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Perfect Maple Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

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This isn’t just another sweet potato casserole. The combination of smooth, creamy sweet potatoes with the warm kick of bourbon and the crunchy, buttery pecan topping is next-level comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 4–5 large sweet potatoes)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Place the peeled and cubed 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 them well in a colander.
  3. Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Mash them with a potato masher or beat with a hand mixer until smooth.
  4. To the mashed potatoes, add the melted butter, maple syrup, bourbon, warm milk, beaten eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined.
  5. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine the pecan halves, melted butter, brown sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until the pecans are evenly coated and the mixture is crumbly.
  7. Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato base. Gently press the topping into the potatoes so it sticks slightly.
  8. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. If the topping starts browning too quickly, tent the dish loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the best texture, look for firm, evenly shaped sweet potatoes without soft spots. If you don’t have bourbon, substitute with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract mixed with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. For a dairy-free version, swap the butter with vegan butter and use oat milk instead of whole milk. The casserole tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, maple bourbon, pecan topping, Thanksgiving side dish, holiday recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/perfect-maple-bourbon-sweet-potato-casserole-with-pecans/