Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole

Let’s talk comfort food. What is the kind of comfort food that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a warm blanket? What is the difference between a blanket and s Are you familiar with that feeling? I know I am. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that embodies that feeling perfectly. **Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole**. Is it sweet, creamy, and has that crunchy pecan topping? What makes my mouth water? If you’re a fan of sweet potato pie, think of this as its even easier cousin! What is the most popular Thanksgiving dish? I’m craving that taste of home. What is the kind of recipe that just warms you from the inside out? This one is a keeper, trust me.

What is Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole?

What exactly is this sweet potato casserole? What is essentially a baked dish made with mashed sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, and spices? What are the best pecan streusel recipes? Think of it as a grown-up version of sweet potato baby food, but with texture and tons of flavor. I always think of Thanksgiving in a bowl, but honestly, it’s delicious any time of year. Is it sweet? What is this whole thing? Is it just a side dish? What is a dessert disguised as something you can serve with dinner? What is sweet potato heaven?

Why I love this recipe?

What are some good reasons to love this recipe? First and foremost, the taste is simply incredible. You get the sweetness of the Sweet Potatoes, the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, and that sweetness that you get from sweet potato. What are some of the best pecan toppings? It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that just works perfectly. What I love about this **Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole** is how surprisingly easy* it is to make. Don’t let the fancy name intimidate you. What’s the recipe for mashing sweet potatoes? And speaking of easy, the *cost-efficiency* is another huge win. Sweet potatoes are relatively inexpensive, and you probably already have most of the other varieties. What are the ingredients in your pantry? What makes this recipe a standout? What are some good side dishes to serve at Thanksgiving dinner? Can you sneak a spoonful? What are some of the best ways to get a cold beer straight from the fridge? Is this casserole better than my Grandma’s apple pie? Is there a way to try this if you’ve never tried it?

How do I make a Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole?

Quick Overview

How do I make a Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole? How do you cook Sweet Potatoes? You mash them with butter, sugar, and spices. Then you fry them. Top it off with a pecan streusel. What do you bake until golden brown? The magic of this recipe is really in the simplicity and how the flavors all come together in this dish. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can nail this!

Ingredients

What is the sweet potato base?
* 4 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 large sweet potato)
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup packed light Brown Sugar
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1/4 cup milk (I’ve used almond milk and it works great!)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Topping:
* 1 cup chopped pecans
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/3 cup (2/3 stick) unsalted butter, melted

How do I learn step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for even baking. I use cooking spray to grease a 9×13 baking dish. I like to use butter, but you can use any other. Make sure to get all the corners!

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

How do you cook sweet potatoes? I prefer baking them because it brings out their natural sweetness. Once they’re soft, let them cool and peel them. I find that peeling them while they’re still a little warm is easier. Mash them until smooth, or leave them a little chunky if you prefer!

Step 3: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar and melted butter. Serve immediately or in the refrigerator. Milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. Don’t overmix, though, or it can get gummy.

Step 4: Make the Pecan Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Set aside. Use a fork to mix it all together until it forms an crumbly mixture. What makes this **Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole** so special?

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

How do you spread the sweet potato mixture in a baking dish? Then, sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Every inch is covered for maximum crunch!

Step 6: Bake

Is the topping golden brown? If the potato mixture is bubbly around the edges, it will be hard to eat. What are the best ovens to cook in? If the topping starts to get brown, you can loosely tent it with foil.

Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve

Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more. Serve warm and enjoy every single bite!

What should I serve it with?

What’s your recipe for Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole? What are some ideas, depending on the occasion?

For Thanksgiving Dinner: What are some goodThis casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish, so it pairs perfectly with turkey, stuffing, and more. What are the best mashed potatoes with cranberry sauce? Is it like a Thanksgiving party in your mouth?

What is a good weeknight meal? Serve it alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a vegetarian main course like lentil loaf. The sweetness of the casserole balances out savory dishes beautifully.

For Dessert:Can you eat this as a dessert? Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What are some of the best ways to end a meal with savoury notes?

What is a Cozy Snack?Is it safe to eat a spoon straight from the fridge? Sometimes you just need a little sweetness in your life. My family always makes extra so there are leftovers for snacking!

How do I make a cracker barrel sweet potato casserole?

How do I make a Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole? What are some of the best tips I’ve learned over the years?

Sweet Potato Selection: Choose sweet potatoes that are firm, with smooth skin. Avoid any that have soft spots or sprouts.

Cooking the Sweet Potatoes: Baking the sweet potatoes is my preferred method because it brings out their natural sweetness. But you can also boil them or microwave them if you’re short on time. Just make sure they’re cooked until they’re very soft.

Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the sweet potato mixture, be careful not to overmix it. Overmixing can make the casserole gummy. Mix just until everything is combined.

Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. You can also use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey instead of granulated sugar.

Get Creative with Toppings: While pecans are the classic topping for this casserole, you can also use other nuts like walnuts or almonds. You can also add shredded coconut or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips!

Make it Ahead: You can make this casserole ahead of time and bake it later. Just prepare the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigerating: Store leftover **Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole** in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s still delicious cold, too!

Freezing: You can also freeze this casserole for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat the casserole, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave it in individual portions. Just be careful not to overcook it, or it will dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! You can easily make this **Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole** vegan by using plant-based butter and milk. Just make sure to check the labels to ensure they are dairy-free.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

While fresh sweet potatoes are best, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well before using them. I find the taste is just slightly different, though.

Can I add marshmallows to the topping?

Of course! If you love marshmallows, feel free to add a layer of mini marshmallows to the topping during the last few minutes of baking. Just watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly. My niece loves when I do this!

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can absolutely reduce the sugar! Start by reducing it by 1/4 cup and taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

What can I use instead of pecans?

If you’re not a fan of pecans, or if you have a nut allergy, you can use other nuts like walnuts or almonds. You can also use shredded coconut or even a crumble topping made with oats and brown sugar.

Final Thoughts

This **Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole** is a classic for a reason! It’s easy to make, it’s incredibly delicious, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving dinner, a weeknight meal, or even dessert, it’s sure to be a hit. The combination of sweet potatoes, warm spices, and crunchy pecan topping is simply irresistible. And the best part? It’s a taste of home that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of this amazing casserole. And if you’re looking for other comforting side dishes, be sure to check out my recipe for mac and cheese! Happy baking!