Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Okay, friends, let’s talk comfort food. But not just about it.anyWhat is the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a warm blanket? What a good book. Think of it as the cozier, slightly more sophisticated cousin of mac and cheese – the Sweet Potato **. What’s a family favorite casserole recipe? What would Thanksgiving be without a casserole? What are some of the best things about this dessert? Is it easier to make than you think?
What is a sweet potato casserole?
So, what isWhat is a sweet potato casserole? What is a sweet potato pie in casserole form? What is the best crunchy It’s a baked dish made with mashed sweet potatoes, usually sweetened and spiced, then baked. topped with something crunchy and delicious – most often pecans, brown sugar, and butter. What is a classic American dish? Can you serve it as a side dish or dessert? In my family, we’ve always treated it as both, which is probably why we fight over the leftovers. Is it sweet, savory, and addictive?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me tell you, this isn’t just a rumor. This isanyWhat is sweet potato casserole? What I love most about it is how ridiculously easy to make, yet it tastes like you spent hours on it. What is it like to slave away in the kitchen? Why do you become obsessed?
- Flavor explosion: WhatWhat are warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg mingling with the natural sweetness of the sweet. What are the best things about the pecan topping? What is a symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds? I like to sneak a tiny pinch of ginger in there too – it adds that unexpected warmth that’s just so nice.
- What is a simpleWhat are some of the easiest layers to put together? What is minimal effort, maximum flavor? This one’s a lifesaver on busy holidays when you’ve got lots of other things going on.
- What are some of theSweet potatoes are super affordable, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. What is a win-win?
- Versatile superstar:Serve it as a side dish with your holiday turkey, bring it to your potluck, or even enjoy one scoop (or two) of ice cream. ) for dessert. It’s the chameleon of the culinary world. I used it as a filling for sweet potato hand pies – genius!
If you like pecan pie or sweet potato pie, you’re going to love this **sweet** pie. Potato casserole recipe**. What’s the best way to get your sweet potato fix in a comforting, shareable form? Plus, it’s always a crowd-pleaser – even the picky eaters in my family devour it!
How do you make a sweet potato casserole?
Quick Overview
What are some easy recipes for sweet potato casserole? I’ll start by roasting or boiling sweet potatoes until they’re tender. What are some good spices to mash up with? What’s the best way to serve a luscious cake? What is the best part about baking it until it’s golden brown? What is the best way to do a photo shoot in an hour? What are some easy recipes to whip up on a weeknight? What is the aroma that fills your kitchen while baking?
Ingredients Notes:
What is the sweet potato base?
- Sweet Potatoes:About 3 pounds, peeled and cubed. What are the best ways to cook onions? I prefer the garnet variety for their vibrant color and naturally sweeter taste.
- Butter:A stick of unsalted butter, softened. Real butter is key here! It adds richness and helps bind everything together. I’ve tried using coconut oil, but it just doesn’t have the same depth of flavor.
- Brown Sugar:Does dark brown sugar work? Dark brown sugar will give it a slightly more molasses-y flavor.
- Eggs: Two large eggs, lightly beaten. These help to bind the casserole and give it a nice, creamy texture.
- Milk:Is whole milk better than evaporated milk? I’ve even used almond milk when I was out of the other two, and it worked surprisingly well! If it’s unsweetened, just be sure.
- Vanilla Extract: What isA teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Don’t skimp! Is there a hint of sweetness?
- Spices:A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ginger. I like ginger, but I don’t have a recipe for it. It’s an added bonus.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
For the Pecan Topping:
- Pecans:One cup of chopped pecans. Toasted pecs are even better! Just toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant. What are the best ways to watch them, because they burn easily!
- Brown Sugar: Another half cup, to add sweetness and help the topping crisp up.
- Flour: A quarter cup of all-purpose flour. This helps to bind the topping and prevent it from being too greasy.
- Butter:A half stick (1/4 cup) of cold butter, cut into small pieces. How do you make a crumbly, delicious topping?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
How do I get started with a hot oven? While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use butter, but cooking spray works too. Make sure you grease the entire dish, including the corners, to prevent the casserole from sticking. What is the best way to get rid of sweet potato casserole? What is the bottom of the pan?
