Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole
This Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it a standout dish at any holiday table. With a crunchy pecan topping and a creamy sweet potato base, it’s comfort food at its finest.
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Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potatoes form the base of this dish, providing natural sweetness and a creamy texture. Butter adds richness, while the combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar enhances the sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor. Whole milk makes the mixture smooth and luscious. Eggs help to bind everything together, and vanilla extract offers a lovely aromatic note. The spices, cinnamon and nutmeg, bring warmth and depth, while a pinch of salt balances the flavors. The pecans provide a nutty crunch, and the topping mixture of flour, brown sugar, and more butter creates a crumbly, golden finish.
Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole Tips & Tricks
- For a smoother sweet potato base, use a hand mixer after mashing.
- Toast the pecans beforehand for an extra depth of flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the sugar by a quarter.
Serving Ideas for Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole
This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham, making it an excellent side for holiday meals. It also complements grilled pork chops or a hearty beef roast for a comforting weekend dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What can I use instead of pecans?
- Walnuts or almonds are great alternatives if you’re not a fan of pecans.
Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Walkthrough
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to ensure nothing sticks. Then, let’s tackle those sweet potatoes—peel and cube them before boiling in a large pot of water. They'll need about 20 minutes to become tender enough to mash.
Once the sweet potatoes are soft, drain and transfer them to a large bowl. Mash them until smooth, and then mix in the melted butter, both sugars, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the mixture is nice and smooth, then spread it evenly in your prepared baking dish.
For the topping, take a separate bowl and combine the pecans, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this evenly over the sweet potato mixture, ensuring a good coverage.
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. You'll know it's done when the topping is golden brown and crisp. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
Why This Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole Works
- Perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
- Crunchy pecan topping adds a delightful texture contrast.
- Easy to prepare with simple, everyday ingredients.
- Great for holiday gatherings or as a comforting side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 2. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then boil them in a large pot of water until tender, about 20 minutes.
- 3. Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them in a large bowl.
- 4. Add 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- 5. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- 6. In a separate bowl, combine pecans, flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Mix until crumbly.
- 7. Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- 8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- 9. Allow to cool slightly before serving.