Description
A classic sweet potato casserole featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar streusel. This comforting dish is perfect for holiday dinners and family gatherings, combining sweet, buttery flavors with a satisfying texture contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato Base
- 4 cups peeled, cubed sweet potatoes
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Topping
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
- Mash and Mix: Mash the drained sweet potatoes until smooth. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with beaten eggs, white sugar, milk, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well to create a creamy, homogeneous base.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Make Topping: In a separate bowl, stir together the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Evenly sprinkle this streusel topping over the sweet potato base in the baking dish.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture.
- Ensure sweet potatoes are fully drained before mashing to avoid a watery casserole.
- Use unsalted butter to better control the salt content.
- Can be prepared a day ahead; cover and refrigerate before baking, then bake just before serving.
- For a crunchier topping, toast the pecans lightly before mixing.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: sweet potato casserole, holiday side dish, pecan topping, creamy mashed sweet potatoes, comfort food
