Virginia "Hillbilly" Company Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are topped with a crunchy coconut and walnut streusel, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and texture, perfect as a comforting side dish or holiday treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend shredded coconut, chopped walnuts, light brown sugar, and self-rising flour.
- Add melted butter to the mixture and mix well.
- Spread the coconut mixture evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes or yams in a baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, try using half-and-half instead of milk. If you're short on time, pre-made mashed sweet potatoes or yams can be a great substitute. You can also swap out walnuts for pecans or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free option. For added flavor, consider mixing in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg with the sweet potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish makes a delightful side for holiday gatherings or family dinners, pairing beautifully with roasted meats or a fresh green salad. Consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert or alongside other comforting dishes like Grandma Reinhardt'S Homemade Noodles. It’s a versatile addition to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick reheat, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Virginia "Hillbilly" Company Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 707 calories, with 11g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 6g 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 make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mixture and the coconut topping separately ahead of time. Assemble and refrigerate them in the baking dish, then bake just before serving. This makes it perfect for holiday gatherings or busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of shredded coconut?
If you're not a fan of coconut, you can substitute with crushed graham crackers or oats for a different texture and flavor. Alternatively, chopped dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can add a unique sweetness to the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or meat-derived ingredients. However, if you need it to be vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer.
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).