Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors with our Sweet Potato Casserole with Walnuts. This classic dish gets a delightful upgrade as the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes harmonizes with the crunch of toasted walnuts. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this casserole is a surefire way to elevate your dining experience. Join us as we explore the ingredients, guide you through the step-by-step instructions, share cook notes and variations, and provide keto and low-carb versions. Let’s dive into the world of irresistible sweetness and nuttiness with our delectable Sweet Potato Casserole.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
For the Walnut Topping:
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a low-carb version)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (or a low-carb sweetener for keto version)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preparing the Sweet Potato Base:
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Boil or steam the diced sweet potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Mash and Mix: Mash the sweet potatoes, and add melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Incorporate Eggs: Gradually incorporate the beaten eggs into the sweet potato mixture, ensuring a smooth and even consistency.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
Creating the Walnut Topping:
- Combine Topping Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine chopped walnuts, all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a low-carb version), brown sugar (or low-carb sweetener), and melted butter. Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly topping.
- Sprinkle Over Sweet Potatoes: Sprinkle the walnut topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the casserole dish, covering the entire surface.
Baking to Perfection:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the sweet potato base is set, and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve Warm: Allow the Sweet Potato Casserole with Walnuts to cool slightly before serving. Scoop out generous portions, and savor the delightful combination of creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy walnuts.
Cook Notes
- Uniform Potato Size: Cutting the sweet potatoes into uniform-sized pieces ensures even cooking and mashing.
- Adjust Sweetness: Tailor the sweetness to your liking by adjusting the amount of maple syrup or sweetener in the sweet potato base.
- Check Doneness: Test the doneness of the casserole by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the base is fully cooked.
Variations
1. Marshmallow Marvel:
For a classic twist, add a layer of marshmallows on top of the casserole during the last 5-10 minutes of baking for a gooey, toasted finish.
2. Coconut Crunch:
Infuse a tropical flair by mixing shredded coconut into the sweet potato base and topping for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
3. Pecan Perfection:
Swap walnuts for chopped pecans in the topping for a different nutty profile that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
Keto Versions
For those on a keto journey, consider these modifications:
- Low-Carb Sweetener: Replace maple syrup with a keto-friendly sweetener in the sweet potato base.
- Almond Flour for Topping: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour in the walnut topping for a lower-carb alternative.
- Butter Options: Choose grass-fed butter for added richness or consider using ghee for a lactose-free option.
Low-Carb Version
To cater to low-carb preferences, make these adjustments:
- Reduce Sweetener Quantity: Use a smaller amount of low-carb sweetener in both the sweet potato base and the topping.
- Moderate Nut Quantity: Adjust the quantity of walnuts in the topping to reduce the overall carb content.
- Almond Flour Base: Create a crust-like base using almond flour, butter, and a touch of sweetener for a low-carb alternative to the sweet potato base.
Our Sweet Potato Casserole with Walnuts is more than a dish; it’s a celebration of contrasting textures and harmonious flavors. Whether you follow the classic recipe, experiment with variations, or embrace keto and low-carb adaptations, this casserole invites you to savor the delightful combination of creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy walnuts. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let the enticing aroma of this nutty delight fill your kitchen. Here’s to the joy of creating, savoring, and relishing the comforting sweetness of Sweet Potato Casserole with Walnuts!