How to Make the Perfect Brown Sugar Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole
American Southern · Easy · 65 min · 8 servings
This decadent sweet potato casserole combines velvety mashed sweet potatoes with a hint of bourbon and warm spices, topped with a crunchy pecan streusel that adds irresistible texture. It is a Southern-inspired Thanksgiving side dish that balances sweetness and richness beautifully.
Why this recipe works
This Brown Sugar Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 65 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 390 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 lbs sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 3 tbsp bourbon whiskey
- 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup pecans roughly chopped
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Place cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce to medium and cook for 15 to 18 minutes until the sweet potatoes are completely fork tender. Drain thoroughly and return them to the pot.
Step 2: Mash and Season
Mash the sweet potatoes until completely smooth using a potato masher or hand mixer. Add the bourbon, half the brown sugar, half the melted butter, and the cinnamon. Stir everything together until fully combined and season with a pinch of salt to taste.
Step 3: Add the Topping and Bake
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9x13 baking dish. In a small bowl combine the chopped pecans with the remaining brown sugar and melted butter, then scatter this topping evenly over the sweet potato layer.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through and bubbling around the edges. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- bourbon whiskey → apple cider or vanilla extract for an alcohol-free version
- pecans → walnuts or a simple brown sugar and oat crumble work just as well
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not draining the sweet potatoes well enough which makes the casserole watery and dense
- Over-mashing the potatoes with a machine which can make the texture gluey
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 390 calories, 5g protein, 58g carbs, 16g fat, 5g fiber.
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