Friendsgiving Recipes: Rustic Sweet Potato Casserole (Print Version)

Discover Friendsgiving recipes - creamy, rustic sweet potato casserole. A comforting side dish for your holiday table, full of warmth and flavor.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Sweet Potato Base

01 - 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
02 - ½ cup unsalted butter
03 - ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
04 - ½ cup light brown sugar
05 - 2 tbsp maple syrup
06 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ Flavor Boosters

07 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
08 - ½ tsp ground nutmeg
09 - Pinch of salt (for boiling water)

→ Crunchy Topping

10 - 1 cup chopped pecans
11 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
12 - ¼ cup light brown sugar
13 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

→ Optional Extras

14 - A pinch of cayenne pepper for warmth
15 - Mini marshmallows for a classic topping

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those sweet potatoes ready! I usually peel about three pounds of them, then chop them into roughly 1-inch cubes. This helps them cook evenly. Toss them into a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until they’re fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Honestly, this is where I always forget to salt the water, but it makes a difference in the final flavor, so don't be like me!
02 - Once the sweet potatoes are tender, drain them really well. You don't want any watery casserole, trust me! Transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the ½ cup unsalted butter, ½ cup whole milk (or cream!), ½ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg. Grab your potato masher and get to work! Mash until it’s smooth and creamy. I like a few small lumps for texture, but you do you. Taste it now – adjust sweetness or spices if needed. This is your chance to make it yours!
03 - Now for the best part, the glorious topping! In a separate medium bowl, combine the 1 cup chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and ¼ cup light brown sugar. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, then pour it over the pecan mixture. Mix it all together with a fork until it forms a lovely, crumbly texture. This is what gives it that irresistible crunch – don't skip it! The smell of these ingredients mixing, oh my, it's pure fall heaven.
04 - Spoon your creamy sweet potato mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle that amazing pecan crumb topping all over the top. Make sure it’s evenly distributed so every bite gets some crunch! Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25-35 minutes. You're looking for that beautiful golden-brown topping and for the casserole to be bubbly around the edges. I once over-baked it and the topping got a little too dark, so keep an eye on it!
05 - Once it’s perfectly golden, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. I know it's tempting to dig in right away, but letting it rest for about 10-15 minutes allows it to set up a bit and prevents it from being too soupy. This also helps the flavors meld even more. This is where the kitchen smells get seriously intoxicating, trust me! Just try to resist the urge to sneak a spoonful immediately.
06 - Finally, after all that love and effort (and maybe a few minor kitchen mishaps), it's time to serve up your beautiful sweet potato casserole. It should look warm, inviting, with a creamy base and a crunchy, caramelized topping. I always tell my friends to grab a big scoop – it’s meant to be shared generously! This dish just feels like home, no matter whose kitchen you're in. Enjoy every single, sweet, nutty bite!

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