Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is pure comfort and celebration in one dish! Imagine creamy, sweet mashed sweet potatoes crowned with a warm, nutty pecan streusel that crackles as you slice in. Every bite wraps you in a hug of Southern hospitality, making it a must-have for holiday feasts, Sunday suppers, or simply when you crave something a little magical. Classic and indulgent, it’s a show-stopper that vanishes quickly from the table, loved by all ages and always a conversation starter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need simple, wholesome ingredients to create a truly unforgettable Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. Each element, from the buttery sweet potato base to the crisp, golden topping, adds a layer of flavor and texture that makes this dish irresistible.

• Sweet Potatoes: About 4 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed smooth; they’re the heart of this dish, bringing signature color and lusciousness.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the casserole just enough to highlight the natural earthiness of the sweet potatoes.
• Eggs: These create structure, binding the sweet potato base into a custardy, dreamy filling.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted to blend smoothly into both the base and the topping for rich flavor throughout.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps achieve that creamy, velvety texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a beautiful aromatic note that deepens the sweetness.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every bite.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a crumbly, golden streusel topping.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a molasses note and caramelizes beautifully in the topping.
• Pecans: Chopped for maximum crunch and flavor; their toasty nuttiness makes the topping unforgettable.

How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it reaches the perfect baking temperature while you prepare the other components, setting the stage for a golden, bubbly finish.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture

In a large bowl, combine your mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix everything together until completely smooth and creamy — you’re looking for a silky base that’ll bake up tender but firm, never dry.

Step 3: Fill the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour in the sweet potato mixture and use a spatula to spread and smooth it into an even layer. This lets the topping sit perfectly on top, so every serving gets a little bit of everything.

Step 4: Make the Pecan Streusel Topping

Grab a separate bowl for your streusel. Toss together the flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Drizzle in the melted butter and stir until clumps form — you want a crumbly, chunky mixture that will bake up crunchy and golden.

Step 5: Top the Casserole

Sprinkle the pecan streusel evenly over the sweet potato layer. Cover every inch for those amazing bites with both creamy and crunchy textures mingling together.

Step 6: Bake

Slide the whole dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is beautifully golden brown and the casserole is bubbling gently at the edges.

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set up, making it easier to cut neat portions and letting all those aromas swirl through your kitchen.

How to Serve Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra toasted pecans on top adds even more crunch and character. For a dreamy finish, dust lightly with powdered sugar or add a swirl of whipped cream right before serving. These final touches make your Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe shine at any gathering!

Side Dishes

This casserole is the perfect complement to classic Southern mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or fried chicken. For a balanced plate, serve it alongside tangy collard greens, cranberry sauce, or a crisp green salad. Don’t forget warm dinner rolls to soak up every delicious bit.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the 9×13! Try baking individual portions in ramekins for an elegant twist, or use a cast-iron skillet for rustic table appeal. You can even layer mini marshmallows between the sweet potato and pecan topping for an extra surprise — kids and adults alike love this playful upgrade!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, enjoying next-day flavors that are just as rich and satisfying as the first time around.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap well in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months. For best texture, freeze before baking, then thaw and bake fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. If reheating a single serving, the microwave works in a pinch, but the oven preserves that beautiful, crunchy topping.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Drain them well and mash until smooth. Fresh sweet potatoes bring more earthy flavor, but canned is a handy shortcut that still delivers a delicious Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe.

What’s a good substitute for pecans?

Walnuts offer a similar crunch and flavor, or try chopped almonds for a slightly different nutty note. You can even leave the nuts out entirely for a nut-free version that still turns out delicious.

Can I make this recipe dairy free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a vegan alternative and use your favorite plant-based milk. The Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe will remain creamy and rich, with all its signature taste.

Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

Definitely. Prepare both the sweet potato layer and topping, assemble the casserole, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

How do I make the casserole less sweet?

Cut back on the granulated sugar in the base, or use less brown sugar in the topping. With naturally sweet potatoes as the star, this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe still shines beautifully with reduced sugar.

Final Thoughts

Few dishes capture the warmth and joy of the South like this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, glowing with golden color, sweet aroma, and unforgettable flavor in every creamy bite. Give it a try — your table (and the people around it) will thank you!

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