Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Butter Pecan Crunch
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Your New Favorite Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans
Ever feel like Thanksgiving needs a little oomph ? Looking for that dish that everyone will rave about? Well, get ready.
This Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans will become your new signature holiday dish. Trust me.
What's the Deal With This Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans?
This isn’t your basic casserole. Think of it as a Gourmet Sweet Potato Casserole . We're talking about a Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole with a killer Brown Butter Pecan Topping .
It is buttery, nutty, and perfectly spiced. Honestly, it is heaven in a baking dish.
Sweet potato casserole is a staple in many American homes, especially during Thanksgiving. This recipe elevates the classic with depth of flavor and texture.
It's straightforward to make, taking about an hour and ten minutes total. It yields eight servings, perfect for a family gathering.
Why You'll Love This Baked Sweet Potato Casserole
First off, sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins. This Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole offers a bit of a nutritious boost amidst all the holiday indulgence.
Plus, the brown butter pecan topping adds an irresistible crunch. It is the perfect balance to the creamy sweet potato base.
It's also perfect for Sweet Potato Casserole Thanksgiving .
Let's Talk Ingredients
Alright, let's break down what you'll need to create this masterpiece. You will need:
- Sweet potatoes
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Milk
- Eggs
- Vanilla
- Spices.
Oh my gosh, this ingredient list is super simple. For that killer pecan topping, grab some flour and more butter.
I always say, the key to any good recipe is using good quality ingredients. Spring for the good butter. You'll taste the difference.
Making it Ahead? No Problem!
Want to get a head start? Good news. You can totally make-ahead Sweet Potato Casserole . Just prep the filling a day ahead.
Store it in the fridge, then add the topping right before baking. Easy peasy!
Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Easy Tips
Don’t overcook your sweet potatoes. Mushy sweet potatoes will ruin the texture. Keep an eye on that browning butter. Burnt butter is a culinary crime.
Also, do not be scared to adjust the spices. Add more cinnamon if you are feeling it. This is your casserole.
Make it your own.
Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole and Other Swaps
Want to make this Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole ? Swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. Use plant based milk.
Easy swaps! Nuts can also be swapped out in the topping. Try walnuts if you like. All-purpose flour can be swapped out for almond flour for a gluten-free option.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need for this Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans . Honestly, it's not too crazy. We're not talking Michelin star stuff here, just good, honest grub.
Trust me, even if you're like me and sometimes set off the smoke alarm, you can nail this.
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- Sweet Potatoes: 3 lbs (1.36 kg) peeled and cubed. Four big ones should do it. Make sure they're firm, not all soft and squishy.
- Butter: ½ cup (113g) unsalted, softened for the filling and ½ cup (113g) unsalted for the topping. Good quality butter makes a HUGE difference. Like, seriously. I once used cheap butter and the casserole tasted kinda…meh.
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar for the filling and ½ cup (100g) for the topping. The moist kind is best.
- Milk: ¼ cup (60ml) whole milk.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Real vanilla, not that imitation stuff.
- Spices: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) ginger. These make it a Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole . You know?, Like Christmas in a dish!
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon (1.25g) for the filling, ¼ teaspoon (1.25g) for the topping.
- Flour: ½ cup (50g) all-purpose flour for the topping.
- Pecans: ½ cup (50g) chopped pecans. Hello, Brown Butter Pecan Topping !. Roughly chopped is totally fine.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are the magic trio. Play around with the amounts! Not a fan of ginger? Leave it out! Want a richer flavor? Add a pinch of cloves!.
If you're feeling fancy, a tiny bit of maple syrup in the filling adds a gorgeous touch, taking it a step closer to a Gourmet Sweet Potato Casserole .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Big Pot: For boiling the sweet potatoes.
- Potato Masher or Electric Mixer: To make the filling smooth and dreamy. A masher gives it more texture, but a mixer is quicker.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish: This is the standard size.
- Medium Skillet: For browning the butter.
- Mixing Bowls: A few different sizes for mixing.
Honestly, you probably have most of this already. You don't need any fancy gadgets to make a ridiculously tasty Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Easy .
This Sweet Potato Casserole Thanksgiving is a winner!. You can even make-ahead Sweet Potato Casserole and bake it later!.
Cooking Method: Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans, Done Right!
Honestly, who doesn't love a good Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans ? But let's be real, some versions are just too sweet.
We are going to solve that! This recipe strikes the perfect balance. It’s a Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole with a crazy good Brown Butter Pecan Topping .
I promise, you’ll be the star of Thanksgiving! It's not a Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole , but I am throwing in options for that if you want it that way.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic
Think of this like setting up your art station. First, peel and cube your 3 lbs of sweet potatoes. Get your spices ready.
Soften the ½ cup of butter! Measure out all your ingredients. This essential mise en place saves so much time.
Plus, always remember to preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
step-by-step Process: Casserole Construction
- Boil sweet potatoes. Cook until tender (fork easily pierces). Drain them completely .
