Classic Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Classic Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved dish that brings the comforting flavors of the South to your holiday table. Rich, creamy sweet potatoes are lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a buttery pecan streusel, and baked to golden perfection. This casserole is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion when you want to impress family and friends with a sweet and indulgent side dish. Its balance of smooth, creamy filling and crunchy, nutty topping makes it a timeless favorite.

The appeal of this casserole lies in its combination of textures and flavors. The sweet potato base is velvety and naturally sweet, enhanced by brown sugar, butter, and a hint of warm spices. The pecan topping adds a satisfying crunch and rich, nutty flavor, creating a delightful contrast with the creamy filling. This dish can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy holiday kitchens while still delivering bakery-quality flavor.

In this article, we’ll guide you step by step to create Classic Southern Sweet Potato Casserole, including tips for perfectly creamy sweet potatoes, achieving a crunchy pecan topping, variations to suit your taste, serving suggestions, and answers to common questions to ensure your casserole is a hit every time.

Ingredients

For the sweet potato filling:
▢ 4 cups (960 g) cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large potatoes)
▢ 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
▢ 1/2 cup (120 ml) evaporated milk or whole milk
▢ 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
▢ 1/2 cup (110 g) light brown sugar, packed
▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
▢ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
▢ 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
▢ 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the pecan topping:
▢ 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
▢ 1/2 cup (110 g) light brown sugar, packed
▢ 1/4 cup (55 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
▢ 1 cup (115 g) chopped pecans

Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and mashed sweet potatoes with melted butter, evaporated milk, beaten eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Transfer the sweet potato mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. In a separate bowl, prepare the pecan topping by combining all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cold cubed butter, and chopped pecans. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato filling.

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is heated through. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set. This will ensure clean, easy servings and a perfect texture.

Tips for Perfect Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Use starchy, sweet potatoes such as Garnet or Jewel for the creamiest texture. Avoid overmixing the filling to prevent it from becoming too dense. Use cold butter in the topping to create a crumbly, crisp texture. Toast pecans lightly before adding to the topping for a deeper, richer flavor. Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.

Variations

Add a touch of orange zest to the sweet potato filling for a subtle citrus flavor. Substitute half of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a richer, more complex sweetness. Mix in a handful of shredded coconut to the topping for extra texture and flavor. For a mini-version, bake in individual ramekins for personal servings. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top before serving for extra indulgence.

Serving Ideas

Serve Classic Southern Sweet Potato Casserole as a side dish for Thanksgiving turkey, glazed ham, roasted chicken, or other holiday mains. Garnish with extra toasted pecans for added visual appeal and crunch. Pair with a fresh green salad to balance the richness. This casserole can also be made a day ahead and reheated before serving, making it perfect for holiday meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be used, but fresh sweet potatoes offer a creamier texture and more natural flavor.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, assemble and freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake before serving.

How can I make the topping extra crunchy?
Use cold butter and lightly toast the pecans before mixing with the topping ingredients.

Can I make it vegan?
Yes, substitute butter with plant-based margarine, milk with a plant-based milk, and eggs with a suitable vegan egg replacement.

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Classic Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a timeless holiday dish that blends creamy, spiced sweet potatoes with a buttery, crunchy pecan topping. Its balance of textures and flavors makes it a favorite for family gatherings, special occasions, and festive dinners, ensuring it will remain a staple on your holiday table for years to come.