Last Updated on January 3, 2024
Alton Brown sweet potato casserole is a traditional side dish that is made with sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and spices. It is a classic holiday dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special occasion.
This dish is easy to make and is always a hit with family and friends. Whether you are looking for a dish to bring to a potluck or a dish to serve for a holiday dinner, this Alton Brown sweet potato casserole is sure to please.
What is Alton Brown Sweet Potato Casserole?
Alton Crawford Brown Jr. is indeed a multifaceted American figure known for his roles as a television personality, food show presenter, food scientist, author, voice actor, and cinematographer.
One of his most popular items is Alton Brown sweet potato casserole. It is a classic holiday side dish created by Alton Brown. It is made with sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and spices, and is a favorite at holiday gatherings. This dish is easy to make and is always a hit with family and friends. Whether you are looking for a dish to bring to a potluck or a dish to serve for a holiday dinner, this Alton Brown sweet potato casserole is sure to please.
Why You’ll Love This Alton Brown Sweet Potato Casserole?
There are many reasons to love Alton Brown sweet potato casserole. This dish is easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. The sweet potatoes are cooked until they are soft and then mashed with butter, brown sugar, and spices for a rich and flavorful side dish.
This dish can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy holiday schedules. And, of course, this dish is always a hit with family and friends.
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How Does It Taste Like?
Alton Brown sweet potato casserole is a delicious mix of sweet and savory flavors. The sweet potatoes are cooked until they are soft and then mashed with butter, brown sugar, and spices for a rich and flavorful side dish.
The sweetness of the brown sugar and the spices give the dish a unique flavor that will be sure to please everyone at your holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes: They are the star ingredient, providing the foundational flavor and creamy texture to the casserole. They bring natural sweetness and a hearty, earthy taste.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent, helping to hold the casserole together while contributing to its texture and structure.
- Evaporated Milk (or Cream/Half and Half): This ingredient adds richness and creaminess to the mixture. It enhances the overall mouthfeel and contributes a smooth consistency to the sweet potato base.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract brings a subtle yet essential flavor that compliments the sweetness of the potatoes. It adds depth and warmth to the dish.
- Fine Granulated Cane Sugar: This sweetener intensifies the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, making the casserole deliciously sweet without being overwhelming.
- Sea Salt: Salt is a crucial ingredient that balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile by adding a hint of contrast and depth.
- Butter: Butter contributes to the richness and indulgence of the dish. It adds a creamy texture and a luxurious, savory note to the sweet potato mixture.
- For the Topping:
- Creamy Butter: Similar to the butter in the sweet potato mixture, it adds richness and helps bind the topping ingredients together while contributing a buttery flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: This serves as a thickening agent for the topping, helping to create a crumbly, crunchy texture when combined with other ingredients.
- Light Brown Cane Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness compared to granulated sugar. It caramelizes during baking, creating a flavorful and slightly crispy topping.
- Premium Pecans, Finely Chopped: Pecans provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the topping, offering a contrast in texture to the creamy sweet potato base. They also bring a hint of richness and depth to the overall dish.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1 – Preheat Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This initial step ensures your oven is ready when it’s time to bake the sweet potatoes.
Step 2 – Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
Thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes under running water, ensuring they’re clean. Using a fork, pierce each potato several times. This allows steam to escape while baking. Place them on a baking sheet and transfer them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour until they become tender. Once cooked, let them cool down.
Step 3 – Reduce Oven Temperature:
Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). This adjustment prepares the oven for the next baking stage.
Step 4 – Prepare Sweet Potato Mixture:
Peel the now cooled sweet potatoes and scoop out the flesh, placing it in a large mixing bowl. Using a masher or fork, mash the sweet potatoes until they become smooth.
Step 5 – Combine Ingredients:
Into the bowl of mashed sweet potatoes, add the eggs, evaporated milk (or substitute), vanilla extract, granulated sugar, sea salt, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth and uniform mixture.
Step 6 – Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Grease a baking or casserole dish to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the prepared sweet potato mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent baking.
