Thanksgiving is a time of joy, family, and, of course, delicious food. One dish that often takes center stage on the holiday dinner table is the sweet potato casserole. And when it comes to sweet potato casseroles, the best ones are those garnished with a pecan topping. Our recipe, however, takes it to the next level with a nutty brown sugar streusel.
Let's start by gathering the ingredients for the sweet potato base. You'll need about 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed. Boil them in a large pot of salted water until they are tender, which usually takes around 20 - 25 minutes. Once they are soft, drain the water and mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher or a fork. Add in 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix all these ingredients together until they are well - combined and the mixture is smooth.
Now, transfer the mashed sweet potato mixture into a greased 9 - inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly across the dish, making sure it is flat and smooth on the surface. This will be the foundation of our delicious casserole.
Next, it's time to make the pecan topping. In a medium - sized bowl, combine 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of all - purpose flour, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces. Use a fork or a pastry cutter to mix the ingredients until the butter is incorporated and the mixture forms a crumbly texture. This nutty brown sugar streusel will add a wonderful crunch and flavor to the sweet potato casserole.
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish. Make sure to cover the entire surface so that every bite has a bit of that delicious crunch. Once the topping is in place, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the baking dish with the sweet potato casserole in the preheated oven and bake it for about 30 - 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes. The top should turn golden brown and the edges of the casserole should start to bubble. This indicates that the casserole is cooked through and the flavors have melded together perfectly.
When the sweet potato casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will allow the casserole to set slightly and make it easier to serve. You can serve this rich Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping as a side dish at your next holiday dinner. It pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole.
The combination of the sweet, creamy sweet potato base and the nutty, crunchy pecan topping is simply irresistible. It's a dish that will be a hit with your family and friends, and it will surely become a staple at your holiday gatherings. So, the next time you're planning a holiday dinner, don't forget to include this amazing Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping on your menu.
Not only is this sweet potato casserole delicious, but it also has a certain charm that makes it a classic holiday dish. The warm, comforting flavors of sweet potatoes, cinnamon, and pecans evoke feelings of nostalgia and togetherness. It's a dish that brings people to the table and creates memories that will last a lifetime.
You can also get creative with this recipe. If you don't have pecans on hand, you can use walnuts or almonds instead. You can even add a bit of shredded coconut to the topping for an extra tropical twist. The possibilities are endless, and you can customize this sweet potato casserole to suit your taste preferences.
In conclusion, the Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a must - try dish for your next holiday dinner. It's easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to be a crowd - pleaser. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try, and let the deliciousness of this casserole fill your home this holiday season.