Description
This Classic Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and sweet side dish perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday dinners. It features smooth mashed sweet potatoes blended with warm spices and a creamy mixture, topped with a crunchy pecan streusel for a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato Filling
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (57g)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup whole milk (113g)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt (divided)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
Streusel Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (71g)
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans (113g)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (85g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Place in a large pot and cover with cold water by an inch. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Mash until smooth.
- Craft Sweet Potato Filling: To the mashed sweet potatoes, add melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, whole milk, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, half of the salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and optional ground ginger. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, melted butter, and the remaining salt. Mix with a fork or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the sweet potato filling evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the surface. Bake for 25-35 minutes until the filling is set and streusel is golden brown and crunchy. If the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven carefully and let rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes to allow the filling to firm up. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure sweet potatoes are fully cooked and mashed smoothly for the best texture.
- If the streusel browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Optional ground ginger adds a subtle warm spice but can be omitted to suit preferences.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it hold its shape better.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead; cover and refrigerate before baking, then bake fresh when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: sweet potato casserole, holiday side dish, pecan streusel, baked sweet potatoes, classic casserole
