Imagine a dish that combines the creamy, velvety texture of perfectly baked sweet potatoes with a decadent, crunchy praline topping that will transport you straight to the heart of the Southern United States. This isn't just another side dish – it's a culinary experience that transforms humble sweet potatoes into a show-stopping delicacy that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Using a fork, pierce each sweet potato several times to allow steam to escape during baking. This prevents potential potato explosions and ensures even cooking.
- Place sweet potatoes directly on the middle oven rack and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The potatoes should feel soft when gently squeezed.
- While potatoes are baking, prepare the praline topping. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to bubble.
- Add chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pecans are lightly toasted and the mixture is well combined.
- Once sweet potatoes are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Carefully slice each potato lengthwise down the center.
- Gently split open the potatoes and fluff the interior with a fork. Generously spoon the warm praline mixture over each sweet potato, ensuring even coverage.
- Serve immediately while the praline topping is still warm and slightly gooey. The combination of soft sweet potato and crunchy, caramelized pecans creates a delightful texture and flavor.
Tips
- Choose the right sweet potatoes: Look for medium-sized potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin for the best results.
- Piercing is crucial: Don't skip piercing the potatoes with a fork – this prevents potential steam build-up and ensures even cooking.
- Toast those pecans carefully: When making the praline topping, watch the pecans closely to achieve a perfect golden-brown color without burning.
- Serve immediately: The magic of this dish is in the warm, gooey praline topping, so serve right after preparation for the most incredible texture and flavor.
- Make ahead tip: You can prepare the praline topping in advance and gently reheat it just before serving to save time during meal preparation.
- For extra richness: Consider adding a small drizzle of heavy cream or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an elevated flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 50mg
