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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan streusel

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel

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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling the sweet potatoes. If you're short on time, you can steam or microwave them, but boiling gives a soft, even texture.
  • Mixing bowls at least two: one for the sweet potato mixture and one for the streusel topping.
  • Hand Mixer or Potato Masher a hand mixer will give a smoother texture, but a masher is totally fine for a more rustic feel.
  • 9x13-inch baking dish this size is ideal for even baking and serving a crowd.
  • Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C).
  • Rubber spatula for mixing and spreading.

Ingredients
  

For the Sweet Potato Base

  • 4 large sweet potatoes about 3 pounds, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half for extra richness
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Streusel Topping

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted

Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or a splash of maple syrup for added depth

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Sweet Potatoes

  1. Start by peeling and cutting your sweet potatoes into chunks. Add them to a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until fork-tender—this takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well and let them sit for a couple of minutes to release steam.

Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Mixture

  1. In a large bowl, mash the drained sweet potatoes. Add in the melted butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Use a hand mixer (or mash by hand) to blend everything until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be rich but not runny.

Step 3: Spread into the Baking Dish

  1. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.

Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Streusel

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Stir until crumbly. If you're adding cinnamon or maple syrup, do it here. The topping should clump together slightly but still be easy to sprinkle.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

  1. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the sweet potato base. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes. The topping should be golden and crisp, and the sweet potatoes bubbling gently around the edges.
  2. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to firm up and become easier to slice.