Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting classic that graces many tables during the holiday season. It's the perfect blend of creamy sweetness and crunchy topping that makes it a must-have dish at any gathering.

Ingredients for Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potatoes: These are the star of the dish, offering natural sweetness and a creamy texture when mashed.

Unsalted butter: Used in both the filling and the topping, it adds richness and flavour.

Whole milk: Helps smooth out the sweet potato mixture, making it creamy and luscious.

Brown sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the potatoes perfectly.

Eggs: These act as a binder, giving the casserole structure and helping it set properly.

Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances the sweetness.

Cinnamon and nutmeg: These spices add warmth and depth, bringing out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

Salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.

Pecans: Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the topping.

All-purpose flour: Helps create a crumbly topping when combined with butter and sugar.

Tips & Tricks

  • Boil the sweet potatoes whole if you have time; it retains more flavor.
  • Mash the potatoes while they're hot for a smoother consistency.
  • If making ahead, prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham. Add a fresh green salad or some roasted Brussels sprouts to round out the meal. It's also a lovely addition to a potluck, sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, just ensure they are well-drained and reduce the added sugar slightly as canned sweet potatoes can be sweeter.
Can this be made dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use almond or coconut milk instead of whole milk.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the topping's crispness.

Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish so your casserole doesn't stick. Now, peel and cube about 4 pounds of sweet potatoes. Boil them in a large pot of water until they're tender enough to mash, which should take about 20 minutes.

Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and transfer them to a large bowl. Mash them until smooth. Now, stir in the melted butter, milk, 1 cup of brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined, and spread this mixture into the prepared baking dish.

In a separate bowl, make the topping by combining chopped pecans, flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and softened butter. Mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this evenly over the sweet potato mixture.

Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and crispy. Once done, let it cool slightly before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory.
  • Crispy pecan topping adds delightful texture.
  • Can be made ahead, saving you time on the big day.

Ingredients

4 lbs sweet potatoes
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup whole milk
1 cup brown sugar
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 brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly 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 until smooth.
4. Stir in the melted butter, milk, 1 cup of brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
5. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
6. In a separate bowl, combine pecans, flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.

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