Southern Sweet Potato Casserole – Healthy Recipes

Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with a Crunchy Pecan Topping

A freshly baked sweet potato casserole with a pecan topping in a baking dish.

A beloved staple of holiday feasts and family gatherings, this Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It features a luxuriously smooth and creamy sweet potato filling, perfectly spiced with a hint of vanilla, and crowned with a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, making it an unforgettable side dish that might just steal the show from the main course.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is broken down into two simple parts: the creamy casserole base and the irresistible pecan topping.

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

  • 3 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed (about 3-4 medium potatoes)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Crunchy Pecan Topping:

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by boiling the sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender. Once cooked, allow them to cool slightly, then peel the skins and mash them in a large bowl until smooth. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix the Filling: To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the granulated sugar, softened butter, beaten eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix with a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is creamy and smooth.
  3. Assemble the Casserole Base: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a 13×9 inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  4. Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, light brown sugar, and flour. Pour the melted butter over the top and stir with a fork until the mixture is crumbly and all the dry ingredients are moistened.
  5. Add Topping and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potato layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes serving easier. Enjoy warm!

Whether for Thanksgiving, a potluck, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this sweet potato casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato filling and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Prepare the topping separately and store it in a sealed bag or container at room temperature. When ready to bake, simply assemble the casserole and bake as directed, possibly adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
2. How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
3. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes (yams) in a pinch. Be sure to drain them very well and mash them. Since many canned varieties are packed in syrup, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the filling to avoid it becoming overly sweet. Taste the mixture before adding all the sugar.
4. What is a good substitute for pecans if I have a nut allergy?
For a delicious nut-free topping, you can create an oat streusel. Simply replace the 1 cup of pecans with 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats. Mix with the brown sugar, flour, and melted butter, and add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
5. Is this dish considered a side dish or a dessert?
That’s the beauty of it—it can be both! In the United States, it’s traditionally served as a sweet and savory side dish during holiday meals like Thanksgiving. However, its sweet, soufflé-like texture and candy-like topping make it equally suitable as a rustic dessert.