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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Choose bright orange sweet potatoes for the best flavor. If you can’t find them, yam is a similar option. Be aware they can be sweeter than sweet potatoes.

Granulated Sugar: The sugar helps sweeten the mash. For a healthier alternative, you could use maple syrup or honey. Just reduce the milk a little since those liquids will add moisture.

Butter: Unsalted butter is used in both the mash and streusel for flavor control. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter can easily replace it.

Pecans: Chopped pecans provide a nice crunch. If you want to switch it up, walnuts or almonds work well too. Just chop them to similar sizes for even cooking.

Milk: Whole milk makes the mash creamy, but feel free to use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version!

How Do You Boil Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?

Boiling sweet potatoes can be tricky if you want to avoid mush. Here’s how to do it right:

• Cut the sweet potatoes into even cubes for consistent cooking and just peel them to begin.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt—this enhances flavor.
• Add the sweet potatoes and reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil.
• Check for doneness after 15 minutes by piercing with a fork; they should be tender but firm. Don’t overcook!

If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the sweet potatoes in a covered bowl with a bit of water until tender. Just be careful when checking on them!

Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Streusel

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Sweet Potato Base:

• 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 3 large sweet potatoes)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For The Pecan Streusel Topping:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Sweet Potato Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need about 50 minutes to create this wonderful dish, perfect for a family gathering or special dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming, take a moment to grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish or any similar baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Boil Sweet Potatoes:

Next, in a large pot, add the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes. Cover them with water and bring it to a boil. Let them cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. After they’re done, drain them well to remove excess water.

3. Mash the Sweet Potatoes:

In a large mixing bowl, take those tender sweet potatoes and mash them until smooth. It’s okay if you want a few small lumps—they add character after all!

4. Mix in Other Ingredients:

Now, add your granulated sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix everything together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture.

5. Assemble in the Baking Dish:

Pour the sweet potato mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly so that it bakes uniformly.

6. Prepare the Pecan Streusel Topping:

In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and ground cinnamon. Stir it all together until crumbly, and then it’s ready to sprinkle!

7. Sprinkle the Topping:

Now comes the fun part! Evenly sprinkle the pecan streusel mixture over the sweet potato base in the casserole dish. Try to cover it completely for a delicious crunch with every bite!

8. Bake the Casserole:

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown topping, and the casserole should be heated all the way through.

9. Cool and Serve:

Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Then, scoop and serve this beautiful dish warm to your loved ones. Enjoy your comforting and delicious Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Streusel!

Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes Instead of Fresh?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes! Make sure to drain them well and mash them before mixing them with the other ingredients. Canned sweet potatoes are already cooked, so you’ll save some prep time!

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour in the pecan streusel topping for a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, ensure that your other ingredients, like sugar and pecans, are certified gluten-free.

How Can I Store Leftovers?

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or gently warm it in the oven until heated through.

Can I Prepare This Casserole the Night Before?

Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mixture and the streusel topping ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, assemble the casserole and pop it in the oven! You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the mixture is cold.