Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her comforting, family-friendly recipes. Among her many culinary hits, her sweet potato recipes stand out, particularly a dish so rich and decadent it blurs the line between side dish and dessert. Originally known as “Soul Sweet Taters,” this recipe is a beloved classic, perfect for holidays or any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness and warmth.
This isn’t just any sweet potato recipe; it’s a family tradition, passed down and perfected over generations. While the Pioneer Woman playfully credits her mom for the recipe, its origins trace back even further, to a New Orleans inspiration from over 30 years ago. Regardless of its precise lineage, one thing is certain: these sweet potatoes are irresistibly good. They’re so delicious, in fact, that Ree Drummond jokes about the ingredient list being a bit of a shock for a side dish. But trust us, every spoonful is worth it.
Why are these sweet potatoes so special? It’s the perfect balance of creamy sweet potato, a hint of spice, and a crunchy, buttery pecan topping. This dish is more than just a side; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a Thanksgiving staple, a dish that disappears quickly from the table, leaving everyone wanting more. Forget dry, bland sweet potatoes – these are moist, flavorful, and utterly indulgent.
Ready to try this dessert-like side dish? Let’s dive into the recipe that will make you a star at your next holiday gathering.
The Magic Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Sweet Potato Casserole
Before we get cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients. Don’t be surprised by the sugar content – remember, this is a treat! Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable sweet potatoes:
- Sweet Potatoes: 4 medium sweet potatoes, the star of the show, providing natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- Milk: 1 cup of milk, adding richness and moisture to the sweet potato mixture.
- Sugar: 1 cup of granulated sugar, for that essential sweetness that makes this dish so craveable.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, enhancing the overall flavor profile with a touch of warmth.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, binding the ingredients together and adding to the creamy consistency.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon of salt, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the other flavors.
- Butter: A generous amount of butter, because butter makes everything better! You’ll need it for both the sweet potato mixture and the pecan topping.
- Pecans: 1 cup of chopped pecans, providing a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the topping.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, helping to create a crumbly and delicious pecan topping.
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup of packed brown sugar, adding a caramel-like sweetness and depth of flavor to the topping.
Image: Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s sweet potato recipe including sweet potatoes, milk, sugar, and other baking essentials.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pioneer Woman Soul Sweet Taters
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to recreate Pioneer Woman’s famous sweet potato recipe:
- Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Wash the 4 medium sweet potatoes and bake them until they are fork-tender, approximately 30-35 minutes. This step brings out their natural sweetness and makes them easy to mash.
Image: Baked sweet potatoes, fork-tender and ready to be scooped for Pioneer Woman’s recipe.
-
Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture: Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them open and scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of milk, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the bowl.
-
Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Using a potato masher, roughly mash the ingredients together. Don’t over-mash; a slightly chunky texture is perfect for this recipe.
Image: Mashing cooked sweet potatoes with milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt for Pioneer Woman’s sweet potato dish.
-
Make the Pecan Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 cup of chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, and 3/4 stick (6 tablespoons) of butter (cold and cut into small pieces).
-
Combine the Topping: Using a pastry cutter or a fork, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates the irresistible crumbly topping.
Image: Pecan crumble topping being made with brown sugar, pecans, flour and butter for Pioneer Woman’s sweet potatoes.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a regular baking dish (9×13 inch). Sprinkle the pecan crumble topping generously over the sweet potato base. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
Image: Finished Pioneer Woman sweet potato casserole, golden brown and bubbly, fresh out of the oven.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the sweet potato casserole cool slightly before serving. The topping will be wonderfully crunchy on top and delightfully caramelized underneath, creating a beautiful contrast with the creamy sweet potatoes.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Recipes
- Don’t Overmix: When mashing the sweet potatoes, avoid overmixing to maintain a pleasant texture.
- Fresh Pecans: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality pecans. Toasting them lightly before chopping can also enhance their nutty taste.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can slightly reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the sweet potato mixture.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the sweet potato casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving. This makes it perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these sweet potatoes as a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. They pair wonderfully with roasted turkey, ham, or pork.
Indulge in Pioneer Woman’s Sweet Potato Delight
These Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Recipes, or “Soul Sweet Taters,” are more than just a side dish; they’re a comforting, flavorful experience that will become a family favorite. With their creamy sweet potato base and crunchy pecan topping, they offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Perfect for holidays or any time you crave a touch of sweet indulgence, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead, bake up a batch and discover why this recipe is a Pioneer Woman classic!
