Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe from USA
Introduction
Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a comforting and sweet treat. The combination of creamy sweet potatoes, warm spices, and crunchy pecans makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.
History
Sweet potato casserole is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. The addition of a pecan topping adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (from 2 cans, 29 oz (822 g) each, drained and mashed)
- 0.33 cup melted butter
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
- 0.33 cup heavy whipping cream
- 0.75 cup chopped pecans
- 0.75 cup packed light brown sugar
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp melted butter
How to prepare
- In a large bowl, combine the first 8 ingredients and beat with an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth.
- Stir in the whipping cream until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 3 qt (2.84 liter) slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, combine the pecans and the remaining 3 ingredients.
- Sprinkle the pecan mixture over the sweet potatoes.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 – 4 hours.
Variations
- For a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of sugar and butter in the recipe.
- Add a sprinkle of marshmallows on top of the pecan topping for a sweeter twist.
- Experiment with different spices such as ginger, cloves, or allspice for a unique flavor profile.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to drain the canned sweet potatoes before mashing them to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Be sure to beat the ingredients well to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
- Cooking time may vary depending on the slow cooker, so check for doneness after 3 hours.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of bourbon or rum to the sweet potato mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sweet potato casserole as a side dish alongside roasted turkey, ham, or chicken. It pairs well with green beans, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls.
Cooking Techniques
Slow cooking the sweet potato casserole allows the flavors to meld together and the sweet potatoes to become tender and creamy. The pecan topping adds a crunchy contrast to the dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned if desired. Simply peel, dice, and boil the sweet potatoes until tender before mashing.
- If you don't have pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds as a substitute.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and pecan topping ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply assemble the casserole in the slow cooker and cook as directed.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the sweet potato casserole with additional chopped pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a decorative touch. Serve in a festive casserole dish for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
This sweet potato casserole pairs well with a variety of main dishes such as roasted meats, poultry, or vegetarian entrees. A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables make great side dishes to balance out the richness of the casserole.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover sweet potato casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping contains approximately 300 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping contains approximately 15 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber, making this dish a nutritious choice.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (butter, eggs, cream) and nuts (pecans), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.
Summary
Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a rich and indulgent dish that is high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a comforting and flavorful side dish that is perfect for holiday meals or any time you want a sweet treat. With a creamy sweet potato base and a crunchy pecan topping, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were falling in a swirl of red and gold, and I was rummaging through a dusty old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, looking for inspiration for a new dish to try, my eyes fell upon a recipe for Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping.
I had never made anything like it before, but something about the combination of sweet potatoes and pecans piqued my interest. I could almost taste the creamy sweetness of the potatoes mingling with the crunchy nuttiness of the pecans, and I knew I had to give it a try.
I gathered all the ingredients I would need – sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, eggs, milk, and of course, pecans. As I peeled and diced the sweet potatoes, the kitchen filled with their earthy scent, reminding me of autumn harvests and cozy family gatherings.
I followed the recipe carefully, layering the sweet potatoes in the crockpot and sprinkling them with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, I beat together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, then poured the mixture over the sweet potatoes, allowing it to seep into every crevice and infuse them with its rich flavor.
As the casserole cooked, the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish, to see if it lived up to my expectations.
Finally, after hours of slow cooking, the sweet potato casserole was ready. I carefully lifted the lid of the crockpot, revealing a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece. The pecan topping had caramelized to perfection, creating a crunchy, sweet contrast to the creamy potatoes beneath.
I scooped out a generous serving onto a plate, the steam rising in a tantalizing cloud. I took a bite, savoring the flavors that danced on my tongue – the sweetness of the potatoes, the warmth of the spices, the richness of the pecans. It was even better than I had imagined.
From that day on, Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping became a staple at our family gatherings. It was a dish that brought us together, that reminded us of the changing seasons and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. I made it for Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas feasts, and Sunday suppers, each time eliciting oohs and ahhs from my family and friends.
Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a dash of maple syrup or a sprinkle of orange zest to give it my own personal touch. But the basic premise remains the same – sweet potatoes, cinnamon, nutmeg, pecans. It is a dish that speaks to my soul, that captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
And so, as I sit here now, surrounded by the warmth of my kitchen and the memories of all the meals I have cooked over the years, I am grateful for that fateful day when I stumbled upon the recipe for Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping. It has brought me joy, it has brought me closer to my family, and it has given me a sense of purpose in the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal. And for that, I am truly thankful.
Categories
| American Recipes | Casserole Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Crockpot Recipes | Egg Recipes | Heavy Cream Recipes | Light Brown Sugar Recipes | Pecan Recipes | Sweet Potato Recipes |