Deliciously Indulgent Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to a scrumptious dish that will enchant your taste buds and elevate your cooking game: Southern Sweet Potato Casserole. This classic southern-style dish has been passed down from generation to generation, and today, I will share with you my recipe for this delectable casserole.
Picture this: a blanket of creamy sweet potato filling, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a pecan streusel that adds crunchiness and nuttiness to every bite. This casserole is the epitome of comfort food, the kind of meal that brings warmth and coziness to any gathering, from Thanksgiving dinner to Sunday brunch.
But before we dive into the recipe itself, let me take a moment to talk about why you should try this dish. Besides its deliciousness factor, Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is also easy to make, budget-friendly, and versatile. You can customize it to your liking by adding marshmallows, corn flakes or using canned yams. Plus, it makes great leftovers that you can enjoy for days to come.
So if you want to impress your family and friends with an easy yet sophisticated southern-style dish that will have them asking for seconds and thirds, then look no further than my recipe for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole. Trust me; you won’t regret it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Do you want to experience the classic Southern taste that will take you on a journey of flavors? If yes, then this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is the perfect dish for you! This comfort food is loved and adored by everyone, from families to Michelin-starred chefs. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe.
Firstly, this sweet potato casserole is incredibly easy to make. With ingredients that can be found in your pantry or local grocery store, you can whip this up in no time. It’s perfect for holiday dinners as it requires minimal preparation and comes together quickly.
Secondly, although simple, the combination of cinnamon and nutmeg gives an amazing warmth to this dish, which complements the sweetness of the potatoes perfectly. Mixed with butter and a pecan topping, it’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside – truly a delightful blend of textures!
Thirdly, this recipe is highly customizable. Whether you like your casserole to be extra sweet or not so much, there are various substitutions available. You could use canned yams instead of sweet potatoes, add some cornflakes to your pecan streusel topping or use marshmallows instead – the choices are endless!
Lastly, this casserole pairs deliciously with a wide range of main dishes. Whether you serve it alongside baked ham, roasted turkey or grilled chicken breast – it won’t disappoint! And if you’re all set with your main course, you could still indulge in this simple yet tasty recipe as a dessert.
In conclusion, this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is perfect for people who want authentic Southern cuisine while enjoying the comfort of their own home kitchen. The flavors will definitely evoke memories of home-cooked meals and southern hospitality. So why wait? Try out this dish today and enjoy a taste of the South!
Ingredient List
Before starting this easy Southern-style mashed sweet potato casserole recipe, it’s always best to have all the ingredients ready to go. This ensures a smooth and flawless process of making your casserole. For this recipe, you’ll need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature, plus more for greasing the dish
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoons Kosher salt.
For the Pecan Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup chopped pecans.
This recipe is simple and requires only a handful of classic sweet potato casserole ingredients. You’ll have a well-balanced casserole dish with a creamy-sweet potato base that’s topped with crunchy pecan streusel topping, perfect for any gathering or holiday party.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered the ingredients and preheated the oven, it is time to get into the nitty-gritty of making this delicious southern-style sweet potato casserole. Follow these simple steps to make a mouth-watering dish:
Step 1: Preparing The Sweet Potato Filling
First, you will need to cook 3-4 pounds of sweet potatoes in a large pot of boiling water until fork-tender. Once they are cooked, drain them and transfer to a mixing bowl. Add 1 stick of unsalted butter and combine with an electric mixer until creamy.
Step 2: Mixing The Ingredients
Next, add in 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of light brown sugar, 2 large beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the sweet potato mixture. Use the mixer on low speed until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Adding Milk And Baking Powder
Now is the time to mix in the baking powder and flour. Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 2 cups of all-purpose flour into the wet ingredients above along with 1/4 cup milk. Mix on low until everything is just combined.
Step 4: Pouring The Filling
Transfer sweet potato mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 5: Making Pecan Topping
In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted), and 1 cup chopped pecans. Mix together with a fork to create a crumbly streusel topping.
Step 6: Sprinkling The Topping
Sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potato mixture evenly. You can add more pecans to the top, if desired.
Step 7: Baking The Casserole
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 40-45 minutes or until it’s golden brown and bubbly.
The smell of this dish baking in the oven is enough to make your mouth water and the finished product will leave you and your guests wanting seconds!
Substitutions and Variations
In case some of the ingredients are not available or if you want to switch it up a bit, there are some substitutions and variations you can make for this yummy Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe:
– Pecans: If you’re allergic to nuts, or if you’re not a fan of pecans, you can swap them out for other nuts such as walnuts or almonds. You can also just skip the nuts altogether if necessary.
– All-purpose flour: If you prefer adding some whole grain goodness, you can replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, spelt flour or oat flour.
– Granulated sugar: Brown sugar is already used in this recipe but if you want more, you can replace half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar.
– Milk: While we recommend using whole milk for a creamy flavor and texture, you can substitute it for lower-fat options such as 2% milk or almond milk.
– Butter: While butter adds richness to this casserole, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
– Sweet potatoes: You can use canned sweet potatoes for convenience, or even swap sweet potatoes with yams or butternut squash for an interesting twist.
– Marshmallows: Some people like to add marshmallows on top of their sweet potato casserole before baking. However, if that’s not your thing, feel free to omit them. Instead, try our Pecan Topping which always matches perfectly with the southern style.
Remember that substitutions may change the final outcome of the dish slightly, so it’s best to experiment and find out what works best for your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
Once your Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is fresh out of the oven, it’s ready to be served up hot and ready for all to enjoy. A classic pairing with this scrumptious southern staple is a juicy turkey or ham, but it can also be delicious paired with steak or roasted chicken. The rich flavor of the sweet potatoes combined with the buttery pecan topping pairs perfectly with savory meats.
