Craving a comforting taste of home? This fluffy, golden-brown Sweet Potato Casserole is not just your ordinary side dish; it’s like a warm hug on a plate! With a gently spiced, creamy filling topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, this casserole seamlessly blends sweet and savory, making it a family favorite for holidays or any cozy dinner. Whether you’re sharing it at Thanksgiving or enjoying it on a chilly night, it’s sure to brighten your table and your spirits!
Budget Information
The total cost for this delectable Sweet Potato Casserole is around $15.00, making it budget-friendly! When divided into 8 generous servings, it comes to about $1.88 per serving. With just a little investment, you can bring joy to your dining table.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe stands out because it beautifully harmonizes rich flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes shines through, and when it’s combined with a creamy blend of butter, brown sugar, and spices, it creates a velvety base that’s pure comfort. Topping it with a crunchy pecan streusel adds a delightful contrast that transforms this dish into something truly special. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for a busy cook who wants delicious results!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this fantastic Sweet Potato Casserole:
– 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs) – $3.00
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – $1.25
– ½ cup brown sugar – $0.50
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – $0.30
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon – $0.20
– ¼ teaspoon nutmeg – $0.10
– ½ cup milk – $0.30
– 1 cup chopped pecans – $3.00
– ½ cup granulated sugar – $0.50
– 1 cup flour – $0.30
Optional Substitutions: You can substitute almond butter for a nutty flavor or coconut milk for a dairy-free version!
Step-by-step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking magic. While that’s warming up, peel and chop those sweet potatoes into chunks. Toss them into a pot of boiling water, and let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes until they’re tender enough to mash. As you breathe in that sweet aroma, you’ll know something wonderful is about to come from your kitchen!
Step 2: Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Now, whip out that softened butter and add it to the potatoes along with brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and milk. Grab a potato masher and get to work, mashing everything together until it forms a beautiful, creamy mixture. Feel free to taste it at this point; it’s hard to resist!
Step 3: Transfer the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the top—you want it to look inviting because it will be the star of the table!
Step 4: Now let’s whip up that heavenly pecan topping! In a bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, granulated sugar, flour, and a bit of melted butter until it’s all combined. Sprinkle this crunchy mixture generously over the sweet potato base. Just imagine how golden and crunchy this will be once it’s baking away!
Step 5: Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. The scent wafting through your kitchen will tempt everyone’s taste buds in the house. You might find yourself peeking through the oven door impatiently!
Step 6: Once done, let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help it set a bit and cool down just enough to avoid burnt tongues. Scoop generous portions onto plates and watch as smiles spread around the table!
Nutritional Facts
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
– Calories: 280
– Protein: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 38g
– Total Fats: 12g
– Saturated Fat: 5g
– Fiber: 4g
– Sugar: 18g
– Sodium: 200mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
If by some chance you have leftovers (which is rare with this dish), simply cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, just reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings, but the crunchy topping is best enjoyed straight from the oven!
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet Potato Casserole is perfect as a side at holiday dinners, but don’t hesitate to serve it alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak for a comforting weeknight meal. You can also add a sprinkle of marshmallows on top for some added sweetness during the holiday season—just broil it for a minute to melt those fluffy clouds!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
Always ensure your sweet potatoes are fresh for the best flavor! When mashing, don’t be afraid to get a bit creative with spices—maple syrup or a touch of ginger can bring a whole new level to this dish. Also, while preparing the pecan topping, feel free to mix in some oats for added texture. Cooking should be fun, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato base and topping separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Sweet Potato Casserole?
A: Yes, any leftovers can be frozen. Just ensure it’s well covered and up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Is it gluten-free?
A: You can make this gluten-free by substituting the flour in the topping with gluten-free flour or oats!
Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
A: While fresh is best for flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes—just ensure to drain them well.
Q: How can I add more flavor?
A: Consider boosting it with a splash of bourbon or maple syrup for a unique twist that guests will love!
