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
Scale
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
