Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
If you have a soft spot for comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes that bring out the best of cozy flavors, this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is going to steal the show. Creamy, sweet mashed sweet potatoes form the base, enriched with butter and eggs, while a golden, crunchy pecan streusel topping creates a perfect balance of textures in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a holiday feast, this casserole delivers that classic Southern warmth and sweetness that makes every forkful feel like a hug from home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Bringing together simple pantry staples, this recipe relies on a handful of well-chosen ingredients that each play a pivotal role in building flavor and texture. From the luscious sweetness of canned sweet potatoes to the nutty crunch of pecans, every element combines to create pure magic.
- 29 ounce can sweet potatoes: The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and a smooth, velvety base.
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted: Adds richness and depth, enhancing the creamy texture.
- ⅓ cup milk: Helps loosen the mixture just enough for a perfectly moist casserole.
- ¾ cup sugar: Balances the natural earthiness of the sweet potatoes with bright sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, subtle aroma that lifts the whole dish.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as a binder to give the casserole a firm but tender structure.
- 5 Tablespoons salted butter, melted: Used again for the topping, ensuring a rich, crisp crumble.
- ⅔ cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramelized flavor to the streusel topping.
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour: Gives the topping just enough body to hold the pecans together.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Provides crunch and a toasty nuttiness that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling.
How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 350F. Drain the canned sweet potatoes and place them in a large bowl. Mash them thoroughly until smooth. This is the creamy foundation that will soak up all the delicious flavors you’re about to mix in.
Step 2: Mix in the Flavor Enhancers
Stir the melted butter, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs into the sweet potatoes. Make sure everything is combined well — this blend is what transforms simple sweet potatoes into something silky and rich, perfect for baking.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour your sweet potato mixture into a 2-quart (8-inch square) baking dish. Spreading it out evenly will help the casserole cook uniformly, setting the stage for that irresistible golden crust.
Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. Use your fingers or a fork to crumble the mixture until you have small, pea-sized clumps. This topping will bake up crunchy and beautifully caramelized.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan crumble evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes or until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes so it sets properly and slices cleanly.
How to Serve Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of extra visual appeal and flavor, sprinkle some additional toasted pecans on top right before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add another cozy layer that speaks straight to the soul.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside classic southern mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or fried chicken. Pair it with green beans or collard greens for a balanced plate that celebrates authentic Southern comfort food.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe to the next level by serving it in individual ramekins for a personal touch or layering some marshmallows under the pecan topping for an extra gooey surprise. You can even add a swirl of cream cheese into the sweet potato mix for a luscious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy that cozy Southern goodness a few days later without any loss of flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking or after it’s cooked and cooled. Wrap it securely in airtight containers or heavy-duty foil to prevent freezer burn, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish in a preheated 350°F oven until heated through and the topping crisps back up beautifully, usually about 20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to bake or boil your fresh sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them before proceeding with the recipe. This may add a bit more prep time, but fresh potatoes bring a lovely natural sweetness and texture.
Is it okay to substitute walnuts for pecans?
Yes, walnuts can be used if pecans are not available or preferred. They offer a slightly different flavor but still provide that crunchy texture that makes the topping irresistible.
Can I make this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace the butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil, use a non-dairy milk alternative, and substitute eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacer. The texture might vary slightly but the flavors will still delight.
What can I do if my topping is not crispy enough?
If the topping doesn’t get as crisp as you’d like, you can place the casserole under the broiler for a minute or two at the end of baking. Watch it carefully to avoid burning.
Can I prepare the casserole and refrigerate before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just bring it closer to room temperature before placing it in the oven for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that always sparks smiles and nostalgia at the table. It’s the perfect way to celebrate comforting flavors that are both simple and indulgent. I hope you give this recipe a try and find that it quickly becomes a cherished favorite in your own kitchen too!
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Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic comfort dish featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan crumble. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, this casserole combines sweet, buttery flavors with a delightful texture contrast between the smooth filling and the crisp topping.
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
Topping
- 5 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the desired temperature while you prepare the casserole.
- Prepare sweet potato mixture: In a large mixing bowl, mash the drained sweet potatoes until smooth. Add ½ cup of melted salted butter, ⅓ cup milk, ¾ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 beaten eggs. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the prepared sweet potato mixture evenly into a 2-quart (8-inch square) baking dish, spreading it out to form a smooth layer.
- Make the topping: In a separate bowl, combine 5 tablespoons of melted salted butter, ⅔ cup brown sugar, ⅔ cup all-purpose flour, and 1 cup chopped pecans. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until the ingredients come together into small crumbly clusters.
- Add topping to casserole: Sprinkle the pecan crumble topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish, covering the surface completely.
- Bake the casserole: Place the uncovered casserole in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and crisp.
- Cool before serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes. This cooling time helps the casserole to set, making it easier to serve and enhancing its texture.
Notes
- Use canned sweet potatoes for convenience and consistent sweetness.
- Ensure the eggs are well beaten before adding to achieve a smooth filling.
- Allow the casserole to cool sufficiently before serving for best texture.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans and increase flour slightly in the topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern US
