Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic comfort dish that combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a warm, sweet side dish with a little extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 29 ounce can sweet potatoes, drained
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup milk
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 5 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mash the drained sweet potatoes until smooth.
- Step 2: Stir in ½ cup melted butter, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs. Mix well until fully combined.
- Step 3: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a 2-quart (8-inch square) baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine 5 tablespoons melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. Use a fork or your fingers to blend into coarse crumbles.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the pecan crumble mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown. Let cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture before baking.
- Try using pecan halves instead of chopped for a chunkier topping texture.
- Swap brown sugar for maple syrup in the topping for a richer sweetness.
- Use fresh cooked and mashed sweet potatoes in place of canned for a more natural taste.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through to preserve the crunchy topping, or microwave for a quicker option, though the topping may soften.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole and topping assembly in advance, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Absolutely. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level more precisely. If using unsalted butter, consider adding a pinch of salt to the sweet potato mixture and topping for balance.
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Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This classic Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes mixed with rich butter, milk, sugar, and eggs, topped with a buttery pecan crumble baked to golden perfection. Perfect for holiday dinners or anytime you want a sweet and nutty treat to complement your meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 29 ounce can sweet potatoes, drained
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup milk
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Pecan Topping
- 5 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the casserole.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, mash the drained sweet potatoes thoroughly.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir into the mashed sweet potatoes the melted salted butter, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the sweet potato mixture evenly into a 2-quart (8-inch square) baking dish, spreading it out to form an even layer.
- Make Pecan Crumble: In a separate bowl, combine the melted salted butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and chopped pecans. Use a fork or your fingers to blend the mixture until pea-sized crumbles form.
- Top Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the pecan crumble mixture over the sweet potato layer in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes until the topping turns a rich golden brown and is crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes to allow it to set properly before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the canned sweet potatoes well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Allowing the casserole to cool before serving helps it set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
- You can toast the pecans slightly before mixing for extra flavor, but this is optional.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as part of a festive holiday meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Keywords: Southern sweet potato casserole, holiday side dish, sweet potato dessert, pecan topping casserole
