Sweet Potato Casserole

This Sweet Potato Casserole celebrates the natural sweetness of the potatoes with a balanced, buttery pecan topping. Perfect for holidays or any family gathering!

Yield
Serves 6

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Base:

• 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 medium sweet potatoes)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/3 cup whole milk (or oat milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish and set aside.
2. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Boil in a large pot of water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.

Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, eggs, milk, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.

Step 3: Make the Topping

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and melted butter until crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans.
2. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture, ensuring it covers the surface.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
2. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving) Calories: 250, Fat: 12g, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 4g, Fiber: 4g

Kitchen Tips:

1. Balanced Topping: The adjusted topping ratio ensures a flavorful crunch without being overly sweet.
2. Full Coverage: The topping amount is perfect to cover a 2-quart casserole dish evenly.
3. Natural Sweetness: Some recipes call for sugar but by omitting sugar in the base, it highlights the sweet potatoes' natural flavor.
4. Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Opt for vibrant orange sweet potatoes for the best texture.
5. Spice it Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
6. Dairy-Free Option: Substitute milk with almond milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
7. Make Ahead: Prepare the base and topping separately, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
8. Customize the Topping: Try using walnuts or almonds in place of pecans for a variation.
9. Serving Tip: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme for a savory twist.
10. Double It: For larger gatherings, double the recipe and bake in a 9x13-inch dish.

This Sweet Potato Casserole strikes the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, making it an irresistible side dish for any meal. Enjoy the comforting flavors and texture of this family favorite!