Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Name: Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed; 1 cup brown sugar; ⅓ cup half and half; ⅓ cup butter, softened; 1 egg; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 ½ tsp salt; 1 cup brown sugar; ⅓ cup flour; 1 ⅓ cup pecan pieces; ½ cup butter, melted

Sweet potato casserole is a classic Southern comfort dish that’s often enjoyed during the holidays, but it’s delicious any time of the year. With a smooth, creamy filling and a crunchy, buttery pecan topping, this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole balances sweetness and texture perfectly. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or even a dessert, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is simple to make, with just a few key ingredients, but the result is nothing short of spectacular.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole has everything you need in a classic comfort dish:

Perfectly Sweet and Creamy: The mashed sweet potatoes are blended with brown sugar, vanilla, and butter for a smooth and rich base.
Crunchy Pecan Topping: The crumbly topping made from brown sugar, pecans, and melted butter provides a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Easy to Make: With simple, straightforward steps, you can create this delightful dish in under an hour, making it ideal for holiday feasts or family dinners.
Versatile Dish: While traditionally served as a side dish, this sweet potato casserole can easily double as a dessert thanks to its sweet flavor profile.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

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

For the Pecan Topping:

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

If you haven’t already cooked your sweet potatoes, you can either bake or boil them until tender. Once cooked, peel and mash them until smooth.

3. Make the Sweet Potato Filling

In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, half and half, softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The butter and half and half help give the filling a luxurious texture, while the egg adds structure.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth it out with a spatula to create an even layer.

5. Prepare the Pecan Topping

In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, pecan pieces, and melted butter. Stir everything together until you achieve a crumbly texture. The melted butter helps the topping become crispy and caramelized while baking.

6. Add the Topping

Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture, ensuring the entire casserole is covered.

7. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy. The sweet potatoes should be bubbling around the edges, and the pecans should have a nice toasted appearance.

8. Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. This cooling time helps the flavors meld and allows the casserole to firm up, making it easier to serve.

Notes and Tips

Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the sweet potato mixture and topping separately the day before. Store them in the fridge overnight, and when ready to bake, assemble and pop it in the oven.
Customize the Topping: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can swap them out for walnuts or even oats for a different texture.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut milk or almond milk for the half and half and use dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version.
Leftovers: This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories per Serving: 420 kcal
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern
Diet: Vegetarian-friendly

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 420 kcal
Carbohydrates: 56g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 520mg
Potassium: 400mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 30g
Vitamin A: 8000 IU
Vitamin C: 6mg
Calcium: 100mg
Iron: 1.5mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute canned sweet potatoes for fresh ones. Be sure to drain and mash them thoroughly before adding the other ingredients.

2. Can I freeze this sweet potato casserole?

Absolutely! You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

3. How can I make this recipe healthier?

For a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the sweet potato mixture and the topping. You can also replace the half and half with a lighter milk option, such as skim or almond milk.

4. What can I serve with sweet potato casserole?

Sweet potato casserole pairs well with savory dishes like roast chicken, turkey, ham, or pork chops. It’s also great alongside other traditional Southern sides like collard greens or cornbread.

5. Is this dish gluten-free?

To make this casserole gluten-free, simply swap the flour in the topping for a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix.

This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a must-have at any holiday gathering or family dinner. With its smooth, sweet filling and crunchy pecan topping, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and offers endless customization options. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite!