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If you have ever craved the warm soulfulness of sweet potato casserole together with the crispy delight of an egg roll this recipe will become an instant holiday favorite The creamy sweet potato filling gets wrapped in a golden crunchy shell and every bite is dressed in a lush bourbon pecan praline sauce It is perfect for crowd pleasing celebrations or just a fall treat with a decadent twist
The first time I brought these egg rolls to my family’s potluck they were gone before any of the pies and everyone asked for the recipe My aunt said she dreams about the praline sauce
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose ones with bright orange flesh for the best flavor and creaminess
- Sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness use white granulated sugar for the casserole and cinnamon sugar for coating
- Vanilla: Go for real vanilla extract for full richness
- Eggs: Large eggs give the filling structure and bind ingredients
- Evaporated Milk: Gives the casserole that custardy smooth texture use full fat for richness
- Salted Butter: Quality matters here European style has extra flavor
- Brown Sugar: Used for both the topping and the praline sauce packs a caramelly depth when firm packed
- All Purpose Flour: This holds the topping together look for unbleached for better flavor
- Chopped Pecans: Roasted for both the topping and sauce they bring crunch and nuttiness pick pecans with a fresh snap not rubbery
- Egg Roll Wrappers: Found in the refrigerated section thin and pliable for best results
- Oil for Frying: Use a neutral high heat oil like peanut or canola for a crisp shell
- Cinnamon: Adds warm spice to the sugar coating and sauce use Saigon cinnamon if you want extra aroma
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Builds a luscious praline sauce
- Light Corn Syrup: Keeps the praline sauce glossy and smooth
- Baking Soda: Helps the praline sauce caramelize and foam
- Bourbon: A little goes a long way for holiday flavor use what you love to sip
- Butter Nut Flavored Extract: This little secret gives the praline sauce that bakery shop aroma
Step by Step Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
- Peel and cut your sweet potatoes into small uniform pieces If they are all the same size they will cook more evenly Simmer gently over medium low heat covered with water for about twenty minutes Test for tenderness with a fork then drain
- Mash and Mix Filling:
- Place the hot potatoes into a large bowl Use a potato masher to crush until very smooth To avoid stringiness work quickly while still hot Stir in sugar eggs evaporated milk vanilla and softened butter Mix until silky and totally combined
- Bake the Casserole:
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a baking dish Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit In a separate bowl stir together brown sugar flour melted butter and pecans Spoon this crumbly topping all over the casserole surface Bake for thirty five to forty minutes then let it cool until just warm
- Assemble and Fry Egg Rolls:
- Lay out an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface Add a spoonful of the cooled casserole to one end Roll up tightly according to package instructions and seal the edges Heat your oil in a deep fryer or sturdy pot to three hundred fifty degrees Fry each egg roll for three and a half minutes turning for even color Remove to a wire rack placed over paper towels so they stay crisp
- Coat Egg Rolls:
- While they are still hot toss each egg roll in a generous coating of cinnamon sugar The sugar should melt just a little for a sparkly crust
- Prepare the Bourbon Praline Sauce:
- Lightly toast chopped pecans in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees for six to eight minutes Watch carefully as they can burn fast In a medium saucepan combine brown sugar heavy cream salted butter corn syrup and cinnamon Stir constantly over medium heat until boiling Lower the heat and let it gently simmer for about two minutes Remove from heat and stir in bourbon butter nut flavoring and the toasted pecans Cool until just thickened
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Plate the warm egg rolls Drizzle with praline sauce just before serving for the ultimate treat
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My favorite part of this recipe is the smell in the kitchen when the pecans are toasting and that first spoonful of praline sauce draped over the egg rolls The look on my family’s faces when they bite in is the best reward It is always a dish everyone talks about long after dinner
Storage Tips
Leftover egg rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days To crisp them up reheat in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes The praline sauce thickens as it chills so warm it gently in the microwave before serving
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap in cashews or walnuts for pecans if you like a different nut flavor Almond extract is a fun replacement for butter nut flavoring And if you want nonalcoholic omit the bourbon and add a tiny splash of maple syrup
Serving Suggestions
Pile the egg rolls high on a big platter drizzle each one generously with praline sauce and sprinkle extra toasted pecans over the top They are a showstopping finish to Thanksgiving dinner and also make a festive treat for potlucks Movie night becomes special with a batch of these and a scoop of vanilla ice cream
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Cultural and Historical Context
Sweet potato casserole is a cherished holiday favorite throughout the South and stuffing it into egg rolls gives it a playful modern twist Combining traditions like praline sauce and holiday casserole makes this dish a celebration of comfort and creativity
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep egg rolls from getting soggy?
Drain filling well before assembling and fry the rolls at the recommended temperature for a crisp exterior.
- → Can the sweet potato filling be made ahead?
Yes, prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate it, then assemble and fry egg rolls when ready to serve.
- → Is it possible to bake the egg rolls instead of frying?
Brush assembled rolls with oil and bake at 400°F until golden brown, though frying creates the crispiest texture.
- → Can I omit the bourbon in the praline sauce?
You can skip or substitute bourbon with vanilla extract for an alcohol-free version.
- → What type of pecans work best?
Fresh, roasted pecans offer the best flavor and texture for both the topping and the praline sauce.