Oh my goodness, let me tell you about southern sweet potato casserole! It’s one of those dishes that just screams comfort and warmth, especially during the holidays. Imagine gathering around the table with family, the rich scent of sweet potatoes and spices wafting through the air, and that beautiful golden topping glistening in the light. I remember my grandma would whip this up every Thanksgiving, and it quickly became my absolute favorite. The creamy sweet potato filling paired with that crunchy, buttery pecan crust creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors that just makes my heart sing. It’s not just a dish; it’s a tradition, a way to bring everyone together, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in southern homes!

Ingredients

For the best southern sweet potato casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 cups of sweet potatoes, mashed until smooth and creamy
• 1 cup of granulated sugar to sweeten things up just right
• 1/2 cup of milk, preferably whole for that extra richness
• 1/2 cup of softened butter, because everything’s better with butter!
• 2 large eggs to help bind it all together
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a hint of warmth
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness
• 1 cup of chopped pecans, adding that delightful crunch
• 1 cup of brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness
• 1/2 cup of flour, which will help create that perfect topping
• 1/2 cup of melted butter, to make the topping irresistible

How to Prepare Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Now, let’s dive into making this delicious southern sweet potato casserole! Trust me, it’s a straightforward process that’ll have your kitchen smelling heavenly in no time. I promise, you’ll impress everyone with your culinary skills!

Prepping the Sweet Potatoes

First things first, you need to prepare those sweet potatoes. You can either peel and chop them into chunks and boil them in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes, or you can bake them whole in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes to an hour. I love the roasted flavor you get from baking! Once they’re soft, let them cool a bit, then mash them up until they’re creamy and smooth, just the way we want for our casserole.

Mixing the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed sweet potatoes with the sugar, milk, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Now, mix it all together until you get a lovely, smooth filling. I like to use a hand mixer for this part because it makes everything super fluffy and well-blended! Make sure there are no lumps—this is key to achieving that dreamy texture!

Preparing the Pecan Topping

For the topping, grab another bowl and mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. You want it to be crumbly but still hold together a bit when you press it. It should look like a deliciously chunky mixture that’s ready to provide that crunchy contrast to the smooth filling. Don’t skimp on mixing; you want every pecan coated in that buttery goodness!

Baking Instructions

Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Pour your sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle that glorious pecan topping on top. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake it for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly—oh, it’s going to look so tempting! Let it cool slightly before serving; this helps it set up a bit more. And trust me, waiting will be the hardest part!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This southern sweet potato casserole is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures! Here’s why you’re going to love making it:

• It’s incredibly easy to prepare, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.
• The combination of creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy pecans creates a mouthwatering contrast that’s simply irresistible.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any family meal.
• The recipe is versatile; you can adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.
• It brings back nostalgic feelings of home and family traditions with every bite!

Tips for Success

To make your southern sweet potato casserole truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, taste your sweet potatoes before adding sugar; if they’re naturally sweet, you might want to reduce the sugar a bit. Also, for a creamier texture, don’t hesitate to add a splash more milk or even a bit of cream. If you want to amp up the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture for a warm spice kick. Lastly, keep an eye on the pecan topping while baking; if it starts to darken too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Before we dig in, let’s chat about the nutritional aspect of this southern sweet potato casserole. Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these values are approximate. For a serving size of 1/8 of the casserole, you can expect around 320 calories, with 15 grams of fat (7 grams of which are saturated fat) and 4 grams of protein. It also contains about 45 grams of carbohydrates, including 25 grams of sugar and 4 grams of fiber. Remember, it’s all about balance, and this dish fits beautifully into a festive meal!

FAQ Section

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This southern sweet potato casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and the pecan topping separately and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Just make sure to cover them well! When you’re ready to bake, give the mixture a quick stir, assemble it in your greased dish, and top it with the pecans. It might need a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s cold from the fridge, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!

What can I substitute for pecans?

If you have nut allergies or just don’t care for pecans, no worries! You can easily substitute them with other crunchy toppings. Try using walnuts for a similar flavor, or go for a mix of oats and brown sugar for a nut-free option that still gives you that lovely crunch. Just make sure to keep the butter to help everything hold together nicely!

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch! Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture. You’ll want to mash them until smooth, just like fresh sweet potatoes. Since canned varieties can be sweeter, I recommend tasting as you go and adjusting the sugar in the recipe accordingly. It’s an easy shortcut when you’re short on time!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your delicious southern sweet potato casserole is super easy! Just let it cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days—trust me, it’ll still taste amazing! When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish if it’s not already in one, and cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s heated through. Ooh, the smell will take you right back to that holiday table!

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole: 5 Reasons to Indulge

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious southern sweet potato casserole topped with a crunchy pecan crust.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups sweet potatoes, mashed
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish.
4. In another bowl, combine pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter.
5. Spread the pecan mixture on top of the sweet potato layer.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Notes

• Let cool slightly before serving.
• Can be made a day ahead and reheated.
• Adjust sugar based on sweetness preference.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: sweet potato, casserole, southern, dessert, holiday