Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a classic Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole ? Remember those holiday dinners? Well, this recipe is that, but better . Get ready for a flavour explosion.

What’s This All About Then?

This spiced sweet potato casserole with pecan topping is a traditional American side dish. Its origins are deeply rooted in Southern cuisine.

It’s a fairly easy recipe, taking about an hour total. This recipe should serve eight hungry guests.

Why You’ll Love It

This sweet potato casserole is packed with vitamin A. It is also perfect alongside your roast turkey. What makes this so special is that it has a delicious pecan crumble.

Honestly, the crumble topping is to die for! It sets this sweet potato casserole with pecan topping apart from the rest.

Ingredients You'll Need

First, you'll need some lovely sweet potatoes ! About 3 pounds will do the trick. And for the rest of the mashed sweet potato casserole with marshmallows , you will need butter, sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, and some warming spices.

Don’t forget the pecans for that crunchy topping!

Now, for the pecan crumble, it’s all about the flour, brown sugar, cold butter, pecans, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

Getting that butter cold is super important. Honestly, you don’t want to skip this step.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole

Right then, let's gather our bits and bobs for this Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole . It's easier than you think, honestly! And the results? Lush.

Main Ingredients

• Sweet Potatoes : 3 pounds (about 1.4 kg ). Go for firm ones with smooth skin. Bruised ones are a no-no, darling.
• Unsalted Butter: ½ cup melted ( 113 g ) plus ½ cup cold cubed ( 113 g ). Real butter, please! The flavour is just better.
• Granulated Sugar: ½ cup ( 100 g ).
• Light Brown Sugar: ½ cup packed ( 100 g ) for the base, and ½ cup packed ( 100 g ) for the pecan crumble.
• Whole Milk: ½ cup ( 120 ml ).
• Large Eggs: 2 . Lightly beaten.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ).
• Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ) for the base, and ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ) for the crumble.
• Ground Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ). Freshly grated is a treat if you have it.
• Ground Ginger: ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ).
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ) for the base, and a pinch for the crumble.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup ( 120 g ) for the pecan crumble.
• Chopped Pecans: 1 cup ( 100 g ). I love to toast them lightly for a deeper nutty flavour.

Level up your casserole: Seasoning Notes

For this holiday sweet potato side dish , a warm spice blend makes all the difference. I love cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger but a pinch of cloves is also really good.

Don't be afraid to play around! For a bit of extra depth, you can add a tablespoon of molasses to the sweet potato mixture.

It adds this lovely, caramel-y note that's just divine.

If you're after substitutions, try allspice for the nutmeg and ginger. Or if you want a richer flavour, use brown butter instead of regular melted butter.

Equipment Needed

• Large Pot (or Roasting Pan).
• Potato Masher (or Electric Mixer). I am definitely in the electric mixer camp here!
• 9x13 Inch Baking Dish.
• Mixing Bowls.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons.

You probably have most of this already! Honestly, a fork can mash sweet potatoes in a pinch, and any oven safe dish will work.

No need to stress about fancy gadgets. If you can get the taste good, the tool is secondary.

Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble: Your New Holiday Hero

Oh my gosh, you guys! Get ready for the sweet potato casserole that's about to become your new Thanksgiving obsession.

Forget dry, bland casseroles. This Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble is packed with flavour. I swear, even my Nan, who's a tough critic, asked for seconds.

It has that Southern Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows vibe we all know and love. But with a little chef-y twist to make it extra special.

Prep Like a Pro

• Essential mise en place: Peel and cube those sweet potatoes. Measure out all your ingredients. Trust me, it makes life so much easier!
• Time saving organization tips: Get the pecans chopped in advance. Melt that butter. Honestly, prep work is half the battle.
• Safety reminders: Be careful when handling hot sweet potatoes! Those things can burn you if you aren't cautious.

Baking Your Way to Bliss

Here's how to make your own version of this amazing holiday sweet potato side dish.

1. Boil or roast sweet potatoes until tender. Then, mash 'em up good .
2. Mix mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, sugars, milk, eggs, vanilla, spices, and salt in a big bowl.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cold cubed butter, pecans, cinnamon, and salt. Cut the butter in until it's crumbly.
4. Pour the sweet potato mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan crumble on top.
5. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 30- 35 minutes . The topping should be golden. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean ish.

