Sweet Potato Casserole: A Thanksgiving Staple (and Year-Round Delight!)
Sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving classic, but its comforting sweetness and satisfying texture make it a delicious side dish any time of year. This recipe focuses on creating a perfectly balanced casserole—not too sweet, not too bland, with a crunchy pecan topping that's simply irresistible. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 6-8 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
For the Sweet Potato Filling:
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:
- Boil or Roast: You can either boil the cubed sweet potatoes until tender (about 15-20 minutes) or roast them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 30-40 minutes, until easily pierced with a fork. Roasting adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Drain and Mash: Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes well and mash them thoroughly. A potato masher works well, or you can use an electric mixer for a smoother consistency.
Assembling the Casserole:
- Combine Sweet Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the melted butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Make the Pecan Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, pecans, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly.
- Layer and Bake: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm as a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream elevates the casserole to the next level.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole Success:
- Don't over-mash: A slightly chunky texture is preferable to a completely smooth one.
- Adjust sweetness to your taste: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
- Get creative with toppings: Try adding other nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
This sweet potato casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy! Remember to share your creations and tag us in your photos on social media! Happy baking!
