Looking for a timeless side dish that’s both comforting and delicious? This Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole is the answer! A staple at holiday gatherings and family dinners, this recipe delivers classic flavors and a creamy texture that everyone will love.
What is Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole?
Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved Southern side dish traditionally featuring a base of mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy, often pecan-based, streusel. It’s known for its sweet and savory flavor profile, its creamy interior contrasted by the satisfying crunch of the topping. The recipe’s origins are rooted in resourcefulness, using readily available ingredients to create a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish.
While many variations exist, the core elements of sweet potatoes and a sweet, nutty topping remain constant. It’s a dish that evokes nostalgia, often associated with cherished family traditions and festive celebrations. This casserole elevates the humble sweet potato into a culinary masterpiece, perfect for bringing a touch of sweetness to any savory meal. So, are you ready to create a dish that will become a family favorite? Give this Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole a try!
Key Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole:
- Sweet Potatoes: 3 pounds, peeled, boiled (or baked until soft), and mashed. The key to a good casserole is perfectly cooked sweet potatoes. Avoid overcooking, which can make them watery.
- Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the casserole.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup. Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the sweet potatoes.
- Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten. Bind the ingredients together and create a creamy texture.
- Milk: 1/4 cup. Adds moisture and richness to the casserole.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the sweet potato flavor.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds warmth and a touch of spice. Optional ¼ tsp nutmeg can also be used
Topping:
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup. Provides structure to the topping.
- Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed. Adds sweetness and a molasses flavor that complements the sweet potatoes.
- Pecans: 1/2 cup, chopped. Adds crunch and a nutty flavor. You can substitute with walnuts if preferred.
- Butter: 1/4 cup (1/2 stick), cold and cubed. Cold butter creates a crumbly topping.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole:
This Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole is deceptively easy to make, despite its impressive taste and heartwarming presentation.
It’s a comforting dish offering a perfect blend of creamy sweetness and a crunchy pecan topping. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes (plus one hour of cooking), you can enjoy this time-honored recipe with minimal effort. Its simple steps make it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks.
● Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large pot, boil the sweet potatoes until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on size. Alternatively, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about an hour, or until soft to the touch. Once cooked, drain (if boiled) and let cool slightly. Peel the sweet potatoes and mash them until smooth. Use a potato masher or an electric mixer for a smoother consistency.
Combine Sweet Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, granulated sugar, beaten eggs, milk, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no large lumps of sweet potato remaining.
Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The mixture should be evenly distributed with small pieces of butter throughout. Avoid over-mixing to maintain the crumbly texture.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Ensure that the entire surface is covered with the topping for a consistent crunch.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sweet potato mixture is bubbling around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set up a bit. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish.
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole:
This Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a heartwarming experience. The main highlight is the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, a delightful combination that tantalizes your taste buds. Making it at home is incredibly cost-effective, allowing you to serve a large, delicious portion without breaking the bank compared to purchasing a similar dish pre-made. The flavorful topping of pecans, brown sugar, and butter creates a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sweet potato base.
While similar to a Sweet Potato Pie, this casserole offers a less dense and more versatile profile, making it an ideal side rather than a dessert. Both recipes offer the comforting taste of sweet potatoes, but the casserole’s pecan topping and creamy texture set it apart. Ready to create a dish that will impress your family and friends? Try this Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole today and experience the joy of homemade goodness!
Top Tips for Perfecting Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole:
- Don’t Overcook the Sweet Potatoes: Overcooked sweet potatoes can become watery and affect the texture of the casserole. Cook them until they are just tender enough to mash easily.
- Toast the Pecans: For an even more intense nutty flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant before chopping and adding to the topping. Be careful not to burn them.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients like eggs and milk helps them incorporate more easily and creates a smoother mixture.
- Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of sugar in both the sweet potato mixture and the topping. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
- Substitute the Topping: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can substitute them with walnuts, or even a streusel topping made with oats and brown sugar.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few minutes to the baking time to ensure it warms through completely.
Health Benefits of Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole:
While perceived as a decadent dessert, Sweet Potato Casserole offers several health benefits worth noting. Sweet potatoes themselves are nutritional powerhouses, packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber. Vitamin A is crucial for vision, immune function, and cell growth, while Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, protecting your body against damage from free radicals. The fiber content aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. Pecans, abundant in the topping, contribute healthy fats, antioxidants, and protein. These healthy fats can help lower bad cholesterol levels when consumed in moderation. It’s worth noting that portion control plays a crucial role in reaping these benefits, as the added sugars and fats in a Sweet Potato Casserole should be balanced with a well-rounded diet.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing:
- Refrigerate: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the casserole for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. If you anticipate freezing it, consider baking the casserole in a freezer-safe dish.
Reheating:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes to crisp up the topping.
- Microwave: Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Air Fryer Place the casserole in the air fryer and reheating by using 350 Degrees for 10 to 15 minutes.
Final Thoughts:
This Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole is a timeless recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its delicious combination of creamy sweet potatoes, crunchy pecan topping, and comforting spices makes it a perfect addition to any holiday meal or special occasion. Embrace the simplicity and warmth of this classic dish, and enjoy the smiles it brings to your table. You could try it out!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest