Delectable Southern Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
I have a legacy in my family, a tradition that goes back several generations. Mama’s Southern Sweet Potato Bake Recipe, passed down to her by her mother, was always the showstopper at any family gathering, holiday, or celebration. To this day, my mouth waters just thinking about its buttery and sweet flavor, the crunchy pecans mixed in and the perfect blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, all wrapped up in a smooth mashed sweet potato.
It’s time for me to share this treasured recipe with you so you can make it a part of your family traditions too. This recipe is not just a side dish or dessert; it’s an experience that will engulf your senses and transport you straight to the heart of Southern soul food culture.
As Mama used to say, “Good food takes time and love.” Be prepared to put some extra care into making this dish, but trust me when I say that the results are always worth it. So let’s get started and bring some classic Southern charm to our tables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old boring potato casserole recipe? Look no further than Mama’s Southern Sweet Potato Bake Recipe! This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering and will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Firstly, this recipe is bursting with comforting and familiar flavors. With ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, this dish is reminiscent of Grandma’s old-fashioned sweet potato pie recipe that we all grew up loving. But don’t be fooled by its simple ingredients, Mama’s Southern Sweet Potato Bake Recipe is two steps ahead of that old family recipe you’ve been using.
Secondly, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for those who are looking for a hassle-free dish to bring to their next family gathering or potluck. With only a few basic ingredients needed, preparing the dish won’t be time-consuming or complicated. Plus, you can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later.
Lastly, this recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit anyone’s dietary needs. It can be made gluten-free by simply swapping out the pie crust for a gluten-free alternative, while also being able to make a dairy-free version by using sweetened condensed coconut milk rather than regular sweetened condensed milk.
Overall, Mama’s Southern Sweet Potato Bake Recipe is perfect for any occasion from Thanksgiving to Christmas and even Easter. Its delicious flavors, ease of preparation and ability to cater for different dietary requirements makes it an all-time favorite amongst families all around the South.
Ingredient List
Before we get into the steps of this Mama’s Southern Sweet Potato Bake Recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make it a reality.
Here is the list of ingredients:
- 6 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs, whisked
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Make sure to have all these ingredients at hand before starting with the recipe, as one missing component could affect the outcome.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have the ingredients ready, it’s time to get our hands dirty and start cooking this Mama’s Southern Sweet Potato Bake Recipe. Don’t worry, it is an effortless recipe and doesn’t require any fancy cooking skills.
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash and peel 6 medium sweet potatoes. Cut them into small chunks for quicker cooking.
- Boil them in a large pot of salted water for around 20 minutes or until tender. Once done, drain the water completely.
- Mash the sweet potatoes until there are no large chunks left.
Step 2: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter melted, 1/2 cup of sweetened condensed milk, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine the Sweet Potatoes and Butter Mixture
- Add the wet ingredients into the mashed sweet potatoes mixture. Stir until it’s thoroughly combined.
- Transfer the potato mixture into a lightly greased baking dish.
Step 4: Add Toppings
- In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.
- Sprinkle this mixture on top of the potato mixture.
Step 5: Bake
- Put it in an oven that has been preheated at 375°F (190°C) for around 25-30 minutes or until heated through, and topping is slightly golden brown.
Now our Mama’s Southern Sweet Potato Bake Recipe is ready to serve! Remember to share with your friends and family the delicious dish you’ve made.
Substitutions and Variations
In Mama’s Southern Sweet Potato Bake Recipe, you can be as creative as you want when it comes to substituting and varying ingredients. This versatile recipe can easily accommodate dietary restrictions or your personal taste preferences.
If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour for almond flour or gluten-free flour blend. You can also opt for dairy-free by replacing butter with vegan butter or coconut oil and swapping sweetened condensed milk with full-fat coconut milk.
To take this dish up a notch, add a cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the potato mixture before baking. For those who love a little extra crunch, include crushed graham crackers into the recipe’s topping mixture or use chopped walnuts instead of pecans.
If you’re short on time, use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones. Drain and mash them accordingly before adding all the other ingredients.
Lastly, for those who prefer their sweet potatoes to have a more savory taste, swap brown sugar with maple syrup and exchange cinnamon and nutmeg with garlic powder and smoked paprika.
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper adds some heat into the dish and complements the sweetness of the potatoes perfectly.
Remember that these substitutions and variations are only suggestions. Experiment with creating a version that is uniquely yours!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving Mama’s Southern Sweet Potato Bake Recipe, there are a few things to keep in mind. This dish is quite sweet and rich, so you’ll want to pair it with something savory or acidic to balance out the flavors.