Step 7 – Prepare Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the creamy butter, all-purpose flour, light brown cane sugar, and finely chopped pecans. Mix the ingredients until they form a crumbly texture. This mixture will serve as the delectable topping for the casserole.
Step 8 – Top the Casserole:
Sprinkle the prepared topping mixture evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the casserole dish. Ensure an even spread to achieve a balanced flavor throughout.
Step 9 – Bake:
Place the casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 30-40 minutes. Monitor the casserole as it bakes, aiming for a golden-brown topping and ensuring the casserole is thoroughly heated.
Step 10 – Serve:
Once the casserole is done, carefully remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm, highlighting the delicious flavors. Serve and relish the delightful Alton Brown Sweet Potato Casserole!
Tips
– To make sure the sweet potatoes are cooked through, pierce them with a fork before adding them to the boiling water.
– If you don’t have any pecans, you can substitute walnuts or almonds.
– For a more savory version, add a tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary to the potatoes.
– To make this dish ahead of time, prepare the potatoes up to the point of baking, then cover with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.
– If you like your potatoes extra creamy, add an extra tablespoon of butter and an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to the potatoes before mashing.
Nutrition Information
One serving of Alton Brown sweet potato casserole is approximately 110 calories. Each serving contains 8 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fat, and 1 gram of protein.
How to Store Alton Brown Sweet Potato Casserole
Alton Brown sweet potato casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Alton Brown Sweet Potato Casserole?
– Instead of butter, you can use olive oil or coconut oil.
– Instead of brown sugar, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup.
– Instead of the spices listed in the recipe, you can use pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice.
– Instead of pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds.
– Instead of sweet potatoes, you can use yams or regular potatoes.
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 6 sizable eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 10 hefty sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup 1 stick lush butter, melted
- 1 cup evaporated milk or swap with luscious cream or half and half
- 1 cup fine granulated cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 6 tablespoons creamy butter
- 1/2 cup versatile all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons creamy butter
- 2 cups premium pecans finely chopped
- 2 cups rich light brown cane sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pierce each potato several times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until they are tender. Once cooked, allow them to cool.
- Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
- Peel the cooled sweet potatoes and place the flesh in a large mixing bowl. Mash them until smooth.
- To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the eggs, evaporated milk (or substitute), vanilla extract, granulated sugar, sea salt, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Grease a baking or casserole dish and transfer the sweet potato mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the creamy butter, all-purpose flour, light brown cane sugar, and finely chopped pecans. Mix until it forms a crumbly texture.
- Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the casserole dish.
- Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 30-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Alton Brown Sweet Potato Casserole!
Notes
- To make sure the sweet potatoes are cooked through, pierce them with a fork before adding them to the boiling water.
- If you don’t have any pecans, you can substitute walnuts or almonds.
- For a more savory version, add a tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary to the potatoes.
- To make this dish ahead of time, prepare the potatoes up to the point of baking, then cover with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- If you like your potatoes extra creamy, add an extra tablespoon of butter and an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to the potatoes before mashing.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I make Alton Brown sweet potato casserole ahead of time?
A. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the potatoes up to the point of baking, then cover with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Q. What other spices can I use in Alton Brown sweet potato casserole?
A. Instead of the spices listed in the recipe, you can use pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice.
Q. Can I use regular potatoes in this recipe?
A. Yes, you can use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes.
Q. How long does Alton Brown sweet potato casserole last in the refrigerator?
A. Alton Brown sweet potato casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Q. Can I freeze Alton Brown sweet potato casserole?
A. Yes, you can freeze this dish. Place the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q. Can I use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar?
A. Yes, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
Q. Can I use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter?
A. Yes, you can use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter.
Conclusion
Alton Brown sweet potato casserole is a classic holiday side dish that is sure to please everyone at your holiday gathering. The sweet potatoes are cooked until they are soft and then mashed with butter, brown sugar, and spices for a rich and flavorful side dish.
This dish is easy to make and can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy holiday schedules. Whether you are looking for a dish to bring to a potluck or a dish to serve for a holiday dinner, this Alton Brown sweet potato casserole is sure to please.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more
