Description
This classic Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and delicious side dish perfect for holiday dinners or any special occasion. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are blended with warm spices and topped with a buttery pecan crumble, then baked to golden perfection for a delightful mix of smooth and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: In a large pot, place the cubed sweet potatoes and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain them thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large bowl and mash them until the texture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the whole milk, brown sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure the sweet potato mixture has cooled enough to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Stir until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Fill Baking Dish: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
- Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the sweet potato layer in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center of the casserole is set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. This helps the casserole set for easier portioning.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it; bake just before serving.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
- Adding a pinch of salt to the topping enhances the sweetness and nuttiness.
- If you prefer a crunchier topping, toast the pecans lightly before mixing.
- Use fresh spices for more vibrant flavor.
