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
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
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