Pro Tips for the Win

• Don't overcook your mashed yams with marshmallows ! Nobody likes a watery casserole.
• Cold butter is key for a perfectly crumbly topping. Yams casserole with marshmallows deserve that texture.
• You can make the sweet potato base a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge. Then top with the crumble and bake when you're ready. This way, you can easily create a easy sweet potato casserole recipe.
• Toasting the pecans before adding them to the crumble enhances their flavour. You know? This will improve significantly your thanksgiving sweet potato casserole.

Honestly, this recipe hits all the right notes. It's a little sweet, a little spicy, and totally comforting. It's become a must have holiday sweet potato side dish in our family, and I think it will be in yours too! This amazing spiced sweet potato casserole is what Thanksgiving is all about.

Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Alright, let's talk about the ins and outs of this Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble . I reckon you'll find these notes super helpful.

Honestly, even simple recipes have a few tricks up their sleeves, you know?

Plating Like a Pro and Other Bright Ideas

Want to make it fancy? Presentation matters! After baking, let your Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole rest for a bit. Then, dust it with a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg.

Garnish with whole pecans for a rustic touch.

For sides, you can never go wrong with the classics! Think turkey, ham, or a green bean casserole . A tart cranberry sauce provides a nice contrast to the sweetness.

Plus, a glass of sparkling apple cider just screams holiday cheer!

Storage 101

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your holiday sweet potato side dish cool completely before storing. Pop it in an airtight container.

It'll keep in the fridge for up to three days, easy peasy.

Want to freeze it? Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in foil, then place it in a freezer bag. It'll last for up to two months.

Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works too.

Tweak It 'Til You Love It

Need a dietary adaptation? No problem! For a vegan version, swap out the butter for a plant based alternative. Use your favorite dairy-free milk. A flax egg can replace the regular eggs.

Seasonal twist, anyone? In the fall, use locally sourced sweet potatoes . In the summer, try adding a hint of orange zest to the sweet potato casserole with pecan topping for a bright, citrusy note.

Nutrition Nuggets

Each serving is roughly 450 calories . It has about 5g of protein, 25g of fat, and 55g of carbohydrates . It also has 5g of fiber, 30g of sugar and 150mg of sodium .

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A, great for your eyes and skin!

This sweet potato casserole is also a good source of fiber. Fiber helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. It's also good for your gut health. Now who wouldn't love that?

This easy sweet potato casserole recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Give it a go, and don't be afraid to put your own spin on it! I believe in you.

Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make sweet potato casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire sweet potato casserole (both the base and the topping) and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.

It's a lifesaver when you're juggling multiple dishes, a bit like getting a head start on Christmas shopping!

How do I store leftover sweet potato casserole?

Leftover sweet potato casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Think of it as a delicious, ready-made lunch for the next few days!

My sweet potato casserole topping isn't very crumbly, what did I do wrong?

A crumbly topping hinges on cold butter! Make sure your butter is fridge cold and cut into small cubes before you start. You can also use a pastry blender or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour and sugar.

If the mixture gets too warm, pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes before sprinkling over the sweet potatoes. That'll give you that delightful, crunchy texture you're after.

Is this sweet potato casserole recipe healthy?

While sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber, this sweet potato casserole is more of a treat due to the added sugars and butter. To make it healthier, you could reduce the amount of sugar, substitute some of the butter with applesauce, or use less topping.

Consider it a "sometimes food" that can be enjoyed in moderation alongside healthier choices.

Can I freeze sweet potato casserole?

Yes, you can freeze sweet potato casserole, but the texture of the topping might change slightly. Assemble the casserole in a freezer safe dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding extra baking time if needed.

It is best to freeze before baking.

I don't have pecans; what can I use instead in this sweet potato casserole recipe?

No pecans, no worries! Walnuts, almonds, or even chopped hazelnuts make excellent substitutes in the crumble topping. You can also try using a combination of nuts for a more complex flavor. If you're nut-free, consider using toasted oats or a streusel topping made with flour, butter, and brown sugar.

It is all about making do with what you have!