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
What are the two options for sweet potatoes? Roasting gives them a richer, more concentrated flavor, but boiling is faster.
Roasting:What are some good ways to toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
Boiling: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Drain well.
Step 3: Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Once sweet potatoes are cooked, it’s time to mash them! I like to use a potato masher for chunky texture, but you can also use an electric mixer. For a smoother consistency. Be careful not to overmix if you’re using an electric mixer, or the casserole can become gluey. Add the softened butter, brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using). What is salt? Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and salt. Set aside. I used a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry butter. I like to use it to make sour cream. How do you make coarse crumbs? Where does magic happen? What creates those little pockets of buttery goodness in the topping?
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
How do you spread the sweet potato mixture into a baking dish? Sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potato mixture. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. I always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, it’s done.
Step 6: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the casserole cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the topping to set up a bit. Serve warm and enjoy! Seriously, this is the best part. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces as they take their first bite is pure joy.
What to Serve It With
This **sweet potato casserole recipe** is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes! Here are some ideas for different occasions:
For Thanksgiving or Christmas: Obviously, it’s a must-have alongside turkey, ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and all the other holiday classics! The sweetness of the casserole complements the savory flavors of the main dishes perfectly. Plus, it adds a beautiful pop of color to the holiday table.
For a Weeknight Dinner: Serve it as a side dish with roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a vegetarian lentil loaf. It’s a great way to add some extra nutrients and flavor to a simple meal.
For Brunch: Believe it or not, sweet potato casserole is also fantastic for brunch! Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and fresh fruit. It’s a sweet and savory treat that everyone will love.
As Dessert: Top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. You can even drizzle it with a little maple syrup or caramel sauce for extra sweetness. I’ve been known to sneak a spoonful straight from the fridge late at night – don’t judge!
In my family, we always serve it with a sprinkle of sea salt on top. It sounds weird, but the salt really enhances the sweetness and brings out all the other flavors. Trust me on this one!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Sweet Potato Casserole
Want to take your **sweet potato casserole recipe** to the next level? Here are some of my top tips for achieving casserole perfection:
Roast those sweet potatoes! I cannot stress this enough. Roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them makes a world of difference in terms of flavor. It brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a slightly caramelized taste that is simply divine.
Don’t overmix the sweet potato mixture. Overmixing can lead to a gluey casserole, which is not what we want. Mix just until everything is combined and creamy. A few lumps are okay!
Use cold butter for the pecan topping. The cold butter is essential for creating that crumbly, delicious topping. If the butter is too soft, the topping will be greasy and won’t crisp up properly.
Toast the pecans! Toasted pecans have a deeper, nuttier flavor that really elevates the topping. Just toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Watch them carefully, because they burn easily!
Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in both the sweet potato mixture and the pecan topping. You can also use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey.
Get creative with the spices! Feel free to experiment with different spices to create your own signature flavor. I love adding a pinch of ginger, cardamom, or even a little bit of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings. While the pecan topping is classic, you can also try other toppings like crushed graham crackers, shredded coconut, or even mini marshmallows. The possibilities are endless!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat your **sweet potato casserole recipe**:
Storing:
- Refrigerator: Let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking to allow the topping to crisp up.
- Microwave: Place a single serving of casserole on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Important Note: The topping may lose some of its crispness during storage and reheating. To restore some of the crispness, you can broil the casserole for a minute or two before serving, but watch it carefully to prevent burning!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s treasured **sweet potato casserole recipe**! I truly hope you give it a try and that it becomes a staple in your own home. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a symbol of comfort, warmth, and togetherness. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving dinner or enjoying it as a cozy weeknight treat, I guarantee it will bring a smile to your face.
If you love this recipe, be sure to check out some of my other holiday favorites, like my cranberry sauce recipe and my pecan pie recipe. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your casserole turns out! I can’t wait to hear from you. Happy baking!
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Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup milk
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 0.5 cup butter melted
- 0.5 cup light brown sugar packed
- 0.33 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, boil sweet potatoes in water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, milk, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and flour. Add chopped pecans and stir until well combined.
- Sprinkle pecan mixture evenly over sweet potato mixture.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
