Irresistible Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts Recipe

Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts is a dish that dances on your taste buds and warms your heart. Imagine a velvety, sweet potato base topped with a crunchy, nutty hazelnut crust that shouts comfort food at every bite. cozy sweet potato pie The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make you feel like you’ve just walked into a cozy holiday gathering, even if it’s just Tuesday night.

This casserole has been my secret weapon for family dinners, potlucks, and those “let’s impress the in-laws” moments. I still remember the first time I made it; my cousin claimed it was so good he could marry it! No pressure, right? Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving or just craving something deliciously different, this dish promises to steal the show and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Sweet Potatoes: Use about 4-5 medium sweet potatoes, which should yield around 3 cups when mashed. Look for firm potatoes without blemishes.
• Butter: Unsalted butter works best to control the saltiness in your casserole.
• Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar gives a lovely caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.
• Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but you can substitute with almond or oat milk if you prefer dairy-free options.
• Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together and add richness.
• Cinnamon: A teaspoon of ground cinnamon enhances the warm flavors of this comforting dish.

For the Topping:

• Chopped Hazelnuts: About one cup of chopped hazelnuts adds an irresistible crunch—toast them lightly for extra flavor.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs create a crispy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy base.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (about 9×13 inches) with nonstick cooking spray or butter so your casserole doesn’t stick like that one uncle at family gatherings.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let them cool slightly before mashing them into submission.

Step 3: Mix It Up

In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, and cinnamon. Blend well until smooth—think of it as giving those sweet potatoes a soothing spa day.

Step 4: Create the Topping

In another bowl, mix chopped hazelnuts with panko breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt. This crunchy layer will elevate your casserole from good to “Oh my goodness!” in no time.

Step 5: Assemble Your Masterpiece

Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the hazelnut topping generously over it—don’t be shy; you want that crunch!

Step 6: Bake It Perfectly

Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top and hot throughout. Let it cool slightly before serving—you want people to enjoy their first bite without burning their tongues off!

Transfer to plates and watch as guests dive in for seconds…and thirds! This Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts is sure to become your new favorite tradition—or at least give you bragging rights at family gatherings!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven and peeling those sweet potatoes. Boil them until tender, mash them up, and mix in your spices. While that’s happening, toast the hazelnuts for an extra crunch. Finally, combine everything in a baking dish and bake until golden.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out hazelnuts for pecans or walnuts if you prefer. A dash of cinnamon adds warmth, while maple syrup can bring an extra layer of sweetness. You can even toss in some mini marshmallows on top for a gooey finish!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, pop it back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry!

Nothing beats the time I served this casserole at Thanksgiving; my relatives’ eyes lit up when they took their first bite! It quickly became the star of the dinner table and is now our family tradition.

FAQs:

What are the main ingredients in Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts?

Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts features key ingredients such as sweet potatoes, hazelnuts, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla. Sweet potatoes provide a creamy texture and natural sweetness. Hazelnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the overall dish. sweet potato chickpea chili This casserole often includes milk or cream for richness and eggs to bind the mixture. For extra flavor, you might also add spices like nutmeg or ginger. These ingredients blend beautifully to create a comforting dish that is perfect for holidays or family gatherings. For more inspiration, check out this Spicy Chorizo Sweet Potato Chili recipe.

How do I prepare Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts?

To prepare Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts, start by peeling and boiling sweet potatoes until tender. Drain them and mash until smooth. In a bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and spices. Transfer this mixture to a baking dish. For the topping, mix crushed hazelnuts with brown sugar and melted butter before sprinkling it over the sweet potato mixture. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly. This easy preparation makes it a delightful addition to any meal. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Scalloped Potatoes recipe.

Can I make Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts ahead of time! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. If you prefer to freeze it, wrap the prepared casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed for a delicious hassle-free side dish.

What can I serve with Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts?

Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts pairs wonderfully with various dishes. It complements savory proteins like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or herb-crusted chicken perfectly. For vegetarian options, consider serving it alongside stuffed bell peppers or quinoa salad. This casserole also works well as part of a holiday spread featuring cranberry sauce or green bean almondine for a balanced meal. The sweet and nutty flavors offer a delightful contrast to savory main dishes while adding warmth to your dining experience.

Conclusion for Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts:

In conclusion, Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts is a deliciously comforting side dish ideal for any occasion. Its combination of creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy hazelnuts creates an irresistible texture that everyone will love. By preparing it ahead of time or serving it alongside various proteins and vegetables, you can easily include this casserole in your meal plans. tropical pineapple casserole sweet potato-filled caramelle With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation methods, this recipe ensures that you can enjoy its delightful flavors without stress during busy holiday meals or family gatherings.