Sweet potato casserole is a family favorite that many moms love to make, especially during the holidays. The creamy, mashed sweet potatoes paired with a crunchy pecan topping make for an irresistible dish. It’s a recipe that brings back warm memories of family gatherings and festive dinners.
My casserole is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it a perfect addition to any special meal. Let’s dive into this delightful, comforting recipe!
Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return the sweet potatoes to the pot. - Mash Sweet Potatoes:
Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined. - Assemble Casserole:
Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. - Prepare Topping:
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar and flour. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly. Add the chopped pecans and mix well. - Add Topping:
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. - Serve:
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
This sweet potato casserole is perfect for holidays or any family gathering, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and crunch with the pecan topping.
Questions
How Can I Make The Casserole Less Sweet?
To make your sweet potato casserole less sweet, you can reduce or adjust the amount of sugar and tweak the recipe for a more balanced flavor. Here are some tips:
- Reduce Sugar: Cut down the amount of granulated sugar and brown sugar in the sweet potato mixture. Start by halving the sugar amounts and adjust to taste.
- Skip or Alter the Topping: You can either reduce the sugar in the topping or skip the sweet topping entirely. Instead, try a savory topping with ingredients like crushed pecans mixed with a little butter and salt.
- Add Savory Elements: Incorporate savory elements like a small amount of grated cheese (such as Parmesan) into the sweet potato mixture for a more balanced taste.
- Use Unsweetened Ingredients: Ensure that all other ingredients, such as butter and milk, are unsweetened.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg slightly to enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes without adding extra sugar.
Why are eggs included in the recipe?
Eggs act as a binding agent, helping to hold the casserole together and preventing it from becoming too heavy. This contributes to a fluffier texture.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato casserole ahead of time. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the topping is golden brown and the sweet potato mixture is heated through, typically after 30-35 minutes in the oven. You can also insert a knife into the center; if it comes out hot and clean, the casserole is ready.
