Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

An Irresistible Southern Tradition: Sweet Potato Casserole

If you’re looking to add a touch of Southern comfort to your table, this Sweet Potato Casserole is a must-try. It’s a delightful blend of creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy pecan topping, creating a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a cool day. Whether you’re serving it as a side for Thanksgiving or as a sweet addition to a Sunday dinner, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet Potato Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the buttery pecan topping, offering a dessert-like experience that still complements savory dishes. It’s a recipe that even those who aren’t typically fans of sweet dishes will enjoy.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling sweet potatoes
• Mixing bowls
• Potato masher or fork
• 13×9 inch baking dish
• Oven

Ingredients

• 3 cups sweet potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/3 cup milk
• Topping:
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large pot, boil the sweet potatoes until they are tender. Once cooked, mash them until smooth.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk. Mix well until fully incorporated.
4. Pour the sweet potato mixture into a 13×9 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. For the topping, melt the butter and mix it with brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans.
6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the topping is golden and crunchy.
8. Allow the casserole to rest for 20-30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors and texture.

Tips for Success

For a firmer casserole, you can opt to omit the milk, as some have found this results in a denser texture. Preparing the casserole the night before and refrigerating it can save time and deepen the flavors.

Additional Tips and Variations

Consider replacing the milk with heavy cream for a richer dish. You can also prepare extra topping and freeze it for future use, ensuring you always have some on hand for a quick batch.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This casserole is a wonderful source of vitamins A and C, thanks to the nutrient-rich sweet potatoes. While it does contain sugar and butter, it’s a delightful treat when enjoyed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and bake it just before serving.
• What if I don’t have pecans? Walnuts are a great substitute and will add a similar crunch to the topping.
• Is it okay to use canned sweet potatoes? Fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best flavor, but canned can be used in a pinch.

Conclusion

This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and tradition. I invite you to try this recipe and share your experiences. Did it become a new favorite in your home? Let me know in the comments below!