Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish to prevent sticking.
Mash the sweet potatoes: In a large bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes until they’re smooth and creamy.
Combine the ingredients: Stir in the granulated sugar, beaten eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is well combined.
Pour the mixture: Transfer the sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Prepare the cream cheese layer (optional): In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and a bit of vanilla until smooth. Spoon this mixture over the sweet potatoes, gently swirling it for a marbled effect.
Make the streusel topping: In another bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Stir until you achieve a crumbly texture.
Add the topping: Evenly sprinkle the pecan streusel over the sweet potato mixture.
Bake it: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm, ideally with family and friends!

Best ways to enjoy it

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole can be served in many delightful ways! Pair it with savory dishes like roasted turkey, baked ham, or even fried chicken for a soul-comforting meal. It also makes a fantastic brunch side alongside eggs and biscuits. Don’t forget to top it with a drizzle of maple syrup or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist!

How to store

To keep your leftovers fresh, store any remaining sweet potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be refrigerated for up to 3–5 days. If you want to save it for longer, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping and storing. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed throughout—ensure it’s heated to at least 165°F for safe consumption.

Helpful cooking tips

Sweet potato prep: To make it even easier, you can microwave your sweet potatoes until tender for a faster prep time.
Cream cheese notes: If you’re aiming for a lighter version, you can skip the cream cheese entirely or replace it with Greek yogurt for extra protein.
Topping variations: Feel free to swap out pecans for other nuts, like walnuts, or even add some shredded coconut for a tropical twist!

Creative twists

The beauty of this casserole is in its versatility! You can easily play with flavors by adding spices like nutmeg or ginger to the sweet potato mixture. For a non-traditional top, consider a crumb topping with oats or adding marshmallows before baking for that classic marshmallow topping. Vegan guests? Replace eggs with flaxseed meal and use almond milk instead of regular milk. The options are endless!

Common questions

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the topping turns golden brown and crisp, typically after 30–35 minutes in the oven. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator unbaked. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftovers by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Cover it with foil to prevent the top from over-browning if needed.

Now that you have all the details, head to the kitchen and enjoy crafting this delightful Southern Sweet Potato Casserole—it’s sure to become a favorite in your home, just like it has in mine!