Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic side dish often enjoyed during holiday gatherings, and its popularity is well-deserved. This recipe begins with the preparation of sweet potatoes, a crucial step to ensure the creamy and sweet base of the casserole.
Boiling or steaming the sweet potato chunks until they are tender allows for easy mashing and ensures that the sweet potatoes are soft and velvety. This also helps to break down any fibrous texture, resulting in a smooth filling.
The combination of granulated sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt creates a rich and flavorful sweet potato filling. These ingredients not only add sweetness but also enhance the overall taste, with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg providing depth to the overall flavor.
The topping, made from brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans, adds a delightful contrast of textures. It forms a sweet and crumbly layer that complements the creamy filling. The optional addition of pecans brings a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to the casserole.
Baking the sweet potato casserole in a 9×13-inch baking dish ensures even cooking and a beautiful golden-brown top. Once out of the oven, allowing it to cool briefly helps set the filling, making it easier to serve.
Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and indulgent dish that’s perfect for holiday feasts or any special occasion. Its genuine flavors and inviting sweetness embody the essence of homemade comfort food.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato filling
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes about 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- pinch of salt
For the topping
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup chopped pecans optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the sweet potatoes by washing, peeling, and chopping them into chunks. Boil or steam the sweet potato chunks until they are tender, then drain and mash them.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the topping by mixing together the brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans (if using) until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato filling in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Remove the sweet potato casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
What did you think of the recipe? Leave a rating and comment below with your thoughts or suggestions!