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Classic Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Pecan Topping

A close-up of a thick slice of bright orange southern sweet potato casserole topped with a crunchy pecan streusel.
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Make this comforting Southern Sweet Potato Casserole, featuring a velvety sweet potato filling and a buttery, crunchy pecan streusel topping. This is a perfect, make-ahead side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
  2. Place the sweet potato chunks in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are very tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes well.
  3. Return the drained sweet potatoes to the pot. Add 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Pour the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  6. Prepare the pecan streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup chopped pecans, 1/2 cup brown sugar, flour, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Mix with a fork until the mixture is crumbly.
  7. Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping evenly over the sweet potato filling.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
  9. Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. This dish is excellent made ahead and reheated.

Notes

  • For an easier prep, you can boil the sweet potatoes ahead of time or use canned sweet potatoes, drained well.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute the milk with heavy cream.
  • This casserole freezes well before baking; cover tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/southern-sweet-potato-casserole/