Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crunch (Print Version)

This comforting Sweet Potato Casserole, a holiday favorite, brings warmth and a delightful pecan crunch. My personal recipe, full of flavor and family memories.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Sweet Potato Base

01 - 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
05 - 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
06 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
07 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
09 - Pinch of salt

→ Pecan Topping

10 - 1 cup chopped pecans
11 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
12 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
13 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

→ Optional Garnish

14 - Extra chopped pecans
15 - A tiny sprinkle of sea salt

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first: peel those sweet potatoes and chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Don't worry too much about perfection; a little rustic charm is good! Pop them into a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Let them simmer until they're fork-tender, usually about 15-20 minutes. This is where I sometimes get distracted and let them go a little too long, but honestly, it just means they're easier to mash. Drain them really well; we don't want a watery dish, do we?
02 - Once drained, transfer those tender sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Now, get to mashing! I like a few small lumps in the base; it adds texture. Once mostly smooth, whisk in the lightly beaten eggs. Make sure they're fully incorporated. This step always makes my kitchen smell incredible, like holidays are just around the corner.
03 - Pour your creamy sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. At this point, it looks so inviting already! I sometimes taste a tiny spoonful here (shh, don't tell anyone), just to make sure the sweetness is right. Don't worry if it's not perfectly level; a little character is always welcome. This is the foundation of your amazing dish!
04 - In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter (another half cup!), and all-purpose flour. Use your fingers to mix it all until it forms a crumbly mixture. This is the part I love; the smell of the brown sugar and pecans together is just divine. Make sure there are no big clumps of flour. This crunchy topping is what elevates a simple dish to something truly special.
05 - Sprinkle that glorious pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato base in your baking dish. Don't be shy! I usually make sure every inch is covered. Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You're looking for that topping to be golden brown and bubbly. My oven sometimes runs hot, so I keep a close eye on it around the 20-minute mark to prevent any burning. A perfectly golden casserole is in sight!
06 - Once it's beautifully golden, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This cooling time allows it to set up a bit and prevents any unfortunate molten-lava-mouth incidents. The aroma filling your kitchen right now? That's pure holiday magic. I usually sneak a tiny bite of the topping while it's cooling, honestly. Enjoy your homemade creation!

# Notes:

01 - Don't mash the sweet potatoes too smooth; a few lumps give it character, honestly.
02 - You can prep the sweet potato base a day ahead, cover it, and bake the next day. Saves holiday chaos!
03 - Ran out of pecans once, used crushed cornflakes. It worked... kinda, but pecans are better.
04 - A tiny sprinkle of sea salt on top right before serving makes the flavors pop, I swear.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large pot
02 - large mixing bowls
03 - potato masher
04 - whisk
05 - 9x13 inch baking dish
06 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 380
Total Fat: 22g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 4g

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