Description
This classic Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and delicious side dish perfect for holiday meals or any special occasion. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are combined with eggs, sugar, milk, butter, vanilla, and salt, then topped with a crunchy pecan streusel and baked to golden perfection.
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 peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of boiling water and cook until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well to remove excess water.
- Mash and Mix: Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large bowl and mash until smooth. Add the beaten eggs, white sugar, milk, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly into a creamy mixture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
- Make Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans. Mix with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly and coarse.
- Top and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the prepared topping over the sweet potato base. Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set and for easier portioning.
Notes
- You can prepare the sweet potatoes a day ahead and refrigerate for convenience.
- For a richer flavor, substitute the milk with evaporated milk or heavy cream.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and increase the topping ingredients or substitute with rolled oats.
- Make sure to drain the sweet potatoes well to avoid a watery casserole.
- This dish can be reheated in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil to maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sweet Potato Casserole, Holiday Side Dish, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Pecan Topping, Comfort Food
