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
Scale
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
