Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Topping

Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Topping are mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar and added spices, topped with a nutty streusel topping1. This recipe will guide you through creating a dish that’s both comforting and delicious, perfect for holidays or any special occasion31.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and warm spices creates a delightful flavor base, enhanced by the crunchy pecan streusel topping1.
• Texture: You get a creamy, smooth sweet potato base contrasted by a crisp, nutty streusel topping4.
• Versatility: It’s perfect as a side dish for holiday meals or as a comforting treat any time of the year6.
• Easy to Customize: You can easily adjust the sweetness, spices, or nuts to suit your personal preferences1.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Serving Size: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potatoes

• 5-6 medium sweet potatoes, washed1
• 3 large eggs, room temperature1
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed1
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract1
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt1
• ½ teaspoon pepper1
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg1
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon1
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper1

For the Streusel Topping

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour1
• ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed1
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon1
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt1
• 1 cup (109 g) pecans, roughly chopped, divided1
• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted1

Instructions

Get Started with Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)45.
2. Boil Sweet Potatoes: Add the sweet potatoes to a large pot of boiling water and cook until soft and tender, about 20-25 minutes3. Drain and let cool slightly3.
3. Peel the cooled sweet potatoes and place them in a large bowl3.

Make the Sweet Potato Mixture

1. Mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher or large fork until smooth3.
2. Add the eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon to the bowl1. Mix well until everything is combined3.
3. Spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray1. Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish1.

Prepare the Streusel Topping

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and ¾ cup of the chopped pecans1.
2. Add the melted butter to the flour mixture. Mix with a fork until the mixture is combined and crumbly1.

Combine and Bake

1. Top the sweet potato mixture with the streusel topping1. Sprinkle the remaining pecans evenly over the top of the entire dish1.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown1.
3. Let cool slightly before serving3.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Feast: Perfect as a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter23.
• Weeknight Dinner: Serve alongside roasted chicken, pork, or a vegetarian main course.
• Dessert: Enjoy a small serving as a sweet treat after dinner4.

Tips for Customization

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sweet potato mixture for a little heat1.
• Nut Variety: Use walnuts, almonds, or a mix of nuts in the streusel topping instead of pecans.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste1. You can also use maple syrup or honey as a natural sweetener2.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter in the streusel topping to make it dairy-free.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?Yes, you can assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking4. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold4.

How do I store leftovers?Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days4.

Can I freeze this casserole?Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.Enjoy your delicious Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping!