Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe

I absolutely love how this Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe turns out every time — it’s that perfect balance between creamy sweet potatoes and a satisfyingly crunchy, nutty topping. When I first tried this dish at a holiday gathering, I was hooked not only by the amazing flavors but also by how it brightens up the whole meal with its comforting warmth and just the right hint of sweetness.

You’ll find that this recipe works beautifully for both festive occasions and cozy weeknight dinners when you crave something a little indulgent yet wholesome. The praline topping really makes it special, offering that irresistible crunch that keeps everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Trust me, once you make this Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe, it’ll become a staple on your table too.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe plays a special role, working together to create that irresistible blend of flavors and textures. I recommend fresh, high-quality sweet potatoes and good nuts for the topping—they really make a difference.

• Sweet potatoes: Look for firm, medium-sized potatoes with smooth skin for even cooking.
• Olive oil spray: Great for greasing the dish without adding extra calories.
• Fat free milk (or dairy-free alternative): Adds creamy moisture; I like almond milk if going dairy-free.
• Pure maple syrup: Real maple syrup gives natural sweetness and depth.
• Vanilla extract: A small splash elevates the flavor without overpowering it.
• Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: Warms up the dish with cozy spice notes.
• Large eggs: Bind the filling for a smooth, custardy texture.
• Pecans or walnuts: Choose coarsely chopped nuts to get the best crunch in the topping.
• All-purpose or gluten-free flour: Helps hold the topping together for that praline effect.
• Quick-cooking rolled oats (or gluten-free oats): Adds rustic texture and fiber.
• Brown monk fruit sweetener (or brown sugar): Sweetens the topping without excess calories.
• Melted butter (or coconut oil): Binds the topping and adds richness; coconut oil is my go-to for dairy-free.

Variations

I love how flexible this Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe is. Sometimes I switch up nuts or sweeteners depending on what I have on hand, and I highly encourage you to make it your own by experimenting!

• Nut swap: I’ve tried almonds and hazelnuts for the topping, and they add a nice twist while keeping that crunchy texture.
• Sweetener alternatives: Maple syrup can be swapped with honey or agave syrup, but keep the quantity the same for consistent sweetness.
• Dairy-free option: Using coconut oil and almond milk works perfectly when you want to keep this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Spice additions: Once, I added a pinch of nutmeg and allspice for a more complex warmth, which was a hit with my family.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe

Step 1: Roast Those Sweet Potatoes to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Prick each sweet potato a few times with a fork—this helps steam escape so they cook evenly. Pop them on a sheet pan and bake for about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes until they’re tender when pierced with a fork. This roasting brings out their natural sweetness, and trust me, it makes all the difference compared to boiling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling with Care

Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins and mash the flesh in a large bowl. I like to use a fork or potato masher to keep it slightly rustic—no need for ultra-smooth here. Add your milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and beaten eggs, then stir until it’s all uniform and creamy. This mixture is where the luscious, custardy feel comes in.

Step 3: Make and Add the Praline Topping

Spray your baking dish with olive oil spray and spread the sweet potato filling inside evenly. In a separate bowl, mix together your chopped nuts, flour, oats, brown monk fruit sweetener, a pinch of cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter or coconut oil until everything looks crumbly but holds together a bit. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the sweet potato base – this topping is where the magic crunchy praline effect comes from, so be generous!

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when the nuts look toasted and the sweet potato filling is slightly set but still soft. Let it cool for at least 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and avoid burning your mouth—that sticky sweet potato filling loves to hang out at high temps!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans on top right before serving to keep that fresh crunch front and center. Sometimes a light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of extra maple syrup on each portion feels like a cozy, welcoming touch that guests adore.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs so well with savory dishes — think roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a robust green bean almondine. I often serve it alongside crisp, fresh salads to balance the richness, especially at holiday dinners where you want a full spectrum of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a small sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for color and aroma. It’s a simple trick that makes your guests feel like you went the extra mile. Plus, spooning it out individually keeps portions neat and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep the topping crunchy, I like to reheat portions individually in the oven rather than the microwave — more on that next!

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing this casserole before baking. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake it straight from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to the baking time. This is perfect for busy holiday prep.

Reheating

To keep the praline topping crispy, I recommend reheating leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes on a baking sheet. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that fresh-from-the-oven texture. If you’re in a hurry, microwave briefly, then finish in the oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines comfort and a little indulgence in one easy dish. Whether you’re serving a holiday crowd or just treating yourself to a cozy dinner, I promise you’ll appreciate the harmonious flavors and textures. Try it once, and I’m confident it’ll become one of your treasured go-to recipes for celebrations and everyday moments alike.

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