Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans Recipe: Home-Cooked Joy

Sweet potato casserole whispers nostalgic tales of family feasts and cozy winter evenings.

Golden-hued potatoes melt into a luscious landscape of culinary comfort, promising pure indulgence.

Creamy, whipped textures embrace warm spices that awaken forgotten memories.

Buttery depths intermingle with caramelized sweetness, creating a sensory symphony that captivates every palate.

Crunchy pecan clusters crown this delectable masterpiece, transforming a simple side into an extraordinary experience.

Layers of decadence unfold with each sumptuous spoonful, inviting you to savor tradition and innovation.

This recipe will spark joy and ignite taste buds, making your next meal an unforgettable celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 8

What’s in Ina Garten Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

• Sweet Potatoes: Choose vibrant orange varieties with smooth, firm skin and no soft spots or bruises.
• Milk: Select whole milk for richer, creamier texture.
• Brown Sugar: Opt for dark brown sugar for deeper caramel notes.
• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for authentic, robust flavor.
• Salt: Select fine sea salt for balanced seasoning.
• Eggs: Pick fresh, large eggs at room temperature for smooth incorporation.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for precise flavor control.

• All-Purpose Flour: Select unbleached flour for better texture.
• Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for subtle molasses undertone.
• Pecans: Choose fresh, crisp pecans with no rancid smell.
• Salt: Fine kosher salt enhances nutty flavor profile.

• Butter: Use high-quality butter for greasing baking dish and preventing sticking.

Tools to Make Sweet Potato Casserole Smoothly

• Large pot: For boiling sweet potatoes until soft and tender.
• Colander: To drain water completely after boiling potatoes.
• Potato masher: Helps create smooth, creamy sweet potato base.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining filling ingredients and whisking.
• Whisk: Blends filling ingredients until completely smooth.
• 2-quart baking dish: Generously buttered to hold sweet potato casserole.
• Separate small bowl: Mixes crunchy pecan topping ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Oven: Bakes casserole to golden perfection at 350°F.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients evenly.

Bake Steps for Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

Whip Up Sweet Potato Casserole

• Prep Sweet Potatoes

Scrub sweet potatoes clean and slice into chunks. Boil them in salted water until they’re super tender and can be mashed easily. Drain and transform into silky smooth puree using a masher or mixer.

• Build Creamy Potato Base

Combine the velvety potato mash with butter, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, and eggs in a large bowl. Whisk everything together until the mixture looks glossy and well-blended. Pour this luscious blend into a buttered baking dish.

• Create Crunchy Pecan Topping

Mix flour, brown sugar, butter, and chopped pecans in a separate bowl. Work the ingredients with your fingers until they form a crumbly, irresistible topping that looks like delicate golden nuggets.

• Bake and Serve

Scatter the pecan crumble across the potato base, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Slide the casserole into a preheated oven and bake until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the center sets perfectly. Pull out this bubbling masterpiece and serve while it’s warm, ready to melt hearts and tantalize taste buds.

Tweaks You Can Try for This Casserole

• Swap Sweet Potato Varieties: Experiment with different types like purple or Japanese sweet potatoes for unique color and subtle flavor variations.
• Boost Spice Profile: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the filling for a warm, aromatic twist that elevates the classic sweet potato casserole.
• Create Dairy-Free Options: Replace milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and use vegan butter to make the recipe friendly for lactose-intolerant or plant-based eaters.
• Customize Nutty Crunch: Mix different nuts like walnuts, almonds, or a combination to add texture and create your signature topping that goes beyond traditional pecans.

Best Ways to Serve This Sweet Potato Dish

• Serve with Holiday Flair: Pair this sweet potato casserole with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or alongside classic Thanksgiving side dishes for a festive meal celebration.
• Dress Up Your Dessert: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle of caramel sauce to transform this dish into an indulgent dessert-like experience.
• Create Breakfast Magic: Enjoy leftovers as a decadent morning treat, reheated and paired with crispy bacon or scrambled eggs for a sweet and savory breakfast combination.
• Store and Reheat Smartly: Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Warm gently in the oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes to maintain the crispy pecan topping and creamy texture.

Storing and Reheating Sweet Potato Casserole

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover sweet potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or aluminum foil. Frozen casserole keeps well for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture if needed.
• Serving Suggestion: Bring refrigerated casserole to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon to revive its original delicious appeal.

Comforting Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s sweet potato casserole delights with creamy mashed potatoes topped by a crunchy pecan streusel. Comforting Southern flavors blend perfectly, creating a memorable side dish you’ll want to serve at holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 large sweet potatoes (1.75 lbs / 794 g), peeled and cubed
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 4 tbsps (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 4 tbsps (56 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (84 g) chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Potato Preparation: Wash, peel, and dice sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking.
2. Boiling Process: Submerge potato cubes in salted water, boil until tender and easily mashed, approximately 15-20 minutes.
3. Mashing Technique: Drain potatoes and pulverize into a smooth, creamy consistency using a potato masher or electric mixer.
4. Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 350°F and butter a 2-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
5. Mixture Creation: Combine mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter, whole milk, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract, kosher salt, and eggs in a large mixing bowl, whisking until glossy and well-integrated.
6. Topping Assembly: Mix all-purpose flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt until crumbly, then incorporate chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
7. Casserole Construction: Pour sweet potato mixture into prepared baking dish, spreading evenly, then generously distribute pecan topping across the surface.
8. Baking Finalization: Bake for 25-30 minutes until topping turns golden brown and center sets completely.
9. Serving Preparation: Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after removing from oven, facilitating easier serving and helping the dish maintain its structure.

Notes

• Potato Prep Matters: Cut sweet potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Mash Masterfully: Eliminate lumps completely when mashing to create a silky-smooth base that guarantees a luxurious, creamy consistency.
• Topping Technique: Distribute pecan mixture evenly to provide a perfect crunch in every single bite, creating a delightful contrast with the creamy sweet potato base.
• Temperature Control: Allow casserole to rest briefly after baking, which helps ingredients settle and makes serving much easier without losing the dish’s delicious warmth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg