Introduction:
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved comfort food that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a rich, buttery topping for a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or a cozy evening at home. This recipe blends the earthy flavor of roasted sweet potatoes with a smooth, creamy texture, topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar topping that adds the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Whether served alongside roast turkey at Thanksgiving or as a side dish for any meal, this casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
For the Sweet Potato Casserole:
4 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/2 cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs (beaten)
For the Topping:
1 cup pecans (chopped)
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook the sweet potatoes for about 10-15 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the sweet potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
2. Make the Sweet Potato Base:
Mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and beaten eggs. Mix everything together until well combined and creamy.
3. Prepare the Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture resembles a crumbly texture.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the mashed sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the pecan topping mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes.
5. Bake the Casserole:
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole as a side dish for holiday meals, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, or as a comforting addition to weeknight dinners. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey, ham, or chicken.
Add a dollop of whipped cream or marshmallows on top for an extra treat if you’re serving it as a dessert.
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