Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Prepare yourself for pure comfort in a casserole dish! Southern Sweet Potato Casserole brings together creamy mashed sweet potatoes and a crisp, buttery pecan topping for that classic Southern side we all crave at special gatherings. It’s the kind of dish that’s utterly irresistible—silky, a little sweet, and crowned with a golden crunch—guaranteed to steal the show from even the grandest roast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at the magic these wholesome ingredients create together. Each one adds its own bit of warmth, flavor, or texture, making Southern Sweet Potato Casserole a dish people return to for seconds (and maybe thirds).
- Mashed sweet potatoes: The heart of the dish—look for deep orange sweet potatoes for the best color and flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the potatoes just right without overpowering them.
- Large eggs: Help create a fluffy, custard-like texture.
- Milk: Makes the base extra creamy—whole milk offers the richest result.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds lushness to the filling and helps everything meld together.
- Vanilla extract: Gives a warm, aromatic glow to the whole casserole.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings a cozy, festive touch that’s classic Southern.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens and balances the sweetness.
- Brown sugar (for topping): Lends a caramel note and helps the topping crisp up beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (for topping): Creates a crumbly structure for that signature topping.
- Unsalted butter (softened, for topping): Holds the pecan topping together and makes it decadent.
- Chopped pecans: For that essential nutty crunch and a classic, toasty finish.
How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by washing and peeling your sweet potatoes, then chop them into large chunks and boil or steam until fork-tender. Once cooked, mash them until completely smooth—lumps are your enemy here. Aim for a creamy, uniform base to give your Southern Sweet Potato Casserole a perfect texture from the very first bite.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Grab a large mixing bowl and add your mashed sweet potatoes along with granulated sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s completely smooth and silky. This is where the little details matter—take time to mix thoroughly to give the casserole its signature custardy richness.
Step 3: Spread in the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the dish, smoothing the top into an even layer with a spatula. This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and looks beautiful when it comes out of the oven.
Step 4: Make the Pecan Topping
In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and softened butter. Use a fork or your fingers to create a crumbly texture. Stir in the chopped pecans until everything is well mixed. This is the crown jewel of Southern Sweet Potato Casserole—the crisp, buttery pecan layer everyone fights over!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan topping generously and evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the sweet potatoes are heated through, filling your kitchen with the coziest aroma imaginable. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
How to Serve Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra toasted pecans or a touch of cinnamon on top right before serving makes the casserole pop both visually and in taste. For extra flair, a handful of mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking creates a molten, toasty crown that appeals to the kid in all of us.
Side Dishes
While Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a star on any holiday table, it loves good company. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, sautéed green beans, or cornbread stuffing. Its gentle sweetness and crunchy topping offer contrast to savory meats and earthy veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, bake individual portions in ramekins or mini skillets for extra-special presentation. Or layer the casserole in a trifle dish for a dramatic look at potlucks. However you serve it, rest assured that Southern Sweet Potato Casserole commands attention with every single scoop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap cooled leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or use an airtight container. Southern Sweet Potato Casserole will happily keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pecan topping stays surprisingly crisp, making every reheated bite just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
Simply assemble the casserole (unbaked), wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through. You can also freeze individual portions after baking for quick side dishes later.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. For a crispier topping, uncover for the last 5 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works in a pinch—just watch closely to avoid overcooking the eggs or drying out the sweet potatoes.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned sweet potatoes work well in a pinch—just be sure to drain and mash them thoroughly before measuring, and adjust the sugar if they’re packed in syrup.
Is it possible to make Southern Sweet Potato Casserole dairy-free?
Yes, swap in your favorite non-dairy milk and use plant-based butter. The casserole will still be creamy, rich, and utterly delicious without the dairy.
How do I prevent the pecan topping from burning?
If your oven runs hot or the topping browns too quickly, loosely tent the casserole with foil partway through baking. This protects the nuts while allowing the filling to bake properly.
Can I add spices like nutmeg or ginger?
Of course! Warm autumn spices like nutmeg or ground ginger play beautifully with the sweet potato base, letting you customize the flavor to your liking or family tradition.
What if I want a marshmallow topping instead of pecans?
Just swap the pecan topping for a generous layer of mini marshmallows. Bake the casserole as directed, then add the marshmallows for the last 10 minutes of baking so they become gooey and golden but not burnt.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a comforting, crowd-pleasing classic to your table, you simply can’t go wrong with Southern Sweet Potato Casserole. It’s a dish that brings smiles, conversation, and a little taste of Southern sunshine to any gathering—give it a try, and watch it become a family favorite in your home, too.
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Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of the South with this delightful Southern Sweet Potato Casserole. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are baked to perfection and topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, making it a must-have side dish for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Main Casserole:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix sweet potato mixture: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Prepare topping: In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, butter, and pecans to create a crumbly topping.
- Assemble and bake: Spread the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish, sprinkle with topping, and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole in advance by refrigerating it before baking.
- For a marshmallow topping variation, add mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
