Sweet potato casserole is a quintessential side dish, especially during the holiday season. It perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, creating a comforting and decadent addition to any festive table. While many variations exist, the “Pioneer Woman” style sweet potato casserole stands out for its rich flavor profile and satisfyingly crunchy pecan topping. This recipe, inspired by the renowned Ree Drummond, is sure to become a beloved tradition in your home.
Why This Recipe is a Holiday Staple
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, fragrant sweet potato casserole. It evokes memories of family gatherings and holiday feasts. This particular recipe elevates the classic dish with a brown sugar and pecan streusel topping that adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy sweet potato base. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion where you want to serve a memorable and delicious side. This dish is more than just a side; it’s a taste of home and holiday cheer, reminiscent of the hearty and flavorful recipes championed by the Pioneer Woman.
ingredients to make sweet potato casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delectable sweet potato casserole, gather these key ingredients:
- Sweet Potatoes: 2 pounds (about 4 small to medium or 2 large) – the heart of the casserole, providing natural sweetness and creamy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup – for sweetening the sweet potato filling.
- Milk: 1 cup (2%, whole, or 1%) – adds moisture and richness to the filling. Evaporated milk can also be used for a richer flavor.
- Large Eggs: 2 – to bind the ingredients and create a cohesive casserole.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – enhances the overall flavor profile with a touch of warmth.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon – balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup – for the streusel topping, adding sweetness and depth of flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup – the base of the streusel topping, providing structure.
- Cold Butter: 6 tablespoons (unsalted or salted), cut into small cubes – creates the crumbly texture of the topping.
- Pecans: 1 cup, chopped – adds a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch to the topping. Toasting them beforehand enhances their flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sweet Potato Casserole Perfection
Follow these simple steps to bake your own perfect sweet potato casserole, reminiscent of Pioneer Woman’s comforting and flavorful recipes:
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Scrub the sweet potatoes and pierce them several times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 30-45 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork and tender throughout. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling: Once the roasted sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl, discarding the skins. Add the granulated sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl with the sweet potato flesh.
- Mash the Filling Ingredients: 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; a few lumps are perfectly acceptable and add to the rustic charm of the casserole, much like Pioneer Woman’s signature style.
- Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a 3-quart baking dish, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
making the topping for sweet potato casserole
Brown Sugar Pecan Topping: The Crowning Glory
The brown sugar pecan topping is what truly elevates this sweet potato casserole, giving it that signature Pioneer Woman touch:
- Combine Topping Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cold, cubed butter.
- Create Streusel Texture: Use a pastry cutter or a fork to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates the perfect streusel texture.
- Add Pecans: Stir the chopped pecans into the brown sugar mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the topping.
- Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping evenly over the sweet potato filling in the baking dish, covering the entire surface.
- 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 casserole is heated through. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this sweet potato casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can! To make ahead, prepare the casserole filling and the topping separately. Cover and refrigerate both until you’re ready to bake. Just before baking, let the casserole sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then add the topping and bake as directed. If baking directly from the refrigerator, you may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar content?
While this casserole is intended to be a sweet treat, some commenters have successfully reduced the sugar. If you are concerned about sweetness, you can reduce the granulated sugar in the filling by 1/4 cup or the brown sugar in the topping by 1/4 cup. However, keep in mind that the sugar contributes to both the flavor and texture of the casserole.
Can I use gluten-free flour for the topping?
While not tested specifically for this recipe, many bakers have successfully substituted all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in similar streusel toppings.
Sweet potato casserole on a plate
Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole
- Toast the Pecans: For a richer, nuttier flavor, toast the pecans before chopping and adding them to the topping. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Sweet Potatoes vs. Yams: In the US, sweet potatoes are often mislabeled as yams. For this recipe, either “yams” or sweet potatoes from the grocery store will work, but true yams are less common. Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are recommended for their sweetness and vibrant color.
- Cooking the Sweet Potatoes: Roasting is preferred for flavor, but boiling or slow cooking are also options if easier for you.
- Filling Consistency: The filling may appear slightly runny before baking due to the moisture content of the potatoes. However, it will set up as it bakes. The consistency can vary slightly depending on the potatoes, but it will become firmer once cooked.
- Storage: Store leftover sweet potato casserole covered in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Serving Suggestions and More Holiday Sides
This Pioneer Woman inspired sweet potato casserole is the perfect side dish to complement your holiday meals. It pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, ham, or even vegetarian mains. For a complete holiday feast, consider serving it alongside other classic side dishes such as mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, or your favorite stuffing recipe.
Enjoy this delightful and comforting sweet potato casserole recipe, a true holiday classic that brings the warmth and flavors of the season to your table.
