One of my favorite holiday dishes growing up was my mom’s legendary sweet potato casserole, smothered in marshmallows and a crispy nutty topping. I’m drooling just thinking about it. Nowadays, I’m looking for more healthy options on my plate this holiday season, and this Weight Watchers friendly maple bourbon vanilla sweet potato casserole sure hits the spot! It’s creamy and delicious, and the warm, crunchy topping is the cherry on top!
Why You Should Try Sweet Potato Casserole:
- Versatile Indulgence: Not just a side dish, this casserole doubles as a decadent dessert. Serve it alongside a scoop of low-fat sugar-free vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat that satisfies your dessert cravings without derailing your healthy eating goals.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Dish: Save time on busy days by preparing this casserole in advance. It reheats beautifully, making it a convenient choice for meal prep or a stress-free addition to your holiday menu.
- Crunchy Topping Delight: The pecan topping provides a delightful crunch, adding texture to every bite. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference, transforming a classic casserole into a memorable culinary experience.
Servings: 6-8 people Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
WW Points: 9
Ingredients in Bourbon-Infused Sweet Potato Casserole:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup of melted fat-free margarine
- 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- A heavy pinch of salt
- Cooking spray
Topping:
- 1/2 cup pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons melted fat-free margarine
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Scant ⅓ cup of flour
Instructions for Making Bourbon-Infused Sweet Potato Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender, then drain, and mash them in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix bourbon, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine the bourbon mixture with the mashed sweet potatoes and spread evenly in the casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, mix pecans, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping.
- Sprinkle the topping over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is heated through.
Variations and Substitutions:
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace the bourbon with apple juice or bourbon flavoring.
- Experiment with different nuts for the topping, such as walnuts, almonds, or even chestnuts for a seasonal twist.
- Feeling indulgent? Top with a few marshmallows or sugar-free marshmallow fluff before popping it back in the oven for a final toast!
Tips and Tricks for Making Bourbon-Infused Sweet Potato Casserole:
- Prevent a Soggy Casserole: Test for doneness by ensuring the sweet potatoes are soft enough to mash easily before assembling the casserole.
- Feel free to use unsweetened canned sweet potatoes or even frozen uncooked peeled ones to make this recipe in a pinch!
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Cool the casserole completely, wrap it tightly in plastic, label, and date before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Add a splash of almond milk when reheating to maintain moisture, and add your nuts near the end of cooking so they don’t burn!
I hope you enjoy this lightened-up version of a holiday classic! It was a warm, delicious hug that we all could use right about now. Indulge in the warmth of fall with my Bourbon-Infused Weight Watchers Friendly Sweet Potato Casserole. The infusion of bourbon, a delectable topping, and careful consideration of WW points make this dish a family affair. Enjoy the richness without compromise and enjoy your holidays!
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Weight Watchers Friendly Bourbon-Infused Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- For Bourbon-Infused Sweet Potato Casserole
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup of melted fat-free margarine
- 1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- A heavy pinch of salt
- Cooking spray
- Topping:
- 1/2 cup pecan halves
- 2 tablespoons melted fat-free margarine
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Scant ⅓ cup of flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender, then drain, and mash them in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix bourbon, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine the bourbon mixture with the mashed sweet potatoes and spread evenly in the casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, mix pecans, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the topping.
- Sprinkle the topping over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is heated through.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
