There’s always something magical about the aroma of Southern Sweet Potato Casserole wafting through a cozy kitchen—especially when you know it’s a dish beloved by generations. Creamy sweet potatoes combine with the warmth of cinnamon and vanilla, baked beneath a golden brown, nutty pecan topping that offers the ultimate contrast in both flavor and texture. It’s simple comfort at its finest, and whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving or just a special Sunday meal, this Southern classic never fails to steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole recipe relies on a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing its part in making this dish unforgettable. From the natural sweetness of the potatoes to the buttery, crunchy pecan topping, these staples work together to create a side dish that balances sweet, savory, and just a bit of indulgence.
- Mashed sweet potatoes (4 cups): The star of the casserole, these bring natural sweetness, color, and creaminess.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Lends extra sweetness that enhances the potatoes’ natural flavor.
- Eggs (2 large): Help bind everything together and add a light, custardy texture.
- Melted butter (1/3 cup plus 1/3 cup for topping): Adds rich flavor throughout both the filling and the crunchy topping.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the sweet potato layer luxuriously smooth and creamy.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings aromatic warmth and rounds out the sweetness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the sweet flavors and helps them pop.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a cozy, spicy note that’s signature to this comfort side.
- Packed brown sugar (1/2 cup, for topping): For a deep, caramel-like sweetness in the crumb topping.
- All-purpose flour (1/3 cup, for topping): Helps form those irresistible crunchy clusters in the topping.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup, for topping): Deliver a toasty flavor and satisfying crunch in every bite.
How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by peeling and boiling your sweet potatoes until fork-tender—this usually takes about 15–20 minutes. Drain them well, then mash thoroughly with a potato masher or electric mixer to achieve that silky, lump-free texture. You want a base that’s as smooth as velvet!
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, salt, and a dusting of cinnamon. Mix until everything is completely incorporated and the filling turns creamy and sumptuous. This is the heart of your Southern Sweet Potato Casserole, bringing together comfort and sweetness in each spoonful.
Step 3: Spread in the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour in your sweet potato mixture. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly, smoothing the top so the crunchy topping will rest nicely above.
Step 4: Make the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Mix with a fork or your fingers until crumbles form. This combo is essential—it delivers that signature sweet, nutty crunch with each bite of the finished casserole.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the top of your sweet potato layer. Don’t worry about perfection here—a slightly uneven sprinkle just adds to the rustic, homemade charm of this dish!
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the casserole into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. By the end, the filling will be set and the topping beautifully golden brown, crackling with buttery, caramelized flavor. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving—it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Garnishes
For a truly Southern touch, garnish your casserole with extra toasted pecans or a scattering of chopped fresh herbs like parsley for color. If you’re craving a little whimsy, try a layer of mini marshmallows—you can toast them under the broiler for the final few minutes, giving you that gooey, nostalgic vibe everyone loves.
Side Dishes
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole pairs perfectly with savory mains like roast turkey, baked ham, or grilled chicken. Add a side of fresh green beans or a crisp salad to balance the sweetness and create a spread that feels abundantly festive yet wonderfully homey.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of one big casserole, consider spooning the mixture into individual ramekins or muffin tins—perfect for dinner parties or holiday buffets. For a showstopping presentation, garnish with sugared cranberries or a drizzle of maple syrup just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The casserole will stay fresh for up to four days, and the flavors deepen as it sits, making those next-day helpings something to look forward to.
Freezing
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is incredibly freezer-friendly! Wrap the unbaked (or baked and cooled) casserole dish tightly in foil, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat your casserole in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, covered loosely with foil. This gently revives both the creamy filling and that addictive, craggy pecan topping.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to drain them well and mash thoroughly. Using fresh sweet potatoes will give you a richer flavor and more texture, but canned is a convenient substitute in a pinch.
Can I prepare Southern Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it unbaked. Add the pecan topping just before baking to keep it nice and crunchy.
How can I make this dish nut-free?
If you need to avoid nuts, simply leave out the pecans and substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, or use just the brown sugar crumb topping for irresistible crunch without the nuts.
What kind of sweet potatoes work best?
Look for orange-fleshed varieties like Beauregard or Jewel sweet potatoes, as they’re moist, sweet, and mash easily into a creamy consistency that’s perfect for this recipe.
Can I make this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for vegan margarine, the eggs for flax eggs, and use plant-based milk. The result is every bit as delicious and inviting as the classic.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Southern Sweet Potato Casserole, make this your moment—it’s a dish that truly warms hearts and fills bellies, whether at a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner. Gather your ingredients, pour in your love, and enjoy every spoonful of this time-honored classic!
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Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of Southern Sweet Potato Casserole, a classic holiday side dish that combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping.
Ingredients
Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4–5 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 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.
- Prepare Sweet Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Layer and Top: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. In a separate bowl, stir together brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato layer.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole up to 1 day ahead and bake just before serving.
- For a marshmallow twist, add mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking instead of the pecan topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
