This Timeless Sweet Potato Casserole brings a touch of warmth and comfort to any table. It's a perfect blend of creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy pecan topping that’s sure to become a family favorite, especially during the holiday season.
The star of the show, sweet potatoes, gives this dish its natural sweetness and creamy texture. Adding unsalted butter enhances the richness without overpowering the dish. The brown sugar brings a subtle sweetness and molasses-like depth. Whole milk makes the sweet potato mixture creamy and smooth, while the eggs help bind everything together. A splash of vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma and flavor that elevates the dish. A pinch of salt balances all the flavors perfectly. For the topping, all-purpose flour and melted butter create a crumbly texture, while chopped pecans add a delightful crunch and nuttiness.
This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham, making it an ideal side for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a hearty salad or a warm lentil dish. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup can also be a delightful addition for those with a sweet tooth.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it's nice and hot by the time you’re ready to bake. Start with peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and boil until they’re tender—about 20 minutes should do the trick. Once they’re soft, drain them thoroughly and transfer them to a large bowl. Mash them up until they’re smooth; a potato masher or fork works great here.
Next, stir in the softened butter. Follow up with brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix everything together until it's well combined and smooth. Now, spread this sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Set it aside for a moment while you prepare the topping.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped pecans until you have a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle this evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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