There is something undeniably heartwarming about a Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe that brings both comfort and celebration to the table. This dish blends smooth, velvety mashed sweet potatoes with a symphony of warm spices and a golden, crunchy pecan topping that simply melts in your mouth. Perfect for holiday dinners or any time you crave a little Southern hospitality on your plate, this casserole will quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe rotation. From the creamy texture to the nutty, sugary crunch, every bite sings of tradition and love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe might look exquisite, it relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in building its signature flavor and texture. Whether it’s the sweetness of the sugars or the rich warmth of the spices, every item has been chosen to create a perfect balance that will make your casserole unforgettable.
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes: The creamy base that brings natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the potatoes without overpowering.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Brings a deep, molasses richness to the dish and topping.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and create a smooth texture.
- ½ cup whole milk: Adds moisture and creaminess to keep the potatoes luscious.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and a silky mouthfeel.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A subtle hint of warmth and aroma.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that classic cozy spice note.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a gentle nutty warmth to complement the cinnamon.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- ½ cup brown sugar (for topping): Gives the topping a caramel-like sweetness.
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour: Helps create the crumbly texture of the pecan topping.
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened (for topping): Binds the topping and adds buttery richness.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Brings a delightful crunch and that essential nutty flavor.
How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for a perfectly baked casserole. In a large mixing bowl, combine your creamy mashed sweet potatoes with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, velvety consistency. This mixture is the heart of your dish, where sweet and spice come together in harmony.
Step 2: Spread Into Baking Dish
Grab a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread your sweet potato mixture evenly across it. Make sure the surface is smooth and level, as this sets a wonderful foundation for the topping. This step ensures every bite has the perfect balance of creamy goodness before adding the irresistible pecan crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and softened butter. Mix these together until you get a crumbly texture — it should resemble coarse sand with little lumps of butter. Then gently fold in the chopped pecans, which will bring that signature crunch and nutty depth to this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe.
Step 4: Add the Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato base in your baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling has set perfectly. Once done, remove it from the oven and let the casserole cool just a little; this resting time helps the flavors meld and makes serving a breeze.
How to Serve Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding just the right touch of garnish can elevate your Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe even further. Consider a light sprinkle of extra chopped pecans for added texture or a few fresh thyme leaves for a subtle herbal contrast. These additions bring freshness and a visual pop that invites everyone to dive right in.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of Southern staples and holiday favorites. Crispy fried chicken, roasted turkey, or glazed ham complement the sweet and nutty flavors wonderfully. For vegetable sides, think collard greens or green beans with a splash of garlic. Together, they create a feast that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch or bake it in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic look. You can also swap the pecan topping for mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, sweet surprise that’s sure to delight kids and adults alike!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (and let’s be honest, that’s a good problem to have), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen over time, making the next day’s serving just as satisfying if not more.
Freezing
You can freeze this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This makes for a perfect make-ahead dish during the busy holiday season.
Reheating
To reheat, place your casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. This method revitalizes the topping’s crunch and keeps the filling creamy without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I make Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the eggs for flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, use plant-based milk, and replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil. The pecan topping can also be adapted similarly. You’ll still get that delicious flavor and texture with a vegan twist.
How do I get the sweet potatoes perfectly smooth?
The key is to boil your peeled sweet potatoes until they’re completely tender, then mash them well with a potato masher or hand mixer. For an extra creamy finish, you can push the potatoes through a fine sieve or use a stand mixer on low.
Can I prepare this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole a day before baking, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it just before serving. This actually helps the flavors develop and can save you precious time on the big day.
What’s the best way to toast pecans for the topping?
Toasting pecans intensifies their flavor and adds crunch. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, stirring halfway. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn—they should be fragrant and lightly browned.
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans in this recipe?
Yes, walnuts work well if pecans are unavailable or if you prefer their slightly earthier flavor. Keep the same amount and roughly chop them to maintain that perfect texture in the topping.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warm embrace of this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe to make any meal feel special and full of love. The smooth sweetness combined with the buttery, crunchy topping offers comfort plated with elegance. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next holiday or cozy dinner; it’s a timeless dish that brings everyone a little closer around the table.
Print
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting, classic holiday side dish made with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a rich brown sugar pecan topping. This beloved Southern staple combines a silky sweet base with a crunchy, buttery finish—perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy gathering.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and boiled)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- pinch of salt
For the Pecan Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) ensuring it reaches the correct temperature before baking.
- Mix sweet potato base: In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Prepare baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish.
- Make pecan topping: In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and softened butter until crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans thoroughly to distribute evenly.
- Add topping and bake: Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow it to set further and enhance flavors.
Notes
- You can prep the casserole a day ahead and bake it just before serving to save time on the day of your event.
- For a twist, swap the pecan topping with mini marshmallows added during the last 10 minutes of baking for a sweeter, gooey finish.