- Mash sweet potatoes. Add ½ cup softened butter, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup milk, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ginger, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix until smooth.
- Brown the butter. Melt ½ cup butter in a skillet. Cook until golden brown (about 5- 7 minutes ). Don't burn it !
- Add the topping ingredients. Remove from heat. Stir in ½ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup pecans, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Assemble. Spread the sweet potato mixture in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan topping.
- Bake! Bake for 30- 35 minutes . The topping should be golden. The filling should be heated through.
- Cool slightly . Then, serve your amazing Baked Sweet Potato Casserole .
Pro Tips: Gourmet Touches
Want a Gourmet Sweet Potato Casserole ? Brown the butter carefully . That nutty flavor is key! Don't overcook those sweet potatoes, mushy potatoes mean a gloppy casserole.
Also, you can make-ahead Sweet Potato Casserole , just prep the filling the day before and add the topping before baking.
This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Easy to follow, but these tips will make it stand out.
Honestly, I sometimes throw in a tiny pinch of cayenne for a little kick. You know? Try it, you might like it!
Recipe Notes That'll Make Your Sweet Potato Casserole Sing
Okay, so you're ready to tackle this Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans . Let's chat about some extra tips, tricks, and tweaks to make it truly yours .
You know? Like adding that personal touch that makes everyone say, "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!"
Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key, Darling!
Honestly, even the best Baked Sweet Potato Casserole can look a bit…well, beige. So, think about your presentation! A sprinkle of extra chopped pecans after baking? Yes, please! A dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche? Absolutely! Maybe even a sprig of rosemary for a pop of color.
For sides, it obviously goes with your Sweet Potato Casserole Thanksgiving spread. Think roast turkey, cranberry sauce, and maybe some green beans for good measure.
A crisp white wine or a spiced apple cider would be fab too.
Storage Tips: Keep That Goodness Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! The Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered tightly.
You can also freeze it. I mean, seriously! Just let it cool completely, wrap it well, and it’ll be good for about a month.
Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat gently in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.
Microwaving works in a pinch, but it can make the topping a little soggy.
Variations: Make It Your Own
This recipe is super adaptable. Want a Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole ? Easy peasy! Just swap the butter for coconut oil and use plant based milk.
Want to mix it up for different holidays? Try adding a little bourbon to the sweet potato mixture for a sophisticated twist.
I did this last year and it was a hit!
Want to try Gourmet Sweet Potato Casserole , try swapping out 1/4 of your butter with brown butter. The nutty flavor will change the entire recipe.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Alright, let's talk numbers. Each serving of this Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole clocks in at roughly 420 calories. You get protein, healthy fats from the pecans, and loads of vitamins from the sweet potatoes.
Sweet potatoes are packed with Vitamin A, which is great for your skin and eyes. Consider making this a make-ahead Sweet Potato Casserole and it can stay there for weeks, so you don't have to worry about eating it all at once.
This casserole is a delicious way to get some extra nutrients! It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and goodness. This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Easy will be a winner!
So, there you have it! With these tips and tricks, you’re well on your way to baking a Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole that'll impress everyone.
Get in the kitchen and give it a try! And remember to have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans ahead of time? I'm prepping for a big dinner party!
Absolutely! The sweet potato filling can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store it covered in the fridge. Then, right before baking, sprinkle on the pecan topping and pop it in the oven. It's like having a secret weapon in your back pocket when things get hectic!
Help! My Brown Butter Pecan Topping for the Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans got burnt. Is there anything I can do to save it?
Oh dear, burnt butter is a real pain! Unfortunately, there's not much to be done to salvage burnt butter. You'll want to start fresh. Keep a close eye on it next time. Swirling occasionally and removing from heat as soon as it's nutty and golden brown is key to perfectly browned butter.
What can I substitute for the pecans in this Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans recipe? My little one has a nut allergy.
No worries at all! You can easily swap the pecans for another crunchy topping. Consider using toasted sunflower seeds or even crushed up gluten-free pretzels for a salty sweet twist. You could also use a simple oat crumble topping, made with oats, flour, butter, and sugar.
My Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans seems a bit dry. What did I do wrong, and how can I prevent this next time?
A dry casserole usually means the sweet potatoes were overcooked or the filling was baked for too long. Make sure to boil the sweet potatoes until just fork tender, not mushy. Next time, also try adding an extra splash of milk or cream to the filling.
Also, check the casserole during baking; if the topping is browned to your liking, you can loosely tent it with foil to prevent further drying while the inside finishes cooking.
How long will leftover Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans last in the fridge, and is it okay to freeze it?
Leftover sweet potato casserole will happily keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just make sure it's stored in an airtight container. As for freezing, it's doable, but the texture might change slightly. The topping can lose some of its crunch.
To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will be good in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I make this Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans vegan? I'm trying to cater for all dietary requirements this Thanksgiving.
Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan. Swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter, use plant based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) instead of chicken eggs.
This version will be just as delicious, and everyone can enjoy it!
Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole With Brown Butter
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 420 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |