Introduction
Dive into cozy, comfort-food heaven with this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole! Perfect for sharing with friends and family, it’s sweet, crunchy, and oh-so delicious. Get ready to wow with every bite!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- For the Sweet Potato Mash:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Crunchy Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Preparation Time
- Prep Time 15 minutes
- Cook Time 30-40 minutes
- Total Time 45-55 minutes
- Yield 8 servings
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, salt, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and pour into the prepared baking dish.
3. For the topping, mix together flour, brown sugar, pecans, and softened butter. Crumble over the sweet potato mixture in an even layer.
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the topping is lightly browned and the casserole is heated through. Let it cool slightly before serving to ensure all those flavors meld together perfectly!
Nutritional Information
Want to keep it light? Each delicious serving is approximately:
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Mash
In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of mashed sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and pour it into the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, and 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter. Crumble this mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer in the baking dish.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and the casserole is heated through. Allow it to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld together perfectly.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This sweet potato casserole makes an excellent side dish for holiday gatherings or family dinners.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Customization Options
Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar based on your preference. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans or use coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Cook Techniques
Preparing Sweet Potatoes
To achieve a creamy base for your casserole, ensure the sweet potatoes are thoroughly cooked. You can boil or roast them until they are tender enough to mash easily.
Mixing Ingredients
When combining the sweet potato mash ingredients, mix until just smooth to prevent overmixing, which can result in a denser texture.
Creating the Topping
For the crunchy topping, mix the dry ingredients first before incorporating the softened butter, ensuring even distribution. Use your fingers to crumble the mixture over the sweet potato layer.
Baking
Bake in a preheated oven, keeping an eye on the topping to avoid burning. The casserole is done when the topping turns lightly golden and the mixture is heated through.
Cooling
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This helps the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.
FAQ
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mix and topping separately and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Can I substitute the pecans?
Absolutely! You can use walnuts, almonds, or even make the topping nut-free by omitting nuts entirely.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, substitute eggs with a flax egg and replace milk with a non-dairy alternative. Also, use vegan butter in place of regular butter.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Can I freeze sweet potato casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Conclusion
