Southern Style Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
A classic southern side dish featuring baked mashed sweet potatoes sweetened with brown sugar and vanilla, topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar crumble. Perfect for holiday dinners or any comforting meal.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Sweet Potato Mixture
- Pecan Topping
Let’s make it
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Sweet Potato Mixture
Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes, until easily pierced with a fork. Drain well.
Pecan Topping
While sweet potatoes cook, prepare the pecan topping by combining chopped pecans, 100 grams brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and 55 grams softened butter in a bowl. Mix until crumbly and set aside.
Sweet Potato Mixture
Mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl until smooth. Add the remaining 50 grams brown sugar, 60 milliliters milk, 60 grams melted butter (reserve 55 grams for topping), vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well combined and creamy.
Transfer the sweet potato mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Evenly sprinkle the pecan topping over the mashed sweet potatoes.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and sweet potatoes are heated through. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture. Use fresh pecans for the best crunch in the topping. Prepare the sweet potatoes one day ahead and refrigerate to save time. Bring to room temperature before baking.
Saving it for later
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Reheating
Reheat in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 15-20 minutes until hot and the topping regains its crispiness. Cover loosely with foil if topping browns too quickly. Alternatively, microwave individual servings until heated evenly.
