She Strengthens

Elevate Your Holiday Gathering with a Twist on Sweet Potato Casserole

This year, why settle for the same old sweet potato casserole when you can wow your guests with a sophisticated, bourbon-infused twist? By incorporating roasted sweet potatoes, melted butter, and a hint of citrus, this recipe takes the classic dish to new heights.

The Perfect Sweet Potatoes

For this recipe, we recommend using Garnet sweet potatoes, also known as Sweet Garnets or Red Yams. Their bright, orangey-red flesh, moist texture, and moderate sweetness make them the perfect choice.

A Crunchy Pecan Streusel

The crowning glory of this dish is the crunchy pecan streusel topping. Made with dark brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cold unsalted butter, this topping adds a delightful textural element to the casserole.

Make-Ahead Magic

One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be completely made ahead, covered, and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Simply reheat uncovered in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 35 to 45 minutes.

Let’s Get Started!

To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Place the sweet potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast until very soft to the touch, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

The Streusel Topping

While the sweet potatoes are roasting, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt in a medium bowl. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles pea-sized pieces. Stir in the chopped pecans and refrigerate until ready to use.

Assembling the Casserole

Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and transfer it to a large bowl. Add the bourbon mixture, milk, and a pinch of salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until well combined, then transfer the mixture to a buttered 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Top with the crunchy pecan streusel and bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

The Final Touches

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. The result is a sweet potato casserole that’s both familiar and excitingly new, perfect for impressing your holiday guests.