Few side dishes bring together warmth, elegance, and comfort quite like Bourbon Sweet Potatoes. This recipe transforms a holiday classic into one of those Easy Holiday Side Dishes that feels special without the stress. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes blend with notes of vanilla and oak from a splash of bourbon, balanced by a savory, buttery pecan topping that crisps beautifully in the oven. The result is a crowd-pleasing dish that fits perfectly on a traditional or fully plant-based Thanksgiving Menu, proving that a little bourbon can turn a humble root vegetable into a holiday standout.
How This Bourbon Sweet Potato Recipe Became a Family Tradition
Every family has that one dish that announces the start of the holidays the moment it hits the table. For mine, it’s these Easy Holiday Bourbon Sweet Potatoes. The first time I made them, the kitchen smelled like roasted caramel and toasted nuts, with just the faintest hint of bourbon warmth floating through the air. I remember the laughter, the slight clatter of serving dishes, and how everyone leaned in to see what new recipe I’d brought to our Thanksgiving table.
That year, we were experimenting with a more modern twist on traditional Easy Holiday Side Dishes—something comforting yet elevated. Sweet potatoes seemed like the perfect canvas. A quick pour of bourbon into the mash changed everything. Instead of being just another casserole, the dish came alive with a rich depth that tasted nostalgic and new all at once. After that first bite, my family decided these sweet potatoes weren’t optional anymore—they were tradition.
Each holiday season, someone inevitably asks, “You’re making the bourbon sweet potatoes again, right?” It’s become our culinary signal that the celebration has truly begun. Over time, I’ve adapted the recipe to suit everyone’s preferences—sometimes adding coconut cream for my vegan sister-in-law, other times doubling the pecan topping for the crunchy fans. But no matter how it evolves, the cozy aroma and bourbon-kissed flavor always transport us back to that first magical dinner.
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Easy Holiday Bourbon Sweet Potatoes with Savory Pecan Topping
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 casserole 1x
Description
Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are flavored with bourbon, brown sugar, maple syrup, spices, and vanilla, then topped with a crunchy pecan crumb and baked until golden. This dish works for traditional or vegan menus and brings a festive touch to any holiday table.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork and roast whole for 45–55 minutes until tender and caramelized
3. Let potatoes cool 10–15 minutes, peel skins, and transfer flesh to a large bowl
4. Mash with a hand mixer or masher until smooth
5. Add butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, bourbon, cream, and vanilla and blend until silky
6. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and smooth the top
7. In a bowl combine pecans, brown sugar, flour, and sea salt
8. Drizzle in melted butter and toss until crumbly
9. Sprinkle pecan topping evenly over potatoes
10. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until topping is golden and crisp
11. Let rest 10 minutes before serving
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: side dish
- Method: bake
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 casserole
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 20
Keywords: bourbon sweet potatoes, holiday side dish, pecan topping, thanksgiving recipe, vegan option, easy holiday recipe
Why Bourbon Sweet Potatoes Stand Out on Any Holiday Table
There’s something undeniably special about Bourbon Sweet Potatoes—a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. The naturally sweet base takes on new life when paired with a splash of bourbon, creating subtle caramel and vanilla undertones that linger in every bite. The pecan topping adds contrast: nutty, crisp, and just enough saltiness to balance the sweetness beneath. Together, they form a side dish that feels indulgent but familiar, luxurious but homey.
Beyond their irresistible flavor, these potatoes have range. They can appear seamlessly in a Five-Course Vegan Thanksgiving Menu adaptation, using plant-based butter and coconut cream, or fit perfectly into a traditional feast with golden butter and a touch of cream. Whether served alongside roasted vegetables, a main course, or part of a buffet of Easy Holiday Side Dishes, this recipe brings a golden glow to the table—proof that a humble root, a few pantry staples, and a splash of bourbon can create something memorable enough to earn a permanent place in your family’s holiday story.
Pantry and Fresh Ingredients You’ll Need
Making delicious Bourbon Sweet Potatoes starts with high-quality, fresh ingredients. The combination of creamy mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a velvety bourbon note is what gives this side dish its signature comfort and depth. Below is a detailed ingredient list for one 9×13-inch casserole (about 8 servings), along with easy vegan swaps so everyone at the table can enjoy this treasure among your Easy Holiday Side Dishes.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes / Vegan Swap Options |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes | 4 large (about 3 lbs) | Choose firm potatoes with bright orange flesh for best flavor. |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tbsp | Use vegan butter or coconut oil for dairy-free. |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup, packed | Coconut sugar also works for a subtle caramel flavor. |
| Maple syrup | 2 tbsp | Adds depth and enhances natural sweetness. |
| Bourbon | 3 tbsp | Optional but recommended for flavor; alcohol burns off in baking. |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | Warm spice that pairs beautifully with bourbon. |
| Nutmeg | ¼ tsp | Adds subtle earthiness—freshly grated if possible. |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Balances sweetness and elevates the bourbon aroma. |
| Coconut cream or heavy cream | ¼ cup | Use coconut cream for vegan or lactose-intolerant guests. |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Rounds out the flavor and enhances sweetness. |
For the Savory Pecan Topping:
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes / Vegan Swap Options |
|---|---|---|
| Chopped pecans | 1½ cups | Toast lightly for extra crunch and aroma. |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup | Provides sweetness and caramelization. |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tbsp, melted | Use vegan butter or olive oil for dairy-free version. |
| Whole-grain flour | 3 tbsp | Gluten-free flour blends work perfectly too. |
| Sea salt | ¼ tsp | Brings out the nutty tones in the topping. |
Together, these components make Bourbon Sweet Potatoes both flexible and festive. For a stronger bourbon aroma, you can increase the amount slightly or use a sweeter brand. If you prefer it family-friendly, simply reduce the bourbon and increase the vanilla for that same cozy warmth without the spirit. The pecan topping can also be customized—add chopped rosemary or smoked paprika for a more savory profile, or swap in walnuts if pecans aren’t your favorite.
