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Tender Canned Sweet Potatoes Recipe with Brown Sugar and Pecans

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This easy sweet potato casserole uses canned sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and toasted pecans for a quick, comforting side dish. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners, it delivers nostalgic flavor with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (29 oz each) canned sweet potatoes or yams, whole or sliced, packed in light syrup
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
  • Nonstick spray or extra butter for greasing dish
  • Mini marshmallows for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Drain canned sweet potatoes and gently rinse off syrup for a less sweet finish (optional). Slice whole sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces if needed. Arrange evenly in the casserole dish.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir until smooth and glossy. Add maple syrup if desired.
  4. Pour the brown sugar mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes. Gently toss and coat with a spoon or spatula, being careful not to mash.
  5. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top. For extra crunch, use whole pecan halves along the edges.
  6. Bake on the middle rack for 25-30 minutes, until bubbling and caramelized around the edges. Pecans should be golden and fragrant.
  7. Optional: Add mini marshmallows on top for the last 5 minutes of baking for a toasty finish.
  8. Check for doneness: Sweet potatoes should be fork-tender but not falling apart, and syrup should be thickened and glossy. If too runny, bake an additional 5 minutes.
  9. Let casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving to thicken syrup and keep pecans crisp.

Notes

Toast pecans in a dry skillet for extra crunch before adding. Handle canned sweet potatoes gently to avoid mushiness. You can assemble ahead and refrigerate; add 5 minutes to bake time. For nut-free, use pumpkin seeds or omit nuts. For vegan, use plant-based butter. Add mini marshmallows for a classic finish. Adjust spices to taste—try nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for variety.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potatoes, canned sweet potatoes, brown sugar, pecans, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving, easy casserole, comfort food, gluten-free, vegetarian

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/tender-canned-sweet-potatoes-recipe-with-brown-sugar-and-pecans/