Sweet Potato Bake with Crispy Praline Topping: A Stunning Dish

### Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Praline Topping: A Show-Stopping Recipe

Sweet potato casserole is a cherished dish that frequently adorns holiday feasts, especially during Thanksgiving. Its rich, creamy consistency and inherent sweetness make it an ideal accompaniment to savory meals. Nonetheless, what truly enhances this traditional recipe is the inclusion of a crunchy praline topping, which provides a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor. This article will walk you through the process of creating a show-stopping sweet potato casserole topped with a crunchy praline that will amaze your family and friends.

#### Ingredients

**For the Sweet Potato Filling:**
– 4 large sweet potatoes (approximately 2 pounds), peeled and diced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer flavor)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

**For the Praline Topping:**
– 1 cup pecans, chopped
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt

#### Instructions

1. **Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:**
– Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the diced sweet potatoes. Cook until soft, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let them cool briefly.

2. **Make the Sweet Potato Mixture:**
– In a substantial mixing bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes until they are smooth.
– Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until thoroughly combined and creamy.
– Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

3. **Prepare the Praline Topping:**
– In another bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until the pecans are evenly coated and the mixture is crumbly.
– Evenly distribute the praline topping over the sweet potato filling.

4. **Bake the Casserole:**
– Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is warmed through.

5. **Serve:**
– Let the casserole cool for a few minutes prior to serving. This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

#### Tips for Success

– **Sweet Potato Selection:** Opt for sweet potatoes that are firm and unblemished for optimal flavor and texture.
– **Make Ahead:** This casserole can be assembled a day beforehand. Simply prepare the sweet potato filling and topping, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
– **Variations:** For enhanced flavor, think about mixing in a bit of orange zest or substituting maple syrup for sugar to achieve a different sweetness.

#### Conclusion

Sweet potato casserole with a crunchy praline topping is not only a delightful side dish but also a striking centerpiece for any holiday meal. Its blend of creamy sweet potatoes and a sweet, nutty topping creates a lovely balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a festive event or simply enjoying a family dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to be a success. Relish in the praise as your guests savor every bite of this show-stopping dish!