When preparing multiple Easy Holiday Bourbon Sweet Potatoes dishes for a crowd, consider roasting the sweet potatoes ahead of time and refrigerating them overnight. This saves effort and allows the natural sweetness to deepen before mixing in the remaining ingredients.
Must-Have Kitchen Tools for Perfect Texture
- Baking sheet: For roasting whole sweet potatoes evenly and catching any drips.
- Large mixing bowls: To combine mashed potatoes and pecan topping separately.
- Hand mixer or potato masher: Helps achieve a velvety mash—hand mixers give a smoother texture while mashers maintain a rustic feel.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy ensures balanced sweetness and bourbon flavor.
- Whisk: Ideal for blending melted butter, bourbon, and seasoning smoothly into the mash.
- 9×13-inch casserole dish: The classic size for an evenly baked casserole. Use ceramic or glass for even heat distribution.
- Oven-safe spatula or spoon: For spreading the potato mixture and topping without losing airiness.
- Parchment paper and foil (optional): Great for covering the casserole if you need to prevent over-browning.
Pro tips for success:
- Always roast, don’t boil, the sweet potatoes. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars, enhancing both flavor and color—exactly what makes Bourbon Sweet Potatoes distinctive among Easy Holiday Side Dishes.
- When mixing in bourbon, let the potatoes cool slightly first. Adding it while too hot can cause the alcohol to evaporate instantly, reducing flavor depth.
- For the pecan topping, mix the dry ingredients first, then drizzle in the melted butter to create the perfect texture.
- If you’re preparing a vegan version, opt for refined coconut oil to avoid an overpowering coconut scent.
- To keep the topping crisp when reheating, warm the casserole uncovered at a moderate temperature until the pecans are golden again.
Preparing the Sweet Potato Mixture
To make the most of your Easy Holiday Bourbon Sweet Potatoes, start by roasting the sweet potatoes to lock in their natural sweetness and velvety texture. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scrub each potato clean, then pierce the skins a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Roast the potatoes whole for about 45–55 minutes, or until they’re easily pierced with a fork and beginning to caramelize around the edges.
Once roasted, let the potatoes cool for 10–15 minutes, just until they’re easy to handle. Peel off the skins and transfer the soft flesh into a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or sturdy masher to break up any chunks, creating a smooth, lump-free base. The goal is a creamy mash that still retains the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Next comes the flavor build. Add melted butter (or vegan butter/coconut oil), brown sugar, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Pour in your bourbon while the mash is warm but not hot, sprinkle in cinnamon and nutmeg, then add coconut cream or heavy cream with vanilla extract. Blend until rich and silky. Taste and adjust the flavor balance—deeper bourbon, more vanilla, or extra spice to your liking. Spread the mixture evenly in a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside while you prepare the topping.
Creating the Savory Pecan Topping and Assembling the Casserole
In a medium bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, whole-grain flour, and sea salt. Mix the dry ingredients, then add melted butter (or vegan substitute) while tossing gently until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the sweet potatoes. For extra character, try adding rosemary, smoked paprika, or a dusting of flaky salt.
Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden and fragrant. If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes, uncovering for the last 10. Let rest 10 minutes to set before serving. The result: a velvety, bourbon-scented base under a crisp, buttery topping.
Bring your Easy Holiday Bourbon Sweet Potatoes to the table hot, garnished with toasted pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup. Perfect among Easy Holiday Side Dishes for a Thanksgiving Menu or festive dinner, it’s guaranteed to earn compliments and second servings.
Common Questions about Bourbon Sweet Potatoes
Can I make Bourbon Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mashed potato mixture and assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake right before serving for an easy, stress-free side.
What are the best bourbons to use?
Choose a mid-range bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes—smooth rather than smoky. It should enhance the sweetness without overpowering it.
How can I make this recipe kid-friendly or alcohol-free?
Replace bourbon with apple cider or a mix of maple syrup and vanilla for the same depth minus the alcohol.
Can I substitute pecans?
Yes. Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds work well—just extend toasting time slightly if using denser nuts.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
Store leftovers up to four days in an airtight container. Reheat uncovered to maintain a crisp topping.
Can I freeze Bourbon Sweet Potatoes?
Freeze the baked casserole up to two months. Thaw overnight and reheat until warm and crunchy on top.
Final Thoughts and Holiday Serving Inspiration
Easy Holiday Bourbon Sweet Potatoes with Savory Pecan Topping embody everything joyful about seasonal cooking—comforting, elegant, and indulgent without being complicated. Whether on a classic or vegan Thanksgiving Menu, the blend of creamy sweetness and nutty crunch adds a highlight of warmth and festivity to your spread of Easy Holiday Side Dishes.
These Bourbon Sweet Potatoes aren’t just another recipe; they’re part of the memories that make gathering special. Serve them proudly, share the joy, and let that gentle bourbon aroma be your holiday signature for years to come.
