Sweet potato casserole is a staple in Southern cooking, and it's one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug from the inside out. I first fell in love with this dish during a Thanksgiving dinner at a friend's house in college. The combination of creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy pecan topping was a revelation. It's the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it a must-have for holiday gatherings or any time you need a little comfort food in your life.
This sweet potato casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham, making it a fantastic addition to your holiday table. For a complete meal, serve it alongside green beans or a fresh salad to balance out the sweetness. It's also a great side for grilled chicken or pork chops if you're looking to enjoy it outside of the holiday season.
Advertisement
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Servings: 8
Ingredients
4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup chopped pecans
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Peel and boil the sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them in a large bowl.
Mix in the granulated sugar, beaten eggs, 1/2 cup melted butter, vanilla extract, milk, and salt with the mashed sweet potatoes until smooth.
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and 1/3 cup melted butter. Stir in the chopped pecans.
Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Advertisement
Let it cool slightly before serving, and enjoy!
Variations & Tips
For a twist, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture for a warm spice flavor. If you're not a fan of pecans, you can substitute walnuts or even a marshmallow topping for a more traditional take. To make it dairy-free, use almond milk and a plant-based butter substitute. You can also prepare the sweet potato mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it, then add the topping and bake just before serving.