Are you looking for a delicious and easy side dish to impress your guests? Look no further! This La Comedia Sweet Potato Casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with a crispy pecan topping. It's perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering. This recipe is a testament to the magic of homemade cooking, offering a healthier and tastier alternative to store-bought options. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers big on flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients:
For the Sweet Potato Filling:
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Pecan Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup pecan halves
Instructions:
Roasting the Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. This step enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Making the Sweet Potato Filling:
- Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, transfer them to a large bowl.
- Add the melted butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Using a hand mixer or potato masher, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Leaving some texture is fine if preferred.
Preparing the Pecan Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the pecan halves.
Assembling and Baking the Casserole:
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato filling.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Serving Suggestions:
This La Comedia Sweet Potato Casserole is delicious served warm. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or other holiday favorites. This healthy meal is perfect as a side for any occasion.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Add some spice: Incorporate a pinch of ginger or cloves into the sweet potato filling.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour for the topping.
- Use different nuts: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds.
- Prepare ahead: The sweet potato filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 4-5g
This La Comedia Sweet Potato Casserole recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes and quick dinner ideas. It's a simple yet impressive recipe that will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy!