Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe

I absolutely love this Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe because it perfectly balances creamy, warmly spiced sweet potatoes with a satisfyingly crunchy, nutty topping. It’s one of those dishes that brings a cozy vibe to any meal, especially during the holidays or chilly weekends when comfort food is a must. Every time I serve it, I get asked for seconds—and honestly, I don’t blame anyone because it’s just that good.

If you’re looking for a side that’s both easy to make and impressive, this Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe is your go-to. The combination of maple syrup, cinnamon, and pecans creates a beautiful harmony of flavors that everyone will enjoy, whether you’re cooking for your family or bringing a dish to a potluck. Plus, it’s wonderfully adaptable to any dietary tweaks you may want to try.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work so well together because the natural sweetness of the potatoes complements the warm spices and the crunchy nut topping. When you shop, look for firm sweet potatoes and fresh pecans or walnuts for the best results.

• Sweet potatoes: Choose medium-sized ones that are firm and without blemishes for even baking.
• Fat free milk (or dairy-free milk alternative): Adds creaminess and helps smooth out the mash; I’ve used almond milk with great success.
• Pure maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness and depth of flavor—definitely don’t swap it for artificial syrups.
• Vanilla extract: Gives the filling a lovely aromatic sweetness that elevates the dish.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors—don’t skip this!
• Ground cinnamon: Adds just the right warm spice note; a little goes a long way.
• Eggs: Bind the filling together for a silky texture.
• Pecans or walnuts: Coarsely chopped to provide that signature praline crunch on top.
• All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): Helps hold the topping together and gives it structure.
• Quick-cooking rolled oats (or gluten-free oats): Adds a rustic texture to the praline crust.
• Brown monk fruit sweetener (or brown sugar): Sweetens the topping without being too overpowering—monk fruit is a great lower-calorie swap.
• Melted butter (or coconut oil): Binds the topping ingredients and gives that rich, buttery flavor with a golden finish.

Variations

I like to mix things up depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. This Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe is versatile, so feel free to customize it to your taste or dietary needs.

• Dairy-Free Variation: I swap the butter for coconut oil and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk, which works beautifully without sacrificing flavor.
• Nut-Free Option: When my niece visits, I leave out nuts entirely and add extra oats with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for crunch.
• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the filling enhances the warmth—my family loves this twist around Thanksgiving.
• Sweetener Swaps: I sometimes use honey instead of maple syrup but keep in mind it alters the flavor slightly, so stick to maple syrup for the classic taste.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe

Step 1: Roast Your Sweet Potatoes Until Tender

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Prick the sweet potatoes all over with a fork and place them on a sheet pan. Roast for about 1 to 1 hour and 15 minutes, until they’re soft and fully tender when pierced with a knife. This slow roasting is key—it intensifies the sweetness and makes them easier to mash. Once done, set them aside to cool just enough so you can handle them safely without burning your fingers.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

After peeling off the skins (you can toss the skins or compost them), mash the sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher. Add the milk, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and beaten eggs. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until the mixture feels smooth and uniform. This makes a silky, flavorful base that’s a dream to bake.

Step 3: Assemble and Make the Praline Topping

Spray your baking dish (I love using a 9×9 inch pan) with olive oil spray to keep the casserole from sticking. Pour in the sweet potato filling and smooth the top with a spatula for an even layer. Next, 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 is crumbly and holds together a bit. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer—the topping will bake into a crunchy, golden praline crust.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Bake your casserole for about 30 minutes, just until the praline topping turns golden brown and crisp. You’ll smell the sweet nuttiness filling your kitchen—it’s one of my favorite moments with this recipe! Take it out and let it cool for at least 5 minutes before serving, so it sets up nicely and you can scoop neat portions.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top just before serving. Sometimes I add a few fresh cranberries around the edges during the holiday season—it adds a pop of color and a slightly tart contrast to the sweet casserole.

Side Dishes

Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe pairs beautifully with turkey, roasted chicken, or even pork loin. I often serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed green beans to balance the sweetness with something light and crisp.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love making individual portions in small ramekins topped with the praline; they look charming and make serving easy. Another fun idea is layering the casserole in decorative glass baking dishes so guests can peek through the layers before digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. I store mine in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil. The praline topping may soften a bit but still tastes amazing reheated.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a couple of times by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to use it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven to bring back some of the topping’s crunch.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, uncovered to help crisp up the praline again. Microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the sweet potato filling.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s cozy, festive, and straightforward enough to make any time you want to impress without stressing over the cooking. I’m always thrilled to share it with friends and family because it brings everyone together—and I’m sure you’ll enjoy making and eating it just as much as I do. So grab those sweet potatoes and get ready for a new favorite!

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