Ingredients:
- 4 lbs sweet potatoes (about 4 large), cooked, peeled, and mashed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (for base)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup Half-and-Half or whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed) (for topping)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted, coarsely chopped
Instructions:
- Cook the Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes, cut them into rough 1-inch chunks, and boil until fork-tender (about 25–30 minutes). Alternatively, bake them whole for a drier texture, then scoop out the flesh.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the empty pot or a large bowl. Mash until smooth. Allow them to cool slightly (about 5 minutes).
- Preheat Oven and Prep Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter (1/2 cup), both sugars, milk/half-and-half, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add Eggs: Lightly beat the two eggs, then slowly whisk them into the butter/sugar mixture to temper them slightly.
- Mix the Base: Pour the combined wet mixture over the mashed sweet potatoes. Stir gently until completely combined and smooth. Do not overmix.
- Transfer: Pour the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Combine Dry Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour and 1 cup of brown sugar for the topping. Mix well.
- Add Wet Ingredients to Topping: Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of melted butter over the dry streusel ingredients. Stir vigorously with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse, wet crumbs.
- Fold in Pecans: Stir the chopped, toasted pecans into the streusel mixture.
- Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the sweet potato base, ensuring full coverage.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is set (jiggles slightly in the center) and the streusel is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for at least 10–15 minutes before serving to help it firm up.