Bourbon sweet potato crunch casserole is a holiday side dish with just the right amount of special! Yams (or sweet potatoes) are flavored with bourbon and vanilla, covered with a crunchy-sweet praline topping, and baked. Move aside, marshmallows.
Slice sweet potatoes in half, brush with butter, and bake at 350F until tender - or drain canned yams.
Remove the peels and add the cooked sweet potatoes to the bowl of your mixer and blend until smooth.
Add the remaining ingredients, except topping, and whip until well blended and fluffy.
Taste and adjust seasonings.
Spoon into a greased casserole dish.
Sprinkle with the pecan topping.
Bake at 375 for 30 minutes.
Topping
Melt butter in a heavy saucepan.
Add the chopped pecans and brown sugar.
Cook, stirring often, until the pecans are well coated.
Spoon the topping over the yam mixture.
Video
Notes
Note: In the video I say there are eggs in this recipe. There are no eggs in this recipe. Once in awhile I forget what I am actually doing.::shakes head:::
Expert Tip: Due to differences in ovens and casserole dishes baking times can vary. Be sure to check the sweet potato casserole after about 20 minutes... The internal temperature will be 160F with an instant read thermometer when it's done.
Even though it's not in a traditional sweet potato casserole use a good bourbon in this. Trust me! It makes a huge difference in the flavor.
A teaspoon of vanilla extract is delicious in this - especially if you're leaving the bourbon out.
The bourbon cooks out - you don't have to worry about getting the kids tipsy.
If you prefer not to use bourbon you can use extra cream, cream soda, or even ginger ale in place of it.
Put your casserole dish on a baking sheet in case there are bubble overs.
Sweet potatoes and yams are interchangeable. Use either one.
I prefer to roast or bake the potatoes when I make this dish with fresh produce. I think it gives them more flavor.
Save time by using canned yams that have been well drained - but... it won't be as good.
I don't recommend chopping the pecans with a food processor. Chop them by hand. They need to be coarsely chopped for the best texture.
Use as thick a layer of candied pecan crumble as you wish. That crunchy topping is SO good.
You can prepare this sweet, buttery sweet potato side dish about 3 days ahead of time, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake before serving.