Save This Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole is the showstopper side dish that has become the cornerstone of our holiday table. Silky sweet potatoes infused with a splash of bourbon, finished with a buttery pecan streusel, make every bite as festive as the occasion itself. Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving or want a little Southern comfort, this casserole never lasts long once served.
When I first brought this to my family’s Thanksgiving, my cousins polished it off before any other side dish Even kids get excited for the crunchy topping and smooth filling
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: choose firm ones with taut skins and deep orange color for best flavor and creaminess
- Bourbon: this adds subtle warmth and depth go for a bourbon you enjoy sipping
- Whole milk: for added richness and smooth texture
- Unsalted butter: pick high quality butter for a richer result
- Light brown sugar: brings mellow caramel sweetness always pack the sugar for accurate measure
- Large eggs: they give the base gorgeous structure and silkiness use farm fresh if possible
- Vanilla extract: pure vanilla rounds out all the sweet and spice notes
- Ground cinnamon: adds cozy warmth look for a freshly ground bottle
- Salt: just enough to balance flavors and bring everything together
- All-purpose flour: for the streusel use a trusted unbleached flour
- Pecans: chop yourself for freshest flavor select plump ones with no rancid smell or bitterness
- Cold butter: ensures the streusel stays crisp and crumbly
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 180 degrees Celsius or 350 degrees Fahrenheit Make sure your oven rack is in the center position and grease a 23 by 33 cm baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so nothing sticks
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
- Place peeled and chunked sweet potatoes in a large heavy pot Cover with cool water by at least two inches Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat then lower to a gentle simmer Boil uncovered for fifteen to twenty minutes until a fork slides in easily Drain thoroughly in a colander so the base stays fluffy not watery
- Mash and Combine:
- Turn sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl Mash them very well with a masher for a rustic texture or use a hand mixer for a smoother result Add in bourbon milk melted butter brown sugar eggs vanilla cinnamon and salt Mix until the base is completely creamy and homogenous Taste and adjust sweetness or spice if you wish
- Fill the Baking Dish:
- Scrape the sweet potato mixture into your greased baking dish Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly from edge to edge This makes the topping bake up uniformly crisp
- Make the Pecan Streusel:
- In a medium bowl stir together flour brown sugar cold diced butter cinnamon and salt Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the mix until it looks like small coarse pebbles Fold in the chopped pecans for crunch and rich flavor
- Add the Streusel Topping:
- Sprinkle the prepared pecan streusel over the sweet potato base covering every part as evenly as possible This ensures every serving gets crispy bits
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for twenty five to thirty minutes Watch for the topping to turn a lovely golden brown and the filling to be bubbling at the edges This usually signals doneness
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for at least fifteen minutes before serving This allows the filling to set makes cutting cleaner and saves you from a molten mouthful
Save My favorite ingredient here is always the bourbon The first year I doubled the amount by accident and it turned out even better The aroma alone takes me right back to bustling holiday kitchens with generations gathered around
Storage Tips
Cover leftovers tightly with foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge It keeps well for three to four days When reheating bake covered in the oven at 160 degrees Celsius until hot or zap brief portions in the microwave The topping is crispiest when reheated in the oven
Ingredient Substitutions
For a nonalcoholic version use orange juice or extra milk instead of bourbon No pecans Swap in walnuts or use pumpkin seeds for a nut-free crunch Need gluten free Choose a one to one gluten free flour blend for the topping and nobody will know the difference
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside roasted turkey ham or even as part of a holiday brunch A small scoop pairs perfectly with cranberry sauce or a fresh green salad I often top with a few extra toasted pecans for texture or a scoop of whipped cream for those with an extra sweet tooth
Cultural and Historical Context
Sweet potato casseroles are beloved throughout the Southern United States especially at holiday gatherings The historic combo of sweet root veg and nuts was shaped by local crops and available sweeteners Adding bourbon is a regional twist that nods to Kentucky’s rich distilling heritage and lends adult depth to a beloved classic
Seasonal Adaptations
If sweet potatoes are unavailable try garnet yams which bake equally creamy Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger for extra holiday flavor Use maple syrup instead of all the brown sugar for a New England inspired spin
Save After all is baked and served, this casserole brings the whole table together, just as it should. Savor every spoonful and enjoy the festive flavors.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I make this dish without bourbon?
Yes! Substitute the bourbon with orange juice or extra milk to maintain flavor and moisture without alcohol.
- → What can I use instead of pecans?
Walnuts make a great alternative, or try a nut-free topping with oats for allergies or preferences.
- → Is the casserole suitable for gluten-free diets?
Swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend in the streusel to make the dish gluten-free.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble ahead and refrigerate. Add the streusel just before baking for freshest texture.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness to the topping.
- → Is it possible to add other toppings?
Mini marshmallows added in the last 10 minutes of baking create a classic sweet finish.