Print

Perfect Cheesy Sweet Potato Casserole

sweet potato casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

This creamy, cheesy sweet potato casserole with a crunchy pecan streusel is the ultimate side dish for holidays and gatherings. It’s sweet, savory, and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes (about 4–5 medium), peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Instructions

  1. Place the peeled and chunked sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well and let steam dry for a few minutes.
  2. Return the drained sweet potatoes to the pot or transfer to a large mixing bowl. Mash until mostly smooth. Add the melted butter, milk, beaten eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.
  3. Fold in 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup for the top.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Evenly distribute the pecan streusel over the cheese layer.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the streusel is golden brown. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, grate your own cheese, toast the pecans lightly, and use cold butter for the streusel. Let the casserole rest before serving to set properly.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, cheesy sweet potato casserole, pecan streusel, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving side dish

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/perfect-cheesy-sweet-potato-casserole-best-easy-side-dish/