Southern Sweet Potato Casserole – Immerse yourself in the comforting flavors of the South with this mouthwatering Southern Sweet Potato Casserole. This delightful side dish combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes the enticing aroma of brown sugar and the satisfying crunch of pecans. Whether it’s a family get-together or a special Sunday meal this casserole guarantees a culinary experience.
The first time I prepared this recipe I was a bit hesitant. Sweet potatoes have always been a favorite of mine. I wanted to elevate them in a way. Trusting my instincts and drawing on my roots I created something special! The end result was a creamy casserole that filled my kitchen with aromas. My husband took one bite. Was instantly transported back, to his grandmother’s kitchen while my little one? Well, let’s just say there wasn’t a morsel left!
What makes this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole truly stand out?
This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole isn’t any dish; it’s an extraordinary journey for your taste buds. Each bite offers a combination of textures. From the velvety base made with sweet potatoes to the crispy pecan topping. Its genuine essence captures the heart and soul of Southern cuisine making it a versatile masterpiece suitable for any occasion. Whether it’s a festive holiday spread, potluck, gathering with friends or simply enjoying an intimate family dinner.
What You Need To Make This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe?
Sweet Potatoes: Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes with a vibrant deep orange color. This not only guarantees an appealing dish but also ensures a naturally sweet and creamy texture that captures the essence of Southern cuisine.
Brown Sugar: Opt, for dark brown sugar to enhance the depth of flavor with its rich molasses notes. A sprinkle of it adds a touch of warmth to every bite.
Half & Half: Half & Half serves as the link that connects the toppings with the velvety potatoes. It introduces a crucial creaminess. If you’re feeling adventurous try adding a dash of cinnamon-infused cream for an experience!
Butter: Butter whether softened or melted silently plays its role as the guardian ensuring all elements come together harmoniously. Always choose unsalted butter to have control over the dish’s saltiness.
Egg: Consider eggs as the binding agent that brings love to this dish. They contribute to achieving that casserole consistency resulting in each spoonful offering a blend of flavors.
Vanilla: Just two teaspoons of vanilla can work wonders! It’s like a soft background hum, in a song enhancing the symphony of flavors overall.
Salt: Lastly, let’s not forget about salt—the hero that enhances and balances all ingredients. It enhances the sweetness bringing out the deliciousness of the potatoes.
For the Topping: The combination of sugar and pecans is heavenly providing both a touch of sweetness and a satisfying crunch. The flour helps create the texture, for the topping. Lastly, the butter holds everything together in an embrace making each bite a crispy experience.
Steps To Make Southern Sweet Potato Casserole:
Step 1: To get started preheat your oven to a temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to grease a baking dish measuring 9×13 inches – this is where all the magic will happen.
Step 2: In your mixing bowl combine the potatoes, brown sugar, half & half, butter, egg, vanilla, and a sprinkle of salt. Give it a mix while imagining the smiles on the faces of those you’ll be serving. The smoother the mixture, the better!
Step 3: Once everything is well mixed gently spread this concoction into the baking dish.
Step 4: Now, for that topping! In a bowl let the brown sugar, flour, and pecan pieces mingle together. As they become acquainted with one another pour in that butter. Mix until you achieve a crumbly texture.
Step 5: Sprinkle this delicious topping, over your potato base while ensuring every inch gets its share of pecan goodness.
Step 6: Allow it to bake for 35 minutes. Once done baking exercise patience. Let it cool for 20 minutes (if you can resist the temptation!).
Tip:
To enhance the depth and richness of your casserole you might want to try roasting the potatoes instead of boiling them. Roasting brings out the sugars in the potatoes making them even sweeter and adding a delightful complexity to the flavor of the dish. Just wrap them in foil pop them in the oven until they’re tender and then continue with the recipe as usual. While it may seem like a change it can make your casserole truly unforgettable!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use other types of milk instead of half and half?
Of course! While half and half provide a richness you have the flexibility to use types of milk as well. Whole milk or almond or coconut milk can be used as dairy alternatives. The texture might vary slightly. The taste will still be delightful.
What’s the best way to cook the sweet potatoes?
When it comes to cooking potatoes boiling is a common method. However, if you’re looking for a flavor consider roasting them. Roasting can enhance their sweetness. Give the casserole a deeper taste.
How long can I store this casserole in the refrigerator?
If you’re wondering about storage once the casserole is cooked it can be kept in an airtight container, in the refrigerator, for 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to allow it to cool completely before storing.
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Indulge, in the delight of the South with this Southern Sweet Potato Casserole. Each mouthful presents a combination of flavors from the creamy texture of freshly mashed sweet potatoes to the subtle caramel notes of brown sugar perfectly complemented by a decadent pecan crumble on top. This casserole is more, than a dish; it embodies the cherished traditions, comfort and culinary mastery that define cooking.
Ingredients
4 c sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
1 c brown sugar
⅓ c half and half
⅓ c butter, softened
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla
1 ½ tsp salt
TOPPING:
1 c brown sugar
⅓ c flour
1 ⅓ c pecan pieces
½ c butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, with butter or cooking spray.
Mix the Base: In a bowl combine the potatoes, brown sugar, half and half, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Spread the potato mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
Prepare the Topping: In another bowl mix together sugar, flour, chopped pecans and melted butter. Combine them until they form a crumble.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the potato mixture in the baking dish.
Place the dish in your oven. Bake for approximately 35 minutes or until golden brown, on top and bubbling around the edges.
Allow it to cool for 20 minutes before serving. Enjoy this potato treat!
Notes
Are you considering a lifestyle or accommodating a friend’s dietary requirements? No need to worry! This cherished casserole can be effortlessly modified into a gluten-free treat. Instead of using all-purpose flour, for the topping you can choose a gluten-free flour blend such as rice, almond or coconut flour. Just make sure that all your other ingredients, vanilla and any store-bought items are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 MINS
- Cook Time: 35 MINS
My name is Natasha and I am the owner of nodashofgluten.com, a blog dedicated to all kinds of recipes. On my website, you can find classic dishes, vegetarian delights, creative snacks, Gluten-free recipes, and desserts – all proving that cooking isn’t as hard as it seems! With easy-to-follow instructions and tips on how to make your meals even better, I strive to help everyone become master chefs in their own kitchen. Come join me at nodashofgluten.com for some delicious fun!
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