Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe
If you’re looking for a heartwarming dish to elevate your holiday table or simply want to indulge in a cozy comfort food that feels like a hug from the inside, the Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe is your new best friend. This dish strikes the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and crunchy with its velvety mashed sweet potatoes flavored with warm spices and topped with a buttery, nutty pecan streusel that crisps up beautifully in the oven. It’s an irresistible side that manages to be both familiar and exciting, sure to win over family and friends with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each plays a crucial role in making the flavors shine through and the textures sing. From the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes to the rich, nutty pecan topping, everything harmonizes perfectly.
- 4 medium sweet potatoes: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a creamy texture when mashed.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and silkiness to the sweet potato filling.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness with a subtle molasses depth that’s key to comfort food.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warm spice that complements the sweet potatoes’ earthiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a cozy aromatic note that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and heightens the other flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream: Makes the filling creamy and smooth for a luscious texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Brings a delightful crunch and buttery flavor to the streusel topping.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients to create that perfect crumbly texture.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Sweetens the streusel with a hint of caramelized flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds an extra touch of warmth to the crunchy topping.
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cubed): Creates the streusel’s crisp, flaky texture when baked.
How to Make Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Give each sweet potato a good scrub and prick them all over with a fork to allow steam to escape as they bake. Lay them out on a baking sheet and roast for 45 to 60 minutes until they’re tender and can easily be pierced with a fork. This roasting step brings out that natural sweetness and develops a richer flavor that is key to this recipe.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Once the sweet potatoes have cooled enough to handle, slice each one lengthwise and gently scoop out the fluffy insides, making sure to leave a sturdy shell. Transfer the scooped flesh into a mixing bowl and mash it with softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and milk or cream until it’s silky smooth. This creamy filling is what makes the twice baked sweet potatoes so irresistible.
Step 3: Fill the Potato Shells
Spoon the luscious mashed sweet potato mixture back into the reserved potato skins, distributing it evenly. Place them back on the baking sheet, ready for their final magic moment with the streusel topping.
Step 4: Make the Pecan Streusel
Mix together the chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a fork to blend everything until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This streusel topping will add a wonderful crunchy contrast that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crisp
Sprinkle the pecan streusel generously over the filled sweet potatoes. Lower the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the potatoes are heated through and the streusel topping turns beautifully golden and crisp. Your Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe is now ready to delight!
How to Serve Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra flair and a fresh contrast, consider garnishing these potatoes with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a drizzle of maple syrup. A dollop of whipped cream cheese or sour cream can also lend a nice tangy balance to the sweetness and crunch.
Side Dishes
Twice baked sweet potatoes with pecan streusel perfectly complement hearty mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or grilled pork chops. You can also pair them with a bright green salad or sautéed greens to add a fresh and vibrant element to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the stuffed potato halves on a large platter sprinkled with extra chopped pecans and cinnamon dust. You could also turn them into individual portions for a holiday feast or entertaining, making them as charming and delicious finger foods when served with small forks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The filling and streusel will hold up well and retain their flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze these sweet potatoes before baking with the streusel topping. Wrap each stuffed potato half tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to two months frozen. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers or thawed frozen potatoes in a 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping has regained its crispness. Avoid microwaving for best texture — the oven is your friend here!
FAQs
Can I use different nuts for the streusel topping?
Absolutely! While pecans add a wonderful buttery crunch, you can substitute walnuts or even almonds for a slightly different but equally delicious twist.
Is it okay to use sweet potato puree from a can?
Fresh roasted sweet potatoes give the best texture and flavor for this recipe, but in a pinch, canned sweet potato puree can be used. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning and sweetness to taste.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. The result will still be creamy and delicious.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done roasting?
They are ready when a fork slides easily into the potatoes with little resistance, which usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes depending on their size.
Can I prepare these for a holiday party in advance?
Definitely! The Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe is perfect for make-ahead preparation. You can do all the steps up to adding the streusel topping, refrigerate overnight, then bake just before serving for a fresh, warm dish.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the cozy, comforting flavors in these Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe that makes them a standout on any table. Whether it’s a festive holiday feast or a weeknight treat, this recipe is bound to become a beloved classic you reach for time and again. So grab your sweet potatoes, get cozy in the kitchen, and let the magic of this delicious dish bring joy to your next meal!
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Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel are a delightful holiday side dish featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, baked inside their skins, and topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a comforting and festive addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream
Pecan Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and prick them all over with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 45-60 minutes until they are fork-tender. This roasting step softens the potatoes and brings out their natural sweetness.
- Prepare the Potato Filling: Allow the roasted potatoes to cool slightly, then cut each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin shell intact to hold the filling. Mash the sweet potato flesh with the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Refill the Potato Skins: Spoon the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly back into the potato skins, arranging them on the baking sheet ready for the next baking step.
- Make the Pecan Streusel: In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and use a fork or your fingers to blend the mixture until it becomes crumbly. This streusel topping adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- Top and Bake Again: Sprinkle the pecan streusel evenly over the filled sweet potatoes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through and the topping is golden and crisp.
- Serve: Serve the twice baked sweet potatoes warm as a delicious side dish perfect for holiday meals or special occasions.
Notes
- These twice baked sweet potatoes are great for holiday meals or as make-ahead sides.
- You can prepare the potatoes a day in advance and bake them just before serving for convenience.
- If you prefer, substitute whole milk with heavy cream for a richer texture.
- For a crunchier topping, toast the pecans beforehand.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
