Description
This sweet potato casserole is topped with sweet, crunchy spiced pecans. It’s a healthier take on traditional sweet potato casserole that has the marshmallow topping. It’s easy to make and perfect for your holiday menu. Or as a side dish to any cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 tablespoons butter (use vegan if wanting to keep it vegan)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened, plain almond milk (or sub other non-dairy milk or cow’s milk
- 1 batch 5 Minute Spiced Pecans (1 Cup)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut sweet potatoes in half, lengthwise, or in large chunks, see picture. Brush the cut end of the sweet potatoes wiht the vegetable oil. Place the sweet potatoes on a large baking sheet, cut side down. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until fork tender. (* see notes for suggestions on ways to speed this process up if desired)
- Reduce the heat to 350 degrees and grease a 9×9 baking dish, set aside.
- Allow the sweet potatoes to cool enough to handle. Peel off the skins of the sweet potatoes using your fingers. Place the sweet potato flesh in a large mixing bowl, discard the skins. To the bowl add the spices.
- In a small sauce pot gently heat up the milk and butter just until warm. Add the warm butter and milk to the sweet potatoes. Use a potato masher or large fork to mash the potatoes and mix well to combine.
- At this point you can taste test the potatoes and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through. Remove and top with 1 cup of the 5 Minute Spiced Pecans.
- Serve immediately. Leftovers reheat nicely.
Notes
Cook Time does not include time needed to cook the 5 Minute Spiced Pecans.
*Although I recommend roasting your sweet potatoes to maximize the flavor if you need to speed the cooking process up you could microwave them. Poke holes in the sweet potato to allow steam to escape. Microwave on high for 8 to 10 minutes, or until fork tender. Proceed with the steps in the recipe.
TIME SAVING TIPS:
-bake the sweet potato in the microwave. Instructions listed above
-bake the sweet potato in the oven the day before. Peel off the skins, allow to cool and place the sweet potato in an air tight container in the fridge. Just before you make the casserole heat the potatoes up in the microwave until they are warm.
-make the 5 Minute Spiced Pecans up to 1 week in advance
-Make the casserole up until the step where you bake it. Cover it and place it in the fridge. Bake it at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes, or until warmed through.
