Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting, classic dish perfect for holidays or any family meal. Its creamy sweet potato base topped with a crunchy pecan crumble creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

Topping:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup flour
• 1 ⅓ cup pecan pieces
• ½ cup butter, melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, 1 cup brown sugar, half and half, softened butter, egg, vanilla, and salt. Beat with a mixer until the mixture is completely smooth.
3. Step 3: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup brown sugar, flour, pecan pieces, and melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer.
6. Step 6: Bake for 35 minutes, then let the casserole cool for at least 20 minutes before serving to set nicely.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh or frozen sweet potatoes, but be sure they are well-drained before mashing to avoid excess moisture.
• For a richer flavor, substitute half and half with heavy cream or whole milk.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture for a warm spice note.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred or for variety.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325 degrees F until warmed through, to maintain the crunchy topping. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

What can I use if I don’t have half and half?

You can use a mixture of equal parts milk and cream, or simply use whole milk or heavy cream depending on your preference for richness.

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 93 reviews

A classic Southern Sweet Potato Casserole featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes blended with brown sugar, butter, and vanilla, topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar crumb topping. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this comforting dish is a favorite holiday side or anytime treat.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potato Mixture

• 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

Topping

• 1 cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ⅓ cups pecan pieces
• ½ cup butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Sweet Potato Base: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, half and half, softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and well blended.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly to create a smooth layer.
4. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, all-purpose flour, pecan pieces, and melted butter until a crumbly topping forms.
5. Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the crumbly pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp.
6. Cool Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes to set properly before serving.

Notes

• For a smoother texture, ensure sweet potatoes are well mashed before mixing.
• You can toast pecans lightly before adding to the topping for extra flavor.
• This casserole can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; reheat before serving.
• Half and half can be substituted with whole milk or cream for richer texture.
• Adjust brown sugar quantities to taste for more or less sweetness.

Keywords: Sweet Potato Casserole, Southern Side Dish, Holiday Recipe, Sweet Potato Dessert, Pecan Topping