This Crunchy Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole is a rich, creamy, and nutty dish that’s perfect for holiday meals like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering. Made with buttery mashed sweet potatoes, a touch of maple syrup, and a crispy pecan topping, this casserole is an easy and flavorful side dish that everyone will love. The secret ingredient—brown butter—adds an irresistible depth of flavor that makes this dish truly special!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 4 lbs (2kg) sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup + more for drizzling
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup chopped dried cranberries
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Add diced sweet potatoes, garlic, and water into an Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set to manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Brown Butter: While the potatoes are cooking, melt butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma, strain it into a bowl to prevent burning.
- Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully quick-release the pressure. Drain any excess water. Mash the sweet potatoes and garlic using a potato masher until chunky.
- Whip the Sweet Potatoes: Add the brown butter and maple syrup to the mashed sweet potatoes. Using an electric mixer, blend on low speed until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mashed sweet potatoes into a buttered baking dish. Top with chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Broil the Topping: Place the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the pecans are toasted and golden brown.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: Cook and mash the sweet potatoes a day before, store in the fridge, and bake when ready.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
This Crunchy Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole is a sweet, buttery, and nutty side dish that’s easy to make and full of comforting flavors. It’s the perfect dish to elevate your holiday table! 🥔🍁✨
The Perfect Holiday Side Dish
Crunchy Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole has all the qualities you want in a holiday side dish: it’s indulgent, comforting, and beautifully balanced. The combination of creamy mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices, and crunchy pecans creates a dish that will complement any meal. The sweet potatoes, known for their natural sweetness, are the perfect canvas for a dish that pairs richness with a touch of earthiness.
Sweet potatoes themselves are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. By adding in brown butter and maple syrup, you enhance the natural sweetness, while the crispy pecans bring a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth and creamy texture of the mashed potatoes. This dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also an aesthetic masterpiece when served at the dinner table.
Why Brown Butter Makes All the Difference
One of the key components that elevates this casserole is brown butter. While regular butter provides a smooth, creamy texture, brown butter adds a toasty, nutty flavor that transforms the dish into something extraordinary. The process of browning butter caramelizes the milk solids, releasing a rich, almost caramel-like aroma and flavor. This technique gives the casserole a depth of flavor that’s complex and satisfying. The nuttiness of the brown butter beautifully complements the sweetness of the potatoes and the richness of the pecans, creating a balanced and harmonious flavor profile that will have guests asking for the recipe.
The Maple Syrup Touch
To further enhance the sweetness and depth of the dish, maple syrup is added to the mashed sweet potatoes. Not only does this lend a natural sweetness to the casserole, but the maple syrup also infuses the dish with its distinct flavor, adding a layer of complexity to the already rich sweet potato base. The syrup, combined with the brown butter, creates a flavor reminiscent of a warm autumn day, making it the perfect addition to your holiday table.
The Nutty Crunch of Pecans
The pecans add a delightful crunch to the casserole, providing contrast to the soft and creamy texture of the sweet potatoes. Pecans, with their mild, buttery flavor, pair perfectly with the sweet potatoes and brown butter. They also bring a healthy dose of heart-healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to the dish. Toasting the pecans under the broiler allows them to caramelize slightly, enhancing their flavor and adding an extra layer of richness to the casserole.
A Make-Ahead Holiday Favorite
One of the best features of this Crunchy Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole is its ability to be made ahead of time. Preparing for the holidays can be hectic, but this dish makes things easier by allowing you to prepare it the day before your gathering. Simply cook and mash the sweet potatoes, store them in the fridge, and assemble the casserole when you’re ready. This means you can spend more time enjoying the holiday festivities and less time in the kitchen.
Not only can it be made in advance, but the casserole is also easy to store and reheat. If you happen to have leftovers (which is highly unlikely!), you can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the casserole in the oven, covered with foil to retain moisture, and it will taste just as fresh as when it was first baked.
Versatility of Ingredients
This dish can be easily adapted to suit different dietary preferences. If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan option, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based version like coconut oil or vegan butter, and swap out the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative. The maple syrup and pecans are already naturally plant-based, making this casserole a versatile choice for a variety of diets. For those who want to reduce the sugar content, you can adjust the amount of maple syrup or even use a sugar-free syrup alternative.
If you want to add more flavors to the dish, consider incorporating cinnamon and nutmeg into the mashed sweet potatoes. These warm spices will infuse the casserole with additional layers of flavor, enhancing the fall-inspired tastes and aromas that make this dish perfect for the holiday season. Dried cranberries also make a great addition to the pecan topping, adding a pop of color and a tart contrast to the sweet and savory elements of the casserole.
Why It’s a Crowd-Pleaser
This Crunchy Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole is an ideal dish to serve at any family gathering, holiday meal, or potluck. It appeals to a wide range of tastes, from those who love rich, creamy textures to those who enjoy a satisfying crunch in every bite. Its subtle sweetness, combined with the savory pecan topping and the depth of brown butter, makes it a dish that will impress your guests, whether they’re vegan, gluten-free, or not.
Moreover, its easy preparation and make-ahead nature make it a stress-free option for busy cooks. You won’t have to worry about timing everything to perfection on the day of your meal. You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, then pop it in the oven to broil the pecans just before serving. The result is a beautifully golden, crispy casserole with creamy sweet potatoes and a nutty, caramelized topping that will leave your guests reaching for seconds.
Conclusion: A Must-Have for Holiday Feasts
In conclusion, Crunchy Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect side dish for any holiday feast. Its rich, creamy texture, combined with the nutty crunch of pecans and the irresistible depth of brown butter, makes it a standout dish that will impress all your guests. Whether you’re preparing it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special family gathering, this casserole will bring warmth and comfort to your table. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and delicious flavor make it a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their holiday spread.
Not only does this casserole taste amazing, but it also provides a wholesome, nutrient-packed side dish that’s suitable for a variety of dietary needs. So, the next time you’re planning your holiday menu, be sure to add this Crunchy Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole to your list—it’s a dish that everyone will love and remember.