Praline Sweet Potato Casserole

When I think of fall gatherings, nothing quite captures the essence of comfort food like Praline Sweet Potato Casserole. I remember the first time I tasted this dish at a family Thanksgiving. The rich aroma of roasted sweet potatoes mixed with a hint of spices wafted through the air, making my mouth water before I even took a bite. It was the perfect blend of sweetness and warmth, a dish that brought everyone together at the table, creating moments of laughter and joy. This casserole has since become a staple in my home, especially during the holiday season. Whenever I prepare it, I can feel the love and tradition passed down through generations, infusing every layer of this delightful dish.

Main Ingredients for Praline Sweet Potato Casserole

The ingredients for Praline Sweet Potato Casserole blend beautifully to create a dish that’s both rich and comforting. Each ingredient serves a purpose, enhancing the overall flavor and texture. The sweet potatoes are the stars, providing a creamy base that pairs perfectly with the crunchy praline topping.

• 2 medium sweet potatoes – Peeled and cubed, these are the foundation of the casserole, offering a naturally sweet flavor that complements the rich toppings.
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream – This adds creaminess and richness, making the sweet potatoes incredibly smooth.
• 2 large eggs – These bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the casserole.
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar – This sweetens the dish and enhances the caramelization during baking.
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract – Adds a warm, comforting flavor that pairs wonderfully with sweet potatoes.
• 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice – This spice blend brings warmth and depth to the dish.
• ½ cup chopped pecans – These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, making the topping irresistible.
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar – Used in the topping, it helps create a sweet, crunchy layer.
• ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk – This contributes to the creamy topping, making it luscious.
• 1 Tbsp butter – Melted and mixed into the topping for added richness.
• ½ tsp vanilla extract – A second layer of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile.

Instructions for Praline Sweet Potato Casserole

Making this Praline Sweet Potato Casserole is a joyful experience that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll see just how easy it is to create this delightful dish. Let’s dive into the process!

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 325ºF. It’s important to have your oven ready to ensure even baking. While it warms up, lightly spray an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan with cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Next, place your sweet potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. This step is crucial, as you want the sweet potatoes to be tender before mashing them.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook the sweet potatoes for about 10 to 15 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Drain the cooked potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
4. Now, it’s time to mix! Add heavy whipping cream, eggs, ¼ cup of brown sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice to the bowl of warm sweet potatoes. Using a hand-held mixer, blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is the moment when the magic happens, creating the base for our casserole.
5. Next, gently fold in the chopped pecans. Their crunch will add a delightful texture to the creamy filling of the casserole. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring that it’s even so that it bakes nicely.
7. In a separate bowl, combine ⅓ cup of brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, and ½ tsp vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. This mixture will create a delicious topping for the casserole.
8. Spoon this topping over the potato mixture in the baking pan. Use a knife to gently cut through the mixture, creating swirls that allow the topping to blend with the filling.
9. Finally, place the pan in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The aroma will be absolutely mouthwatering!

Expert Tips about Praline Sweet Potato Casserole

Perfecting the Praline Sweet Potato Casserole is all about the details. Here are some expert tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time you make it:

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
• Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. To freeze after baking, cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze. For the best outcome, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Pairing: This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. It complements a variety of main dishes and enhances holiday spreads.
• Sweetness adjustment: You can adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your preference for sweetness. Taste the mixture before baking to see if you’d like to add a bit more.
• Make it your own: Experiment with different toppings such as crushed graham crackers or different types of nuts for a unique twist.
• Serving suggestion: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.

What to Pair With Praline Sweet Potato Casserole

The Praline Sweet Potato Casserole is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside this delightful casserole:

• Roasted vegetables: Consider serving it with roasted brussels sprouts or green beans, which provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the casserole.
• Salads: A simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette can balance the richness of the casserole, making for a well-rounded meal.
• Grilled chicken: For those looking to add protein, grilled chicken or turkey is an excellent option that complements the flavors without overpowering them.
• Holidays: This casserole is a festive addition to any holiday meal, especially Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
• Meal prep: It can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient dish for gatherings. Prepare it the day before and bake it just before serving.
• Seasonal pairings: During the fall, serve with apple cider or pumpkin soup to create a seasonal feast.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Praline Sweet Potato Casserole is a special dish that combines warmth, nostalgia, and delightful flavors. It’s perfect for bringing family and friends together around the table. I encourage you to try making it for your next gathering or cozy night in. You won’t just be serving a dish; you’ll be creating memories that last a lifetime.

Praline Sweet Potato Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, Praline Sweet Potato Casserole is creamy, crispy, and packed with flavor. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family nights. Make it tonight and taste the magic!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup brown sugar packed
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ⅓ cup brown sugar packed
• ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 Tbsp butter melted
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• 9-inch Square Baking Dish

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 325ºF. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Place sweet potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook 10 to 15 minutes or until tender. Drain potatoes and place in a large bowl.
3. Add heavy cream, eggs, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 Tbsp vanilla, pumpkin pie spice to cooked sweet potatoes. Mix with a hand-held mixer until smooth. Fold in pecans.
4. Spread potato mixture into prepared pan.
5. Combine ⅓ cup brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, and ½ tsp vanilla; spoon over potato mixture. Cut through with a knife to swirl the sauce.
6. Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes.

Notes

• Tip 1: You can make this ahead of time and refrigerate overnight.
• Tip 2: If you don’t like sweet potatoes, you can substitute an equivalent amount of butternut squash.
• Tip 3: Can Sweet Potato Casserole be frozen? Yes! You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. To freeze after baking, cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze. To reheat, thaw completely and reheat covered in the oven until warmed through.
• Tip 4: To freeze before baking, I suggest leaving off the topping. When ready to bake, thaw completely and add the praline topping and bake as directed.

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