The Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a symbol of comfort and tradition in Southern cuisine. The creamy, velvety mashed sweet potatoes blend seamlessly with the richness of butter and the warmth of vanilla, creating a base that’s both sweet and savory. Topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel, each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. This dish is a staple at holiday gatherings, bringing a touch of nostalgia and a whole lot of love to the table. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a festive celebration, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, evoking memories of cherished meals and warm, inviting kitchens.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, mashed (about 4 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil them in a large pot of water until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, beaten eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Mix until well combined and crumbly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this Southern classic as a comforting side dish!
