Sweet Potato Casserole
A creamy, buttery sweet potato casserole topped with a crisp, spiced pecan topping, perfect for holiday gatherings and simple enough for any occasion.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Filling
- 4 cups Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- 1/2 cup Butter, softened or melted
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar or granulated sugar Adjust sweetness to taste.
- 2 large Eggs Do not overmix the eggs.
- 1/2 cup Milk, evaporated milk, or heavy cream Use evaporated milk or heavy cream for a richer filling.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Pecan Topping
- 1 cup Chopped pecans Toast for extra flavor.
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
- 1/3 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup Butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or salt Adjust to taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized chunks.
- Place them in a pot of salted water and simmer until very tender.
Mash Filling
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly, then return them to the pot to evaporate excess moisture.
- Mash until smooth, or leave small pieces for a rustic texture.
- Stir in butter, sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until creamy.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or spices if needed.
Prepare Topping
- In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and optional cinnamon or salt.
- Stir until the mixture forms a moist, crumbly topping.
Assemble and Bake
- Spread the sweet potato mixture in a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potatoes.
- Bake in a preheated oven until heated through and the topping is golden brown.
- Cover loosely with foil if the topping browns too quickly.
Serving
- Let the casserole stand for several minutes before serving.
- Serve alongside roasted meats and vegetables.
Notes
This casserole is sweet enough to feel special but balanced enough for a side dish. It can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.