and fragrant throughout your kitchen.
And there you have it—the most scrumptious Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans ready to be devoured! Your friends and family will think you’re some sort of culinary wizard.
As you sit down to enjoy this masterpiece together, remember—it’s not just about filling bellies but also hearts!
Content
Perfectly roasted sweet potatoes enhance the flavor. Bake until they’re tender and caramelized for the best results. I always get compliments on my smooth, creamy texture.
Using fresh pecans adds a delightful crunch. Toast them lightly before mixing to bring out their nutty flavor. My friends never fail to ask for my secret.
Adding a touch of maple syrup elevates sweetness beautifully. It pairs well with the savory elements. Believe me, nobody can resist that sweet aroma wafting through the house.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you peel and chop your sweet potatoes. This ensures even cooking and a delicious caramelization when everything goes in.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or add marshmallows on top for extra sweetness. Experimenting with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can create new flavor combinations.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for optimal taste and texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve an irresistible sweet potato casserole, avoid over-mixing to maintain a fluffy texture
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing, and consider adding a pinch of salt to balance flavors perfectly
Cooking this dish reminds me of family gatherings where everyone eagerly awaited seconds. Those moments filled with laughter and delight make every recipe special.
FAQ
Can I use canned sweet potatoes in this casserole?
Yes, but fresh sweet potatoes yield better texture and flavor.
How do I know when my casserole is done?
It’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbling slightly around the edges.
Can I freeze the sweet potato casserole?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before freezing for best results.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans is a creamy, sweet delight topped with crunchy pecans that transforms any meal into a festive occasion. Perfect for family gatherings and holiday feasts!
Ingredients
- 3–4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- Peel and chop sweet potatoes, then boil in salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain and mash.
- In a bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, melted butter, milk, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix chopped pecans with brown sugar and melted butter; sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (170g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg