Description

A simple, 5-ingredient comfort food casserole made with canned sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and pecans. It is naturally gluten-free, easy to prepare, and perfect for tired days.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cans (15oz each) canned sweet potatoes, no salt added
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Pinch of salt (optional)
1 tablespoon butter (for topping)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 inch or 9-inch round baking dish.
Open the cans of sweet potatoes and place them in a mixing bowl. Mash with a fork until mostly smooth with some small lumps remaining.
Add the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Stir until well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped pecans and brown sugar (if not already mixed in filling, though recipe implies topping mix). Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until sugar melts and coats the nuts glossy.
Pour the warm pecan praline topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the sweet potatoes are bubbling around the edges.
Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the topping to set.

Notes

Canned sweet potatoes are recommended for ease, but fresh roasted sweet potatoes can be substituted. Toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding butter/sugar for enhanced flavor. If the filling is too dry, add a splash of milk or cream. The topping burns easily, so watch it closely while melting the sugar. This dish does not freeze well due to texture changes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 280
Sugar: 28
Sodium: 180
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 42
Fiber: 5
Protein: 4

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, comfort food, gluten-free, easy recipe, autumn sides, pecan praline, canned sweet potatoes, quick dinner