Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
This comforting sweet potato casserole features tender, roasted sweet potatoes blended with warm spices, topped with a crunchy mixture of pecans, oats, and brown sugar. Baked until golden and crispy, it offers a harmonious blend of earthy sweetness and nutty texture, perfect for cozy fall gatherings.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Masher or fork
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes peeled and chopped
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1/4 cup milk for creaminess
- 1 tsp cinnamon fresh preferred
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg a pinch, optional
- 1/2 cup brown sugar molassy and rich
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans buttery and crunchy
- 1/2 cup oats toasted for added flavor
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place peeled and chopped sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and cook until very tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the sweet potatoes well and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Mash them thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in melted butter, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt into the mashed sweet potatoes, mixing until well combined and smooth.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly with the back of a spoon or spatula.
- In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, chopped pecans, oats, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the ingredients are evenly coated and crumbly.
- Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer, covering the surface completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes to enhance the crunch, but keep a close eye so it doesn't burn.
- Remove from oven and let rest for about 10 minutes to allow the topping to set. The aroma of spices and toasted pecans will fill your kitchen.
- Serve warm, enjoying the creamy sweet potatoes contrasted with the crunchy, nutty topping for a cozy, satisfying dish.
Notes
For an extra flavor boost, stir in a splash of bourbon into the sweet potato mash or add a handful of dried cranberries to the topping before baking.