Enjoy our Sweet Potato Casserole, a festive favorite for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Savor the blend of creamy sweet potatoes and a crispy pecan streusel. Easy, customizable, and nutritious, it's the perfect addition to your holiday table.
Begin by mixing the dry ingredients for the streusel in a bowl, reserving the melted butter for later. Stir until you achieve a crumbly mixture, perfect for adding a delightful crunch to your casserole.
Gradually pour in the melted butter, combining it with the dry ingredients until evenly moistened. This creates a rich, flavorful topping that's essential for the perfect casserole texture.
Cooking Sweet Potatoes
Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into medium-sized pieces. This size ensures they cook evenly and quickly. Place them in a pot, submerged in water, ready for boiling.
Simmer the sweet potatoes over medium heat for about 25-30 minutes until they become fork-tender. Test their doneness by inserting a fork in the center; if it slides in easily, they are perfectly cooked, ensuring a tender texture without being over or undercooked.
Once done, remove the potatoes from the water and let them cool down to room temperature. This step is crucial for the next phase of preparation.
Making Sweet Potato Casserole
Mash the cooled sweet potatoes. You can use a potato masher for a chunkier texture or an electric mixer for a silkier consistency.
Combine the mashed sweet potatoes with eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, heavy cream, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly to ensure a smooth, well-integrated mixture.
Evenly spread this velvety mixture into a baking dish, then top it with the previously prepared streusel.
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes, transforming it into a golden, bubbly delight.
After baking, let the casserole rest for a short period. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.
Serving
Enjoy this Sweet Potato Casserole with roasted meats or as a vegetarian option. For more pairing ideas, see our Serving Suggestions section.
Notes
Here are some expert tips for perfecting your Sweet Potato Casserole:
Preparation and Cooking:
Pre-Bake Sweet Potatoes: For a richer flavor, consider pre-baking the sweet potatoes instead of boiling. This method caramelizes their natural sugars, intensifying the sweetness and depth of flavor.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more effectively, leading to a smoother, more homogenous casserole mixture.
Flavor and Texture Enhancements:
Customize Sweetness: Personalize the sugar content. Sample the mix before baking, adding more sugar if needed. This step allows you to tailor the casserole to your preferred sweetness level.
Spice Variations: Don't hesitate to experiment with different spices like nutmeg, ginger, or allspice to add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
Balancing Flavors: If your sweet potatoes are exceptionally sweet, a dash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of orange zest can add a refreshing, tangy balance to the overall flavor of the dish.
Topping Variation: Switch up the traditional streusel with mini marshmallows for a different taste and texture. This alternative creates a gooey, sweet topping that's especially appealing to kids.
Texture Contrast: For an added texture contrast in the streusel topping, mix in some rolled oats or a handful of crushed cornflakes for an extra crunch.
Nut Allergy Modification: Replace pecans with graham crackers or rolled oats for those with nut allergies. This substitution maintains a delightful crunch and flavor without compromising on texture.
Versatility and Convenience:
Pan Size Flexibility: This recipe works with various pan sizes - an 8x11'' dish for a thicker casserole or a 10'' pie pan for a shallower one. Choose based on your serving needs or presentation preference.
Make Ahead Tips: Prepare the casserole up to two days ahead. Assemble and refrigerate, then add the topping just before baking. This approach saves time and ensures a fresh, flavorful dish right out of the oven, perfect for busy holiday cooking.
Serving Temperature: Sweet Potato Casserole can be served warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference. If serving it as leftovers, gently reheat in the oven for best texture.