Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that brings warm, cozy vibes to your table, I’ve got just the thing for you. My Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe is an absolute favorite in my family—creamy, sweet, and with that perfectly crunchy nutty topping that makes everyone ask for seconds. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a weekend dinner, this casserole steals the show every time. Let me walk you through all the secrets so you can make it your own and impress your guests with ease.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe uses ingredients that you might already have on hand, plus a few pantry staples. I love how the natural sweetness of the potatoes complements the maple syrup and warm cinnamon, while the praline topping adds that irresistible crunchy finish.

• Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes for uniform baking and the best natural sweetness.
• Olive Oil Spray: Helps keep your baking dish non-stick without adding extra fat.
• Fat-Free Milk (or dairy-free alternative): Adds creaminess without overpowering the sweet potato flavor.
• Pure Maple Syrup: My secret to adding natural sweetness; it’s richer than plain sugar.
• Vanilla Extract: Elevates the dish with a subtle aroma and depth.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice to the mix, a must-have in this classic recipe.
• Eggs: Bind everything together so the casserole holds its shape beautifully.
• Pecans or Walnuts: Coarsely chopped for that delightful crunch in the praline topping.
• All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free flour): Helps hold the topping together.
• Quick-Cooking Rolled Oats (or gluten-free oats): Adds texture and makes the topping extra hearty.
• Brown Monk Fruit Sweetener (or brown sugar): Sweetens the topping with less guilt if you prefer monk fruit.
• Melted Butter (or coconut oil): Enriches the topping—use coconut oil to keep it dairy-free without losing richness.

Variations

I’ve found this Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe is super versatile—you can tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs with just a few swaps. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Dairy-Free Version: I love swapping milk for almond or oat milk and butter for coconut oil; the flavor barely changes, but it’s easier on sensitive stomachs.
• Nut-Free Topping: Experiment with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower instead of pecans if nuts are a no-go at your table.
• Extra Spice Kick: A pinch of nutmeg or ginger in the sweet potato mixture adds a lovely warm spice note that my family adores.
• Make it Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and coconut oil, and you’ll still get a luscious, creamy base.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe

Step 1: Roast Your Sweet Potatoes to Perfection

I usually preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, I prick the sweet potatoes all over with a fork—this helps steam escape while baking. I place them on a sheet pan and roast for about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes, until they feel tender when poked with a fork. You want them nice and soft to mash easily. Pro tip: don’t rush this part; the natural sweetness intensifies as they roast.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Mash Away

While the sweet potatoes cool enough to handle, spray your baking dish generously with olive oil spray to make sure nothing sticks. Once the potatoes are cool (but not cold), peel off the skins—this is the messy but satisfying part! Mash the sweet potato flesh in a large bowl. I like to use a fork or a potato masher for a nice rustic texture, but a hand mixer works too if you prefer it smoother.

Step 3: Mix in Your Flavorful Ingredients

To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the milk, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, eggs, kosher salt, and that warm cinnamon. I love using a wooden spoon here to combine everything until the mixture is smooth and uniform—no lumps! This is where the magic happens; those few additions turn simple sweet potatoes into a creamy, luscious base.

Step 4: Make the Praline Topping

In a separate bowl, toss together the chopped pecans (or walnuts), flour, oats, brown monk fruit sweetener (or brown sugar), cinnamon, and salt. Then stir in the melted butter or coconut oil until the mixture clumps together a bit but still looks crumbly. This topping brings that signature crunch and sweet nuttiness that everyone raves about.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy!

Spread your sweet potato mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the praline topping generously and evenly over it. Pop it in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. When it comes out, let it rest for at least 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the topping settles into that perfect crunchy haven. Then, dive in!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish this casserole with a light dusting of extra chopped pecans on top for an extra crunch boost right before serving. A few fresh thyme leaves can add a subtle herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness, though that’s just me getting fancy in the kitchen.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or even a simple roast chicken. For a veggie balance, I often serve it alongside sautéed green beans with garlic or a crisp fresh salad—it helps round out the meal and adds refreshing texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try making individual servings in ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—guests love the personal touch. You can even layer the casserole into a trifle-style dish for a stunning buffet centerpiece. I once topped it with a dollop of whipped cream mixed with a pinch of cinnamon for a dessert-like twist that blew everyone away!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap in the fridge. This casserole reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the next day. Just make sure to cover it well to keep that praline topping from drying out or getting too hard.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing this casserole, especially when prepping for big holidays. Freeze before baking, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and sprinkle the praline topping on before baking fresh. This helps maintain that crispy finish.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil to prevent burning. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Removing the foil in the last 5 minutes helps the topping crisp up again beautifully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe turns out every time—it truly feels like a warm hug on a plate and makes holidays or family dinners feel extra special. The balance of creamy sweet potatoes with that crunchy, buttery praline topping is simply irresistible, and I bet you’ll soon find it becoming a staple in your own recipe box. Give it a try, and don’t forget to savor every bite!

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