If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s both nostalgic and bursting with flavor, this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. It’s a time-honored dish that brings the sweet, tender richness of perfectly cooked sweet potatoes together with a buttery, crunchy pecan topping, creating a harmony of textures and flavors that’s impossible not to love. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this recipe balances sweetness and warmth in every bite, making it a true southern classic worth sharing with everyone you care about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but what they bring to the table is pure magic. Each one plays a vital role in building the creamy base or the irresistible crunchy topping that defines this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe.
- Sweet potatoes (3 cups, peeled and cubed): The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and creamy texture when mashed.
- Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to enhance the potatoes without overpowering.
- Butter (1/2 cup softened, plus 1/3 cup melted for topping): Brings richness and helps bind the ingredients together while making the topping deliciously crisp.
- Eggs (2, beaten): This helps hold the casserole firmly, giving it a smooth, custard-like interior.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A subtle hint of warmth and fragrance to elevate the flavor profile.
- Milk (1/3 cup): Keeps the mixture moist and creamy without heaviness.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup): Used in the topping for a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with pecans.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Binds the topping ingredients and creates that perfect crumbly texture.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): Adds a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth sweet potato base.
How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by boiling your peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Cooking them until tender, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes, ensures they mash smoothly, creating the perfect velvety texture that’s the foundation of this casserole.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Base
Drain your tender sweet potatoes and mash them by hand or with a mixer until perfectly smooth. Next, fold in the sugar, softened butter, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until the mixture is creamy and evenly combined. This step is crucial because it blends all those flavors and creates that luscious, custard-like texture you crave.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish so nothing sticks during baking, then spoon your sweet potato mixture inside. Spreading it evenly will help it bake uniformly, ensuring every bite delivers the same dreamy combination of creaminess and sweetness.
Step 4: Create the Topping
For the topping, melt the butter and stir it together with the light brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. This mix should feel crumbly yet moist, ready to sit atop your sweet potato base and bake into a crunchy, golden crust.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes until the topping is perfectly toasted and golden brown, giving your casserole that iconic, irresistible crunch to contrast with the soft filling.
How to Serve Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra flair and fresh pop, consider sprinkling a few extra toasted pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon right before serving. A touch of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also turn this side into an indulgent dessert experience.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with classic southern mains like roast turkey, honey-glazed ham, or even fried chicken. Adding green beans, collard greens, or cornbread alongside creates a full spread of comforting and balanced Southern flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets right from the oven. Layering the topping thicker or sprinkling with a touch of sea salt can elevate the flavor profile to satisfy even the most discerning guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover it tightly to maintain moisture and prevent the topping from becoming too soft.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either baked or unbaked. Cover it securely with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn and store for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping regains its crisp texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the topping soggy and the creamy filling less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh sweet potatoes yield the best texture and flavor, canned can be a convenient substitute. Just be sure to drain and mash them thoroughly, and reduce added sugar slightly since canned varieties can be sweeter.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use your favorite dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. The texture and flavor will remain rich and satisfying.
Can I prepare the casserole entirely the day before?
Yes, you can assemble everything and keep it covered in the fridge overnight. When ready, just pop it into the oven and bake as usual for a freshly baked taste with less prep stress.
What’s the best way to get a crunchy topping?
Make sure the topping is evenly distributed and don’t cover the casserole while baking. Baking at 350°F gives just the right time for the topping to become golden and crisp without burning.
Can the topping be made nut-free?
If you have nut allergies, you can omit the pecans and add more flour and brown sugar for a classic streusel topping, or try crushed pretzels or oats for a different but equally delicious crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is truly a warm hug on a plate, inviting you to savor each spoonful with every occasion. It’s simple, soulful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that can brighten your holiday table or bring a touch of southern comfort any day of the year. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a cherished tradition in your kitchen, too.
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Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A classic Southern Sweet Potato Casserole featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes combined with sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk, topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan crumble. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this comforting dish is a traditional favorite for holiday meals and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup milk
Topping
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes, then drain and mash them until smooth.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, softened butter, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then transfer the sweet potato mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
- Make the Topping: Melt the butter and mix it with light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and chopped pecans until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish to cover the entire surface.
- Bake: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for best flavor, but canned mashed sweet potatoes can be a quick substitute.
- For a richer topping, toast the pecans lightly before mixing them in.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated before serving.
- Adjust sugar quantity according to your preferred sweetness level.
