Introduction
Sweet Potato Casserole Heaven is here to make your taste buds dance with joy! A perfect blend of sweetness and comfort, this dish is a must-try for your next gathering. Each bite promises to bring warmth and satisfaction, making it an essential addition to your holiday table or family feast. Get ready for a sweet experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- For the Sweet Potato Filling:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup milk
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup softened butter
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). It’s going to get deliciously warm in there!
2. In a joyful mix, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, melted butter, beaten eggs, vanilla, and milk. Stir it up until smooth and creamy.
3. Spread this invitingly sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Time for the crunchy goodness! In a separate bowl, blend together brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and pecans. Crumble this delightful mix over your sweet potato filling.
5. Pop this masterpiece into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Watch as it turns golden brown and irresistible!
6. Let it cool slightly, then serve up slices of pure sweet potato bliss!
Nutritional Information
Serving up a slice of happiness is about 315 calories, with a sweet balance of carbs and fats to keep you satisfied!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This will create the perfect warm environment for your casserole.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of mashed sweet potatoes with 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of melted butter, 2 beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/3 cup of milk. Stir this mixture until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure it’s well-distributed for even cooking.
Step 4: Make the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of softened butter, and 1 cup of chopped pecans until crumbly. This will create a delightful crunchy topping.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Crumble the topping mixture evenly over the sweet potato filling in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it turns golden brown and becomes irresistible!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Slice it into portions and enjoy slices of pure sweet potato bliss!
Notes
Serving Size
Each serving contains approximately 315 calories, offering a sweet balance of carbohydrates and fats.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or as a side dish for holiday meals.
Cook techniques
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
To achieve a creamy texture, steam or boil the sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them with a fork or potato masher. For an ultra-smooth consistency, you can use a food processor.
Combining Ingredients
When mixing the sweet potato filling, ensure that the ingredients are well incorporated. Use a whisk for the eggs and milk to achieve a uniform mixture before folding them into the mashed sweet potatoes.
Crumbling Topping
For the topping, ensure that the butter is softened at room temperature for easy blending. Crumble the mixture over the sweet potato filling to create an even layer of crunchy goodness.
Baking Techniques
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end of the baking time for that perfect golden brown color.
Cooling Before Serving
Allow the casserole to cool slightly after baking. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to cut into neat slices for serving.
FAQ
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Just drain and mash them before mixing with the other ingredients, but ensure to reduce any additional sugar if the canned variety is sweetened.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato filling and topping separately, store them in the refrigerator, and then assemble and bake just before serving.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour in the topping with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you’re looking for alternatives, walnuts or almonds make great substitutes for pecans, or you could simply omit nuts for a nut-free version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or bake in the oven until warmed through.