Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic American dish often served during Thanksgiving and festive occasions. This casserole features a base of smooth, mashed sweet potatoes, mixed with butter, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s traditionally topped with a crunchy layer of pecans and brown sugar, creating a delightful contrast of textures. Some variations also include a marshmallow topping, which caramelizes beautifully when baked, adding a gooey and sweet layer to the dish. This casserole is beloved for its combination of sweet and savory flavors and its comforting, hearty nature.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Mixture:
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
(Optional: Marshmallows for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Boil sweet potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan with enough water to cover. Cook over medium-high heat until tender; drain and mash.
- Mix sweet potato base: In a large bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, 1/2 cup butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and milk. Spread this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, mix the brown sugar and flour. Cut in 3 tablespoons butter until the mixture is coarse and crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans. Sprinkle the mixture over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned.
- Optional marshmallow topping: If using marshmallows, add them in the last 10 minutes of baking, allowing them to brown.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your Southern Sweet Potato Casserole!