If you’re looking for a comforting dish that brings both warmth and a touch of sweetness to the table, this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with creamy mashed sweet potatoes and topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan crumble, it’s a perfect side that captures the heart of Southern cooking. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or just craving that cozy, homemade goodness, this recipe delivers every time with its rich texture, balanced flavors, and inviting aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe are straightforward but incredibly important. Each one plays a unique role in creating that perfect harmony of creamy, sweet, and crunchy that makes this dish a standout.
- Sweet potatoes (3 cups, peeled and cubed): The star of the dish, these provide natural sweetness and a velvety base.
- Sugar (1/2 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Butter (1/2 cup, softened for the mixture + 1/3 cup melted for topping): Brings richness and helps bind the casserole and topping.
- Eggs (2, beaten): Provide structure and help everything set beautifully in the oven.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness with a warm, aromatic note.
- Milk (1/3 cup): Lightens the mixture, making it creamy without being dense.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, for topping): Adds deep molasses flavor to the crunchy crust.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup, for topping): Helps create that irresistible crumbly texture on top.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup, for topping): Provide a nutty crunch that perfectly contrasts the smooth sweetness below.
How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Start by boiling the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in salted water until they are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. This ensures that they soften evenly, which is crucial for the creamy texture you want in the casserole. Once cooked, drain them well and mash until smooth and lump-free.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Base
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, softened butter, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly is key to achieving a smooth, homogenous mixture that will bake up creamy and flavorful. This blend is the foundation of our Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe and really brings out those rich, comforting flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then transfer your sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish. Spreading it out will ensure even cooking and perfect topping coverage.
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping
To make the topping, mix the melted butter with brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans until crumbly. This topping is where the magic happens—it adds texture, a buttery sweetness, and that signature nutty crunch that sets this casserole apart from the ordinary.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture, ensuring every bite will have that wonderful crunch. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. The baking process melds the flavors and textures, making this casserole irresistibly tasty.
How to Serve Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a delightful presentation and extra taste, consider garnishing with a few whole pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon before serving. This adds visual appeal and a subtle spice that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs exceptionally well with hearty mains like juicy roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even fried chicken. Its sweet and nutty flavors balance savory dishes perfectly, making it a staple at Southern holiday tables and comfort food dinners alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the classic casserole dish? Try making individual servings in ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Alternatively, serve it alongside a fresh green salad with citrus dressing to balance richness with freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s serving just as delicious.
Freezing
This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, which helps maintain the crunchy topping. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the textures distinct and inviting.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh sweet potatoes provide the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Drain them well and mash thoroughly before mixing with the other ingredients to avoid excess moisture.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine, use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and replace eggs with flaxseed or chia seed “eggs” for a vegan-friendly version.
How can I make the topping extra crunchy?
For an even crunchier topping, try toasting the pecans lightly before mixing them in. Also, using cold butter instead of melted butter in the topping can add more texture to the crumble.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a holiday?
You can assemble the casserole up to a day before baking. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Does the casserole reheat well in a microwave?
Yes, but the topping may lose its crispness. To preserve that signature crunch, reheating in an oven or toaster oven is the best method.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is truly a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and celebration to any occasion. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy the creamy sweetness paired with that irresistible pecan topping as much as I do. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
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Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic comfort dish featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes blended with sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk, topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. Baked to golden perfection, it makes a perfect side dish for holiday meals or cozy family dinners.
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 peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and mash until smooth.
- Mix Sweet Potato Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, softened butter, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir or beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish and transfer the sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish, spreading it out smoothly.
- Make the Topping: Melt the butter for the topping, then mix it with the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and chopped pecans until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly combined.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the crumbly pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, use a hand mixer to mash the sweet potatoes.
- To enhance flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture.
- Make sure to grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking.
- Let the casserole cool a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