One great option is to serve it as a side dish alongside roasted turkey or ham for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. The sweet potatoes and brown sugar pair perfectly with savory meats, and the buttery pecan topping adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
For a lighter meal, you can also serve this potato casserole recipe as the main course accompanied by a fresh green salad. The salad will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
As for drinks, some good options include unsweetened iced tea or carbonated sodas like ginger ale or cola. You could also try pairing Mama’s Sweet Potato Bake with a full-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Overall, this recipe makes for a perfect soul food to complement any holiday feast or cozy family dinner. It’s sure to be a hit with your loved ones and leave them asking for seconds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a busy chef, I know the importance of making recipes that can be prepared in advance. Thankfully, Mama’s Southern Sweet Potato Bake Recipe is perfect for this. You can make the entire casserole the day before you’re planning to serve it and simply cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. This makes it an ideal option for holiday gatherings or any occasion where you want to spend more time with your loved ones rather than slaving away in the kitchen.
When it comes to storing leftovers, you’ll want to make sure to store them in an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion on a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven by placing the casserole dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
If you decide to freeze leftovers, you’ll want to transfer them to a freezer-safe container, label them with the date and freeze for up to three months. To defrost, simply move the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat using one of the methods described above.
Since Mama’s Southern Sweet Potato Bake Recipe is so delicious and versatile, I doubt there will be many leftovers in your household. But if there are, now you know how to handle them!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to my Mama’s Southern Sweet Potato Bake Recipe, there are a few tips and tricks that will help ensure that your dish turns out perfectly every time. Trust me, I have spent countless hours in the kitchen perfecting this recipe, and I am excited to share some of my favorite tips with you.
Firstly, be sure to use fresh sweet potatoes. It may be tempting to use canned sweet potatoes or pre-packaged sweet potato mash, but trust me when I say that using fresh sweet potatoes will make all the difference in the taste and texture of your dish. If you’re short on time, you can always prepare your sweet potatoes the night before and store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use them.
Next, don’t skimp on the butter and brown sugar. These two ingredients are what give Mama’s Southern Sweet Potato Bake its rich, decadent flavor. Be sure to use real butter and high-quality brown sugar for best results.
Another tip is to add a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg to your mashed sweet potato mixture. These warm spices complement the sweetness of the potatoes perfectly and add a depth of flavor that you won’t want to miss.
When it comes to assembling your casserole, be sure to spread out the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly in your baking dish. This will ensure that all parts of the dish cook evenly and prevent any burnt edges.
Lastly, when it comes time to serve your Sweet Potato Bake, top it off with a sprinkle of chopped pecans for added crunch and texture.
Following these tips will help take your Sweet Potato Bake from good to great and make it a hit at any family gathering or holiday meal.
Bottom Line
With Mama’s Southern Sweet Potato Bake Recipe, you can bring a taste of the South to your dinner table any time of year. This dish is perfect for the holidays or any special occasion, and it’s sure to have your guests coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
The combination of sweet potatoes, cinnamon, and brown sugar creates a flavor profile that is uniquely Southern and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re looking for a comforting side dish or a satisfying dessert, this recipe has got you covered.
So why not try Mama’s Southern Sweet Potato Bake Recipe today? With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. And with so many ways to customize it, you can make it your own and create new traditions for years to come.
Trust me, once you taste Mama’s Southern Sweet Potato Bake Recipe, you won’t be able to resist going back for more. So don’t wait – get cooking today and enjoy the soulful flavors of the South in every bite.
Mama’s Southern Sweet Potato Bake Recipe
Ingredients
SWEET POTATO MIXTURE
- 2 cups mashed sweet potato (do not use canned)
- 1 cup sugar (START WITH 1/2 CUP AND ADD MORE TO TASTE)
- 1/3 cup butter (melted)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
CRUNCHY TOPPING
- 3/4 cup corn flakes (crushed)
- 1/2 cup pecans (chopped)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup butter (melted)
Instructions
- SWEET POTATO MIXTURE:
- Mash sweet potato.
- Put all ingredients listed for sweet potato mixture in a medium sized mixing bowl and mix well.
- Pour into greased 9 inch square pan.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
- While this is baking make Crunchy Topping.
- CRUNCHY TOPPING:
- Put all ingredients listed for crunchy topping in a medium sized mixing bowl and mix well.
- Spread Crunchy Topping mixture evenly over top of baked sweet potato mixture and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes at 400 degrees.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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