Rosh Hashana Sweet Potato-Praline Casserole
A delightful sweet potato-praline casserole that combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping and rich caramel notes, perfect for festive occasions like Rosh Hashana. Its warm flavors and sweet, nutty topping make it a comforting side dish for family gatherings and holiday dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs ⓘ
- 6 cups canned sweet potatoes or yams, drained ⓘ
- 2/3 cup white sugar ⓘ
- 2/3 cup butter, melted ⓘ
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or nondairy creamer ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1/3 cup butter, cut into small pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a shallow 2-quart baking dish.
- Beat eggs in a large bowl.
- Stir in the sweet potatoes or yams and mash smoothly.
- Add white sugar, melted butter, heavy cream or nondairy creamer, and vanilla extract.
- Mix well until combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine light brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and small pieces of butter to make the topping.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned. If you're short on time, you can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy creamer. To enhance the flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture. This casserole can be prepared a day in advance; just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet Potato-Praline Casserole pairs beautifully with roasted meats or a light salad, such as Lime Pineapple Cream Salad, for a balanced meal. It can also be served as a dessert due to its sweet flavor profile. Consider topping it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating, but the oven method will maintain the texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rosh Hashana Sweet Potato-Praline Casserole contains roughly 1866 calories, with 22g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 152g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), protein (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. It also contributes 19g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh sweet potatoes can be used! Simply peel, chop, and boil them until tender, then mash them before adding to the recipe. This will provide a fresher taste and texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce the sugar by using a sugar substitute or decreasing the amount of white and brown sugar. Additionally, substituting half of the butter with applesauce can lower the fat content while keeping the casserole moist.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking it straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).