Looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that screams holiday tradition? This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved classic that blends the sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes with a rich, crunchy pecan topping. Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, it serves up that delicious mix of flavors and textures that make it a go-to side dish, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Let’s dive into the recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Servings:
Serves 12
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup half and half
- ⅓ cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ⅓ cups pecan pieces
- ½ cup butter, melted
Preparation Steps
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, half and half, softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt.
Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture until it’s completely smooth and creamy. This ensures a light and fluffy texture for your casserole base.
Spread the Mixture:
Once your sweet potato mixture is smooth, transfer it into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to create a flat surface.
Prepare the Topping:
In a separate, smaller bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, pecan pieces, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
The butter binds the ingredients together and gives the topping its rich, buttery crunch.
Add the Topping to the Sweet Potatoes:
Sprinkle the prepared pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. The goal is to create a crunchy, sweet layer that will bake to a golden perfection.
Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. The top should become golden brown and crispy, while the sweet potato base will be soft and flavorful.
Cool Before Serving:
Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve.
Tips for Success
Cook the Sweet Potatoes in Advance: Save time by boiling or roasting your sweet potatoes a day ahead. This gives them time to cool and makes the mashing process easier.
Use Half and Half for Creaminess: The half and half adds a luxurious creaminess to the sweet potato mixture, but you can substitute it with whole milk or heavy cream if preferred.
Topping Variation: If you want an extra sweet, crunchy topping, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pecan mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
Make it Ahead: This casserole can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Simply cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a comforting, sweet, and savory treat that’s perfect for any special occasion. The combination of the creamy sweet potato base with the buttery, crunchy pecan topping creates a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or even thirds).
Serve it alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or any of your holiday favorites, and you’ll have a dish that’s sure to please the crowd!