If you’re looking for a more laid back meal, this dish accommodates barbecue and grilled meals very well. Set out dishes of coleslaw and macaroni and cheese to round out the perfect summer cookout menu. The contrast in texture between the crunchy pecans and creamy sweet potato filling provides a great mouthfeel.
This casserole is also a favorite at holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinner. It works well alongside other classic dishes like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole for the ultimate comfort food meal.
For an unexpected twist, pair this casserole with a lightly dressed salad of mixed greens or roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts or carrots. The combination will surprise your guests’ taste buds in the best possible way.
No matter how you choose to serve it up, this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone asking for seconds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a chef, I know that southern sweet potato casserole is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for make-ahead and be stored for later. If you have Thanksgiving or holiday dinner coming up, you don’t have to worry about last-minute preparations because this recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time.
After baking the casserole, let it cool down completely before tightly covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The covered dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. When it’s time to reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F and bake it for 20-25 minutes until heated through. To avoid drying out your sweet potato casserole, add a small amount of milk while reheating the dish.
If you’re not in a mood for an entire pre-cooked casserole, you can prep some ingredients ahead of time to make preparing this Southern-style succulent sweet potato casserole even more manageable. For instance, cooked mashed sweet potatoes freeze well so that you can freeze them for future use after cooking them initially.
Another way to store this irresistible dessert is by freezing it. After assembling the casserole with topping, pop it into the freezer instead of baking it right away. Once frozen solid, carefully remove the casserole from its baking dish and wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil before returning it to the freezer.
To reheat the frozen casserole, remove it from the freezer at least 24 hours before serving and let thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat your oven to 350°F then unwrap and replace the casserole back on its original baking dish then bake it for 25-30 minutes until heated through.
Overall, whether storing or reheating your leftovers or preparing your main dish ahead of time, Southern sweet potato casserole will always be there bringing comfort-rich flavor!
Tips for Perfect Results
There is nothing that makes me happier than seeing someone else enjoying my recipes. With this in mind, I want to share with you some tips for ensuring that your Southern Sweet Potato Casserole comes out perfectly.
1. Remember the perfect sweet potato mash.
No matter how tempting, don’t try to rush through mashing your sweet potatoes. A few small lumps are fine, but it’s important to get a smooth, creamy texture before adding the rest of your ingredients.
2. Use fresh ingredients.
As with any dish, using fresh ingredients can make all the difference. Try to use fresh sweet potatoes and pecans to maximize the taste.
3. Don’t skip on the pecans.
The pecan topping adds an extra crunch and flavor so don’t be tempted to skimp on it. The nuts should complement the sweetness of the casserole, so make sure you spread evenly across the top.
4. Use quality butter.
I swear by unsalted butter as it has a cleaner taste and allows you more control over your seasoning but if salted butter is all you have then go ahead and use it. Just make sure it’s a quality butter.
5. Preheat oven thoroughly.
Make sure that your oven is preheated for at least 15-20 minutes before baking your casserole, as preheating ensures that it cooks more evenly.
6. Bake for precise timing.
It’s important that you don’t undercook or overcook your casserole. Bake for roughly 30 minutes so that the top is golden brown and bubbly while the inside is heated through completely.
7. Rest before serving.
This will allow the flavors in the casserole to meld together beautifully and give you ample time to set up your serving station before moving on to pie time.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a delicious Southern Sweet Potato Casserole for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this recipe you’ll be coming back for seconds every time.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole recipe is a perfect addition to your holiday or everyday meal. With its classic sweet and savory flavors, and the added crunch of pecans, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. Plus, with the easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll have a delicious casserole on the table in no time.
So why not give this recipe a try? Gather the ingredients 4 pounds of sweet potatoes, unsalted butter, light brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, eggs, and pecans then get started! You won’t regret it. I strongly recommend serving this casserole with roasted chicken or turkey and some fresh green beans. It’s also a great side dish for Thanksgiving dinner.
Don’t let canned yams or sweet potato souffle be your go-to’s again! Elevate your game by making this sweet potato casserole Southern-style that is sure to please your family and guests alike. Follow the tips I’ve provided, and don’t forget the pecan topping for that special touch! Trust me; once you’ve tried it, Southern Sweet Potato Casserole will be a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
The filling
- 5 lbs small sweet potatoes (about 10 potatoes)
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 3/4 teaspoons salt
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups milk, heated
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
The topping
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons homemade baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ceylon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- To make:.
- Wash the sweet potatoes and put them on a foil or parchment lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350* F. oven for 1 - 1 1/2 hours until they are very tender. Remove from the oven and allow to cool briefly before peeling. Put the peeled sweet potatoes into the large bowl of an electric mixer fitted with beaters or a whip attachment. Mix the hot sweet potatoes on low speed to begin mashing them. Add the butter and mix until it is absorbed . Add the salt, nutmeg, honey, and both sugars and mix until they are thoroughly blended. Add the lightly beaten eggs and vanilla and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly add in the heated milk. When the milk is incorporated, taste carefully for seasoning and add more salt, nutmeg, or sugar as needed. Thoroughly butter a 9x13x2 baking dish with the softened butter and pour the sweet potato mixture into it.
- The topping:.
- Put the brown sugar, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into a mixing bowl and mix well. Use your fingers to work the chilled butter into the mixture until it resembles oatmeal with some large pea size pieces of butter in it. Stir in the pecan pieces and mix well. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the sweet potatoes and bake in a preheated 375* F. oven for 30 to 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crisp and the sweet potatoes are set but still slightly loose in the center. Serve hot.
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