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Best Quick Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel

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This quick sweet potato casserole with pecan streusel is a fast, comforting side dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Boiled sweet potatoes are mashed with butter, brown sugar, and spices, then topped with a crunchy pecan streusel and broiled to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs sweet potatoes (about 3–4 medium), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (for the mash)
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (for the streusel)
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Boil the Sweet Potatoes (10 minutes): Place peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water by about an inch, and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well in a colander and let steam dry for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Make the Mash (5 minutes): Return drained sweet potatoes to the pot or transfer to a mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and beaten egg. Mash until smooth, leaving a few lumps if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. Make the Streusel (3 minutes): In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, flour, and remaining 1/4 cup packed brown sugar. Cut remaining 2 tablespoons cold butter into small cubes and add to the bowl. Using fingers or a pastry cutter, work butter into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse, wet sand with some larger clumps.
  4. Assemble the Casserole (2 minutes): Preheat broiler and position oven rack about 6 inches from heat source. Transfer sweet potato mash to an 8×8-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle pecan streusel evenly over the top without pressing down.
  5. Broil to Perfection (3-5 minutes): Place dish under broiler and watch closely. Broil until streusel is deep golden brown and edges bubble slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Rotate dish halfway if browning unevenly.
  6. Rest and Serve (2 minutes): Let casserole sit for 2 minutes before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t overcook the sweet potatoes; cook just until fork-tender to avoid a watery mash. The egg is essential for structure. Use cold butter for the streusel for a crumbly texture. Watch the broiler closely to prevent burning. For best results, let the casserole rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, pecan streusel, quick side dish, holiday side, weeknight dinner

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