Description
This Southern Sweet Potato Casserole features a creamy, smooth filling made with canned sweet potatoes, enriched with butter, milk, sugar, and eggs, all topped with a crunchy brown sugar pecan streusel. Perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 29 ounce can sweet potatoes, drained
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup milk
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, beaten
For the topping:
- 5 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, mash the drained sweet potatoes thoroughly. Stir in the melted butter, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and beaten eggs. Mix everything well until fully combined and smooth.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a 2-quart (8-inch square) baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and chopped pecans. Use a fork or your fingers to blend these ingredients into small crumbly pieces.
- Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, until the topping becomes golden brown and crisp.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This resting time helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- Using canned sweet potatoes saves time but be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
- Allowing the casserole to cool before serving ensures it sets properly and slices cleanly.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free option.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or even half-and-half instead of regular milk.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.