When the holidays roll around, certain dishes are just non-negotiable on the table. For many, and certainly in our home, sweet potato casserole is right at the top of that list. And while there are many sweet potato casserole recipes out there, none quite capture the comforting, decadent flavor of the Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole. This recipe, inspired by Ree Drummond, is a holiday staple for good reason – it’s simply irresistible.
What makes this Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole so special? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a creamy sweet potato base and a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel topping. It’s the kind of dish that evokes memories of family gatherings and festive feasts, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any holiday celebration, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Forget boring side dishes; this casserole is a star in its own right.
ingredients to make sweet potato casserole
Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole
To bring this classic Pioneer Woman recipe to life, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather to create this holiday magic:
For the Sweet Potato Filling:
- Sweet Potatoes: The heart of the dish! You’ll need about 2 pounds of fresh sweet potatoes. Look for about 4 medium-sized or 2 large sweet potatoes.
- Granulated Sugar: For that essential sweetness in the casserole base. 1 cup of granulated sugar will do the trick.
- Milk: Milk adds creaminess to the filling. 2% milk works perfectly, but whole milk or even 1% can be substituted. Evaporated milk is also a great alternative for an even richer texture. You will need 1 cup.
- Large Eggs: Eggs are crucial for binding the filling and providing structure. You’ll need 2 large eggs.
- Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth. Real vanilla extract is recommended for the best taste.
- Salt: A teaspoon of salt is essential to balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
For the Pecan Streusel Topping:
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar creates that wonderful caramel-like flavor in the topping. You’ll need 1 cup packed.
- All-Purpose Flour: Flour provides structure to the streusel topping, ensuring it’s crumbly and delicious. Half a cup of all-purpose flour is perfect.
- Cold Butter: Cold, unsalted butter is key to a flaky, crumbly streusel. 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) of butter, cut into small cubes, will do the magic. Salted butter can also be used if preferred.
- Pecans: Pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the topping. 1 cup of chopped pecans is ideal. For an even more intense pecan flavor, toast them lightly before chopping.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole: Step-by-Step
Making this Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps to create a holiday side dish that will impress everyone at your table:
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Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 30-45 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes. For larger potatoes, it may take longer. You’ll know they are ready when a fork easily pierces through them.
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Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling: Once the roasted sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them open and scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl, discarding the skins. Add the granulated sugar, milk, large eggs, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl with the sweet potato flesh.
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Mash the Filling: Use a potato masher or a sturdy spoon to mash all the ingredients together until well combined. The mixture doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth; some lumps are perfectly fine and add to the rustic charm of the casserole.
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Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a 3-quart baking dish. Ensure it’s evenly distributed in the dish.
making the topping for sweet potato casserole
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Make the Pecan Streusel Topping: In a separate medium bowl, combine the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or a fork to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This process is crucial for achieving that perfect streusel texture.
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Add Pecans to Topping: Stir the chopped pecans into the streusel mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
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Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping evenly over the sweet potato filling in the baking dish, covering the entire surface for a beautiful, crunchy crust.
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Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is heated through. The aroma filling your kitchen will be heavenly!
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Let it Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Serve warm and enjoy the rave reviews!
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole
- Make Ahead Magic: Planning ahead for the holidays? You can absolutely make this sweet potato casserole ahead of time! Prepare the casserole filling and the streusel topping separately. Store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply sprinkle the topping over the filling and bake as directed. If baking directly from the fridge, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking for more even cooking.
- Adjusting Sweetness: While this recipe is perfectly balanced, if you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the granulated sugar in the filling slightly. However, keep in mind that the sweetness is part of what makes this casserole so delicious and holiday-worthy!
- Gluten-Free Option: For those needing a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour in the streusel topping with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Many have successfully used this substitution without compromising the texture or taste.
- Nut-Free Topping: If you have nut allergies, you can easily omit the pecans from the streusel topping. For added crunch, consider substituting with toasted rolled oats or a simple buttery crumb topping without nuts.
- Potato Prep Preferences: While roasting sweet potatoes is recommended for the best flavor, you can also boil, steam, or even microwave them until tender if you’re short on time. Slow cooking in a Crock-Pot is another option for incredibly soft sweet potatoes. Roasting, however, enhances their natural sugars and provides a deeper flavor.
- Filling Consistency: Don’t worry if the filling appears slightly runny before baking. It will set up beautifully as it bakes in the oven. The water content of sweet potatoes can vary, affecting the initial consistency, but the eggs will bind everything together during baking.
Sweet potato casserole on a plate
Serving Suggestions for Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole
This Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole is the quintessential holiday side dish, perfect for:
- Thanksgiving Dinner: No Thanksgiving feast is complete without it! Serve alongside turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and other classic Thanksgiving fare.
- Christmas Dinner: Bring warmth and sweetness to your Christmas table with this comforting casserole. It pairs wonderfully with ham, roast beef, or chicken.
- Holiday Potlucks: Traveling to a holiday gathering? This casserole is easy to transport and always a hit at potlucks and family dinners.
- Weeknight Comfort: While perfect for holidays, don’t reserve this deliciousness just for special occasions! It’s a fantastic side dish to elevate any weeknight meal, especially during the colder months.
More Holiday Side Dish Inspiration
Looking for more delicious side dishes to complete your holiday menu? Explore these other fantastic options:
The Pioneer Woman Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of holiday tradition. With its creamy sweet potato filling and crunchy pecan topping, it’s guaranteed to become a beloved dish in your own holiday celebrations. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a side dish that will steal the show!
