I don’t often share many side dish recipes with you guys. I don’t know why this is, because side dishes are delicious, but for whatever reason I almost never do…that is except in the month of November, when sides absolutely need to be discussed. Everyone has their favorite Thanksgiving side, or maybe sides… I came across this Huffington Post article that actually broke down what the most loved Thanksgiving side dishes are. To my surprise, stuffing came in first, followed by mashed potatoes. I for sure thought mashed potatoes would have beaten out all other sides, but then I don’t like stuffing all that much. However, I do love mashed potatoes, and of course, sweet potatoes. Sweet potato casserole came in third, but you guys, I don’t know, I’m thinking it needs to be higher up on the list. It might just be my personal favorite Thanksgiving side dish.
Every Thanksgiving I love putting a slightly new spin on the classic sweet potato casserole. In years past I’ve done sweet potato casserole boats, bourbon sweet potato casserole with sweet ‘n’ savory bacon pecans, lighter sweet potato casserole, and roasted sweet potatoes with maple butter. This year, I wanted something a little more classic, but with my own little twist…or two. This sweet potato casserole is everything. Sweet, but not in an intense, can’t take more than a few bites way. It’s light, buttery, and swirled with the most delicious cinnamon streusel, that makes this casserole the best! If you love any form of sweet potato casserole, and you love cinnamon, you clearly need to make this recipe. You do.
Here’s the deal. The sweet potatoes themselves are a simple mix of roasted sweet potatoes, whipped up with a touch of maple, cinnamon, vanilla, browned butter, and a little heavy cream. I like to whip the sweet potatoes a bit to ensure they are light and airy before baking. Simple, but good. What I’ve never been able to understand, is why no one adds cinnamon to their sweet potatoes. This is something my grandma always did and it’s something I will carry on. When creating this recipe, I thought of the streusel from this pumpkin coffee cake. I got to thinking, “why not make the casserole kind of like a coffee cake and layer the streusel throughout the dish?”. It seemed like a pretty smart idea, so I went with it, and you know, it turned out pretty good. Just like a coffee cake, I did a layer of streusel in the center and then another layer on top. Meaning, buttery, cinnamon goodness swirled throughout the entire casserole. SO. GOOD. And then, as if all this streusel business was not enough, I finished off the top of this casserole with a drizzle of browned maple butter. I mean, I figured it’s Thanksgiving, go big or go home, right? Yes. Right. Of course.
I can’t believe that today’s sweet potato casserole is one of the last few recipes I’ll be sharing as a part of my 2017 Thanksgiving Menu! So hard to believe Thanksgiving is almost here. I only have a few more recipes to add and then it’s go-time. How are everyone’s menus coming along!? I’m spending this week preparing content for the next couple weeks on HBH. Heading to Cleveland in a week, so lots of running around, cooking, and plenty of holiday shoots happening this week! Lastly, all you Colorado readers, I’m doing a book signing in Edwards at the Bookworm of Edwards tomorrow night. The signing starts at 6pm and there will be plenty of food from the cookbook. I’ll be there demonstrating how to make one of my favorite appetizers, pan-fried feta with marinated olives. It’s going to be a fun and delicious night. Can’t wait to meet some of you!
Mmmmmm, do you see that streusel though? Streusel is always a good idea…always!
