Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Recipe
Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and delicious side dish that combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes enriched with brown sugar and vanilla, topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners, this casserole offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that will impress your guests and become a staple in your festive meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Streusel Topping
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Cook the sweet potatoes until soft by your preferred method such as boiling, baking, or steaming. This ensures they will mash easily for the base of the casserole.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Sweet Potato Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, kosher salt, vanilla extract, eggs, and melted butter. Beat the mixture until it becomes fluffy and well blended.
- Bake Base Layer: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and place it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes to allow the base to set slightly.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: While the base is baking, mix the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter in a small bowl until a crumbly streusel forms.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the sweet potato layer. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Sweet potatoes can be cooked a day in advance to save time on the day of preparation.
- Chopping pecans finely will create a more uniform topping texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
- Make sure the baking dish is well greased to allow easy serving and cleanup.
- Use light brown sugar for the topping to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor.
