Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe

Oh, you’re going to absolutely adore this Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe — it’s one of my all-time favorites for those cozy holiday dinners or anytime you crave a little comfort food magic. What makes it so special is the perfect marriage of creamy, buttery sweet potatoes layered with a crunchy, nutty praline topping that simply melts in your mouth. Every time I make this, my family can’t get enough, and trust me, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to share over slow conversations and laughter.

I first tried this recipe when I was looking for a fresh twist on traditional sweet potato casserole, and it instantly became a household staple. You’ll find that it works wonderfully as a side for Thanksgiving or Christmas but honestly, it’s so good I often make it for weekend dinners too. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to pull together, especially with a few prep tricks I picked up along the way — you’re about to see why this Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe is a keeper!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients for this Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe — they’re straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in the flavor and texture. I always recommend picking medium-sized sweet potatoes for even baking, and choosing fresh pecans or walnuts really makes the topping pop.

• Sweet potatoes: Look for firm, smooth-skinned potatoes about the same size so they bake evenly.
• Olive oil spray: Helps prevent sticking without adding extra grease.
• Fat free milk (or dairy-free milk alternative): Adds creaminess; you can swap for almond or oat milk if preferred.
• Pure maple syrup: Gives natural sweetness with a lovely depth of flavor.
• Vanilla extract: A small splash amps up the warmth and sweetness without overpowering.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings cozy spice that complements the sweet potatoes perfectly.
• Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the casserole base.
• Pecans or walnuts: For that special praline crunch, go with fresh and coarsely chopped nuts.
• All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): Helps bind the praline topping so it crisps up nicely.
• Quick-cooking rolled oats (or gluten-free oats): Adds texture and a bit of wholesome chew.
• Brown monk fruit sweetener (or brown sugar): Sweetens the topping with a caramel-like flavor.
• Melted butter (or coconut oil): Adds richness and helps the topping brown beautifully.

Variations

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe is a great base to personalize depending on your family’s preferences or dietary needs. I love tweaking the topping or sweetener to keep things fresh every time I make it.

• Nut-Free Version: I’ve swapped the pecans for roasted pumpkin seeds for a nut-free crowd, and honestly, it still gets rave reviews.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Using coconut oil and your favorite plant milk works perfectly if you’re avoiding dairy—plus it adds a subtle coconut hint that’s delightful.
• Spice It Up: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the sweet potato mix for an extra warming kick that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon.
• Sweetener Swap: Maple syrup and monk fruit chase that perfect sweetness, but brown sugar can be used if that’s what you have on hand.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe

Step 1: Roast Those Sweet Potatoes

First things first — preheat your oven to 375°F and give those sweet potatoes a good wash. Pierce each one a few times with a fork to let the steam escape while baking. Pop them on a sheet pan and roast for about 1 to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on their size. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender enough to easily poke through with a fork. This roasting step really deepens the natural sweetness, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Prep Your Baking Dish

While the potatoes cool enough to handle, spray your 9 x 9 inch baking dish with olive oil spray. I find this size perfect for the amount of casserole, but feel free to use a pie pan or any 2-quart baking dish you have on hand. Getting your dish ready ahead of time makes the next steps flow smoothly.

Step 3: Mash and Mix the Sweet Potato Base

Scoop the sweet potato flesh out of the skins and mash it in a large bowl using a fork or potato masher. There’s no need for it to be perfectly smooth — a bit of texture adds charm! Stir in the milk, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and beaten eggs. I like to mix this with a wooden spoon until the texture is consistent and creamy. This mixture will be your velvety casserole base.

Step 4: Assemble and Prepare the Praline Topping

Pour the sweet potato mixture into the greased baking dish and smooth out the surface with a spatula. Now, in a separate bowl, combine your chopped nuts, flour, oats, brown monk fruit sweetener, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter or coconut oil until the mixture clumps together slightly—this is your golden, crumbly praline topping that adds incredible texture and flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the praline topping evenly across the sweet potato layer. Pop the whole dish into the oven at 375°F and bake for 30 minutes or until the topping turns golden brown and smells heavenly. I usually let mine cool for at least 5 minutes before serving, which helps everything set just right without losing that ooey-gooey feel.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple for this dish — a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans on top before serving adds fresh crunch and looks inviting. Sometimes, I add a few fresh thyme leaves for a subtle herbal note that pairs surprisingly well without overpowering the sweetness.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham, but I also love serving it alongside a crisp green salad or sautéed green beans for balance. Mashed cauliflower or classic stuffing all join forces to create that perfect holiday plate your guests will love.

Creative Ways to Present

When I want to jazz it up for special occasions, I sometimes bake this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a pecan half for a classy look. It instantly makes the dish feel personal and festive, plus it’s fun for guests to have their own little sweet potato delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. I usually cover mine tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and it reheats surprisingly well without losing that creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully many times — just make sure it’s fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It’s best to freeze before baking; you can thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake fresh with the praline topping for perfect results.

Reheating

When reheating, I like to cover the dish loosely with foil to avoid drying out the sweet potatoes, then bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warmed through. For a crispier topping, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe enough — it’s cozy, comforting, and just downright delicious. Whether you’re serving up a holiday feast or just want a special side dish to brighten your dinner table, this recipe has consistently been a crowd-pleaser in my kitchen. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll hear those delighted “Mmm”s and see happy faces all around. Here’s to many more cozy meals shared with loved ones!

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