If you’re searching for a quintessential Southern dish to elevate your holiday table, look no further than this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole. With its creamy mashed sweet potatoes and a decadent pecan topping, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and indulgence to any meal.
Ingredients:
For the Sweet Potato Base:
3 cups sweet potatoes, boiled and mashed
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk
For the Topping:
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 cup chopped pecans
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Sweet Potato Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, melted butter, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Make the Topping:
In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. The mixture should be crumbly.
Evenly sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potato base.
Assemble and Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Serving Tips:
Warm It Up: Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is best served warm. Reheat in the oven or microwave if needed. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the topping from burning.
Garnish: For added flair, garnish with a sprinkle of additional chopped pecans or a light drizzle of maple syrup before serving.
Pairing: This casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes, such as roasted turkey, ham, or even a hearty beef roast. It complements both savory and sweet entrees.
Presentation: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a homey, rustic look. Use a large spoon or spatula to serve portions easily.
Storage Tips:
Cooling: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation and sogginess.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the casserole will keep for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze Southern Sweet Potato Casserole for longer storage. To freeze, cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Thawing and Reheating: To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 30-40 minutes. If reheating individual portions, use the microwave for convenience.
Avoid Repeated Reheating: To maintain the best texture and flavor, try to reheat only the portions you plan to consume at one time. Repeated reheating can affect the quality of the dish.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe. Make sure to drain and mash them thoroughly before mixing with the other ingredients. Canned sweet potatoes can be a convenient option, but fresh sweet potatoes will give a richer flavor and texture.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This will ensure even cooking.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour in the topping with a gluten-free flour blend or use certified gluten-free oats. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free, especially the pecans and any processed items.
Can I add other ingredients to the casserole?
Yes, you can customize the casserole to your taste. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato base for extra warmth. You can also mix in other nuts, like walnuts or almonds, or add a layer of mini marshmallows on top of the pecan mixture for a traditional twist. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if you add extra ingredients.
Conclusion:
This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a creamy base and a crunchy, buttery topping. It’s a traditional dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress at any holiday gathering or family meal. The sweet potato base is smooth and flavorful, while the pecan topping adds a delightful crunch and caramelized sweetness.
📖 Recipe:
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Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic Southern dish featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a rich, buttery pecan crunch. Perfect for holiday feasts or family dinners, this comforting casserole combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a delightful, caramelized pecan topping. Easy to prepare and irresistible, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
3 cups sweet potatoes, boiled and mashed
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk
For the Topping:
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Base:
- In a large bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, melted butter, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Make the Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. Mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato base.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and slightly crispy.
Notes
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato base.
If using canned sweet potatoes, ensure they are well-drained and mashed before mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Keywords: Southern Sweet Potato Casserole, Sweet Potato Recipe, Pecan Topping, Holiday Side Dish, Southern Comfort Food
