Sometimes you just need something warm and salty-sweet to brighten your day. This sweet potato casserole for one is the ultimate cozy treat for solo diners. It gives you all those classic holiday flavors without a giant mess. You deserve a little bit of autumn comfort tonight.
This recipe is perfect for those quiet nights at home. It feels special but takes very little effort to pull together. You get a creamy base and a crunchy bacon topping in every bite. Let’s get cooking so you can enjoy this soon.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This dish is a total winner because it eliminates food waste. You won’t have a massive tray of leftovers sitting in your fridge. It is ready in 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight option. The combination of smoky bacon and sweet maple is incredible.
It is also a fantastic choice for a small-scale holiday meal. You can enjoy the tradition without the hours of prep work. This recipe fits perfectly into a single ramekin for easy portion control. It truly is the definition of a feel-good meal.
Simple Method
Making this dish is very straightforward and beginner-friendly. You simply mash your pre-roasted potato with a few pantry staples. The streusel comes together in a separate bowl with just a fork. Even if you rarely cook, you can do this with confidence.
The small size means it bakes much faster than a full casserole. You just wait for the topping to turn golden and bubbly. Using a single dish makes cleanup a breeze when you’re finished. You will love how easy this is to assemble.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already in your kitchen. Using fresh sweet potato makes a huge flavor difference compared to canned versions.
- 1 medium sweet potato, roasted and peeled (approx. 150g)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 strip cooked bacon, finely crumbled
- 2 tablespoons pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, cubed
Step-by-Step
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the roasted sweet potato flesh, softened butter, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Mash with a fork until the texture is smooth and uniform.
- Transfer the potato mixture into a 6-ounce oven-safe ramekin or small baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, chopped pecans, light brown sugar, and flour.
- Incorporate the cold cubed butter into the bacon-pecan mixture using a fork or pastry blender until the mixture reaches a coarse, crumb-like consistency.
- Distribute the streusel topping evenly over the sweet potato base.
- Place the ramekin on a small baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes to set before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this sweet potato casserole for one while it is still warm and fragrant. It looks beautiful served right in the ramekin on a small plate. Pair it with a simple roasted chicken breast for a full meal. A side of crisp green beans adds a fresh balance to the richness.
Storage & Reheating
If you have any left, cover the ramekin tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. For the best results, reheat it in the oven at 350°F. Bake for about 10 minutes until the topping is crispy again. Microwaving works too, but the topping may become a bit soft.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip mashing the potato until it is completely smooth.
- Avoid using melted butter for the streusel or it won’t be crumbly.
- Swap pecans for walnuts if that is what you have on hand.
- Roast your sweet potato a day early to save extra time.
- For a holiday twist, add a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon.
- Ensure the bacon is very crispy before crumbling it into the topping.
- Use a small baking sheet to catch any drips in the oven.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Make it dairy-free by using almond milk and vegan butter.
- Swap the bacon for extra pecans for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Add a few mini marshmallows on top for a classic holiday feel.
- Use honey instead of maple syrup for a different floral sweetness.
Common Questions
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use canned yams if you are in a hurry. Just be sure to drain them very well before mashing. You may want to reduce the added syrup since canned yams are often sweet.
How do I know when it is done?
The topping should look golden brown and feel firm to the touch. You will also see small bubbles around the edges of the ramekin. This usually takes about 18 to 20 minutes in most ovens.
Can I prep this the night before?
You can definitely mash the potatoes and make the streusel ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. Assemble and bake when you are ready for a fresh, hot meal.
I hope this cozy recipe brings a little extra warmth to your fall evenings. It is the perfect way to treat yourself to something special without any stress. Happy cooking!
— Alex
Sweet Potato Casserole for One with Bacon Pecan Streusel
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato, roasted and peeled (approx. 150g)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon whole milk
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 strip cooked bacon, finely crumbled
- 2 tablespoons pecans , chopped
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all -purpose flour
- 0.5 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the roasted sweet potato flesh, softened butter, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Mash with a fork until the texture is smooth and uniform.
- Transfer the potato mixture into a 6-ounce oven-safe ramekin or small baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, chopped pecans, light brown sugar, and flour.
- Incorporate the cold cubed butter into the bacon-pecan mixture using a fork or pastry blender until the mixture reaches a coarse, crumb-like consistency.
- Distribute the streusel topping evenly over the sweet potato base.
- Place the ramekin on a small baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes to set before serving.
