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Crispy Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole: Easy 5-Ingredient Side

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A crowd-pleasing side dish featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy, toasted pecan and maple syrup crust. This recipe balances savory depth with sweetness for a healthier alternative to traditional marshmallow toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium sweet potatoes (Garnet or Jewel varieties)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: splash of vanilla extract or dash of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork and bake directly on the rack for 45-60 minutes until tender. Let cool until handleable.
  2. Peel the skins off the baked sweet potatoes and place the flesh in a large bowl. Add melted butter and mash until smooth and velvety. Avoid overmixing to prevent a gummy texture.
  3. While potatoes cool, toast pecan halves in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then chop roughly.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt to form a paste. Fold in the chopped toasted pecans.
  5. Spread the mashed sweet potatoes evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan mixture over the top and press down gently to help it stick.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy. If browning too fast, cover loosely with foil.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

Toast the pecans for deeper flavor. If the topping doesn’t stick, the mash may be too dry; add a teaspoon of milk or extra butter. For a smoother mash, pass it through a sieve. To prevent sogginess, ensure excess moisture is evaporated from the potatoes before assembling. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, pecan topping, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving recipe, healthy side, gluten-free, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/crispy-pecan-sweet-potato-casserole-easy-5-ingredient-side/