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This hearty sweet potato dish has become our family's Thanksgiving tradition. The contrast between the buttery softened sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan topping creates a perfect holiday side dish that steals the spotlight every time.
I first created this recipe during a Thanksgiving when I wanted something beyond the standard marshmallow-topped casserole. My mother-in-law requested the recipe before she even finished her first bite, and now it appears on holiday tables throughout our extended family.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: choose uniform width potatoes for even cooking and consistent presentation
- Salted butter: creates the rich melting texture that gives this dish its name
- Avocado oil: helps achieve the perfect caramelization on the edges
- Vegetable broth: forms the base of the buttery sauce while adding subtle savory notes
- Pecans: provide essential textural contrast and nutty flavor
- Brown sugar: caramelizes beautifully on top for a crunchy sweet finish
- Cinnamon: adds warmth and complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes
- Maple syrup: real maple syrup provides complex sweetness and helps bind the topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potatoes:
- Peel sweet potatoes until you reach the deeper orange flesh. This ensures no fibrous skin remains which would disrupt the velvety texture we want. Cut them into precise 1-inch rounds for ideal cooking and presentation.
- Create the butter coating:
- Combine melted butter with avocado oil and salt to create a coating that will help the potatoes develop a beautiful caramelized exterior while basting them during the initial roasting.
- First roasting phase:
- Arrange the potato slices carefully in a single layer. The initial 15 minutes of roasting begins developing flavor through Maillard reaction on the flat surfaces. When flipping, use tongs and be gentle to maintain the potato shape.
- Add the moisture element:
- Pouring warmed broth over the potatoes after the initial roasting creates steam in the oven, helping soften the centers while the exteriors remain firm. This temperature contrast creates the signature melting texture.
- Prepare the topping components:
- The pecan crumble should be thoroughly mixed but not overmixed. You want each component to remain distinct while still holding together. The maple cinnamon sauce should be whisked until completely smooth.
- Final baking phase:
- The brief final bake allows the topping to caramelize without burning the nuts. Watch carefully during this phase as the high sugar content can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
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My favorite part of this recipe is watching guests take their first bite. There's always that moment of surprise when they realize these aren't ordinary sweet potatoes. The combination of butter caramelization and the nutty topping creates something truly special that keeps people coming back for seconds.
Perfect Timing Tips
The true secret to melting sweet potatoes is the dual cooking technique. Starting with high heat creates caramelization, while the later addition of liquid provides steam that softens the centers. This temperature variation and cooking method creates that signature contrast between exterior and interior textures.
For truly perfect results, let the potatoes rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and adhere better to the potatoes when serving.
Storage And Leftovers
These potatoes reheat beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch but may slightly soften the topping.
If making ahead, follow the prep-ahead instructions carefully. The best approach is completing through the broth stage, refrigerating, then adding the toppings fresh before the final bake on serving day.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with turkey, ham, or even beef tenderloin. The sweet and savory profile complements traditional holiday proteins perfectly.
For a complete holiday spread, serve alongside green vegetables with acidic components like a vinaigrette dressed salad or lemony green beans. The acidity helps balance the richness of the potatoes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I ensure the sweet potatoes cook evenly?
Choose sweet potatoes with a consistent width and avoid those that are overly tapered. Uniform slices help ensure even cooking.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the potatoes through roasting and refrigerate. On serving day, reheat and finish with the sauce and crumble for best results.
- → What does the pecan crumble add to the dish?
The pecan crumble adds a sweet, crunchy texture that perfectly complements the soft, buttery sweet potatoes.
- → Can I substitute the vegetable broth?
You can use chicken broth or a low-sodium stock as an alternative. Adjust seasonings as needed to balance flavors.
- → What is the purpose of the maple cinnamon sauce?
The maple cinnamon sauce infuses the sweet potatoes with a warm, sweet flavor, enhancing their natural sweetness and richness.