Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is the epitome of holiday comfort food, blending creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a rich, buttery pecan topping. Perfectly sweetened and spiced, this classic dish combines the silkiness of the sweet potato base with the irresistible crunch of the caramelized pecan topping. It’s the ultimate side dish to complement any festive table!
Why Youāll Love This Recipe
Classic Southern Comfort: This dish delivers all the cozy, nostalgic vibes of Southern cooking.
Perfectly Balanced: The sweet, creamy base is complemented by a nutty, caramelized topping for a harmonious bite.
Easy to Make: Despite its elegant appearance, this recipe is straightforward and uses pantry staples.
Versatile for Occasions: Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks, or a Sunday family dinner.
Key Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet and creamy when mashed, theyāre the star of this dish. Roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling can intensify their flavor.
Brown Sugar: Adds a deep molasses-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the potatoes.
Half and Half: Provides a rich, creamy texture. You can substitute with whole milk or heavy cream for slightly different consistencies.
Butter: Softened butter adds richness and enhances the flavor of the sweet potato base.
Egg: Acts as a binder, giving structure to the casserole while keeping it light.
Vanilla Extract: Lends a warm, aromatic touch that elevates the flavor.
For the Pecan Topping:
Pecans: Toasty, buttery, and slightly sweet, pecans provide the crunch that makes this dish special. Swap with walnuts if preferred.
Brown Sugar: Caramelizes as it bakes, creating a sweet and crunchy topping.
All-Purpose Flour: Adds structure to the topping, ensuring it crumbles beautifully.
Butter: Melted butter binds the topping and adds a luscious flavor.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 375Ā°F (190Ā°C). Proper preheating ensures even cooking and a perfectly baked casserole.
Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. This step prevents sticking and makes serving a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture
Gather Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the following:
Cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (ensure they are smooth and lump-free).
Ā½ cup brown sugar, for sweetness.
Ā½ cup half and half, for creaminess.
4 tablespoons softened butter, to add richness.
1 large egg, for binding.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for flavor.
Ā¼ teaspoon salt, to balance the sweetness.
Mix Thoroughly: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the ingredients on medium speed until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined. This step ensures a light, fluffy texture for the base of your casserole.
Step 3: Spread the Sweet Potato Mixture
Transfer to the Dish: Spoon the prepared sweet potato mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Smooth the Surface: Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, ensuring a flat surface for the topping.
Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Topping
Combine Topping Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together:
Ā½ cup brown sugar, for sweetness.
ā
cup all-purpose flour, to create structure.
1 cup pecan pieces, for crunch.
4 tablespoons melted butter, to bind everything together and add a buttery richness.
Stir to Combine: Mix the ingredients with a spoon until they form a crumbly, moist texture.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the Topping: Evenly distribute the pecan topping over the sweet potato mixture. Aim for full coverage so every bite has a perfect balance of creamy base and crunchy topping.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place in the Oven: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 35 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the sweet potato base is hot and slightly puffed. The aroma of the caramelized pecans will signal itās almost ready.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Rest the Casserole: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for at least 20 minutes. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the overall texture.
Serve and Enjoy: Scoop generous portions onto plates and watch your guests swoon over the sweet, nutty flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this sweet potato casserole with other comforting sides and entrees:
Holiday Classics: Serve alongside roast turkey, glazed ham, or herb-roasted chicken.
Savory Contrasts: Pair with sautƩed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp side salad to balance the sweetness.
Dessert Vibes: If serving as a dessert, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole dish in a 350Ā°F oven until warmed through.
Freezing: Assemble the casserole (without baking) and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the sweet potato base and topping separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when needed.
Variations
Marshmallow Topping: Swap the pecan topping for mini marshmallows for a gooey, kid-friendly version.
Spiced Sweet Potatoes: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the sweet potato base for a warm, spiced flavor.
Coconut-Pecan Topping: Add shredded coconut to the topping mixture for a tropical twist.
Savory-Sweet Option: Reduce the sugar in the base and topping, and add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a versatile, comforting dish that brings a touch of sweetness and elegance to any meal. Whether itās gracing your holiday table or stealing the show at a potluck, this casserole promises to leave everyone asking for seconds. Itās a slice of Southern hospitality, baked to perfection.
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet potatoes cooked and mashed
- 1 cup brown sugar divided for base and topping
- 0.33 cup half and half
- 0.33 cup butter softened for base and melted for topping
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract divided for base and topping
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 0.33 cup all-purpose flour for topping
- 1.33 cups pecan pieces
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375Ā°F (190Ā°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, half and half, softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon the sweet potato mixture into the greased baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, pecan pieces, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Evenly sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sweet potato base is hot and slightly puffed.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 20 minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, nutty goodness!
