Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe because it hits all the right notes—creamy, sweet, and topped with that irresistible crunchy praline layer. Whether you’re making this for a cozy family dinner or the centerpiece of your holiday table, you’ll find it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone back for seconds (and thirds!). Honestly, it feels special enough for celebrations but easy enough to make any time you want to treat yourself.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could come together in such a comforting, flavorful way. The balance of warm spices, smooth sweet potato base, and the buttery, nutty praline topping makes this dish stand out. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser with a homemade touch, this Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe is definitely worth trying—you’ll be so glad you did!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe works together to create a luscious, flavorful dish. From creamy mashed sweet potatoes to the crunchy pecan topping, it’s about combining textures and tastes that complement each other perfectly.

• Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, medium-sized ones for easy baking and mashing; the natural sweetness is the star here.
• Olive oil spray: Used just to grease your baking dish, preventing sticking without adding heaviness.
• Fat free milk (or dairy-free alternative): Keeps the filling creamy but light; almond or oat milk works well as swaps.
• Pure maple syrup: Adds a deep, natural sweetness that blends beautifully with the potatoes.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, fragrant notes.
• Kosher salt: Just the right pinch balances the sweetness and highlights other flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings cozy spice that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes and nuts.
• Large eggs: Helps set the casserole and add richness.
• Pecans or walnuts: Coarsely chopped for that classic praline crunch on top.
• All-purpose or gluten-free flour: Binds the topping ingredients together so they crisp up nicely.
• Quick-cooking rolled oats: Adds texture and helps the topping hold its shape.
• Brown monk fruit sweetener or brown sugar: Sweetens the praline mixture with a deep molasses flavor.
• Melted butter or coconut oil: Gives the topping its signature crisp, mellow richness.

Variations

I love making this Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe my own by tweaking the nuts or the sweetener based on what’s in my pantry or who’s coming over. Feel free to make these swaps and additions—it’s all about making it your signature dish.

• Nut Swap: Sometimes I use walnuts instead of pecans, which gives a slightly earthier crunch that my family enjoys just as much.
• Sweetener Choice: When I want a lower-sugar version, I opt for monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar and still get plenty of sweetness without the guilt.
• Dairy-Free Version: Simply swap milk for almond or oat milk and butter for coconut oil—this keeps all the yumminess without dairy.
• Spice Boost: Occasionally, I add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth and complexity.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes to Perfection

First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Then, prick your sweet potatoes with a fork—this helps the steam escape and ensures they cook evenly. Pop them on a sheet pan and bake for about 1 to 1 hour and 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced. I like to do this the day before if I’m prepping for a big meal, which really speeds things up on cooking day.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Mash the Potatoes

Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, spray your baking dish with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Then, peel off the skins and mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl using a fork or potato masher. I recommend mashing by hand because you want a nice texture—not too smooth, just creamy and slightly rustic.

Step 3: Mix in the Flavorful Ingredients

Add the milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and beaten eggs to your mashed potatoes. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until smooth and well combined. This mixture is what transforms plain sweet potatoes into something a little magical—balanced sweet, spicy, and creamy.

Step 4: Make the Crunchy Praline Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped nuts, flour, oats, brown sugar (or monk fruit sweetener), cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter or coconut oil and stir until the mixture is crumbly and holds together when pressed. This topping is the showstopper, giving you that perfect sweet crunch contrasting with the smooth potato base.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the sweet potato mixture into your greased baking dish and smooth it out with a spatula. Then sprinkle the praline topping evenly over the surface. Pop it into the oven at 375°F for about 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp. Let it cool for at least 5 minutes before serving to settle—this makes it easier to cut nice squares that hold their shape.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—sometimes a light sprinkle of extra chopped pecans right before serving adds a beautiful rustic touch. A tiny drizzle of pure maple syrup can also enhance the sweetness for those with a bigger sweet tooth. Fresh thyme leaves offer a surprising but lovely herbal hint if you want to mix things up.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or glazed ham. Also, steamed green beans or a crisp salad bring freshness that balances the richness of the sweet potatoes and praline topping beautifully. I’ve found it holds its own even alongside bold flavors like cranberry sauce and stuffing.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I sometimes bake this Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe in small individual ramekins for each guest—it feels personal and super charming. Another fun idea is to arrange the nuts on top in pretty patterns before baking, turning the topping into an edible decoration. It always gets compliments when I do this!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I cover the casserole tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days, though you’ll want to reheat thoroughly to bring back that crunchy topping texture as much as possible.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully a couple times by baking it fully, letting it cool completely, then wrapping it airtight with foil and plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven. The texture is surprisingly well preserved if reheated carefully on a low temperature.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven covered loosely with foil for about 20 minutes, removing the foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp up the praline topping again. Microwaving tends to soften the topping, so the oven is definitely the better choice if you want that signature crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it makes any meal feel just a little more festive and comforting. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s straightforward, forgiving, and guaranteed to get compliments. Next time you need a cozy side dish or a holiday showstopper, give it a try and watch your family and friends go crazy for every bite!

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