Packed with the flavors of fall, this southern sweet potato pecan casserole is the perfect addition to your holiday spread. With a creamy sweet potato base and a crunchy pecan topping, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make. So let's dive into the steps to create this delectable dish.
To start, you'll need 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed. Sweet potatoes are a staple in southern cuisine and are a great source of vitamins and minerals, making this casserole not only delicious but also nutritious.
Milk and Butter
Next, you'll need 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of butter. These two ingredients will give the casserole a creamy and rich texture. For an extra indulgent touch, use whole milk and unsalted butter.
Sugar and Spices
To add sweetness and warmth to the dish, you'll need 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. These spices are essential in creating that classic fall flavor in the casserole.
Pecans
Last but not least, you'll need 1 cup of chopped pecans for the crunchy topping. Pecans are a quintessential southern nut and add a delicious nutty flavor to the casserole.
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Cook the sweet potatoes
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the cubed sweet potatoes. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
Step 3: Mash the sweet potatoes
Once the sweet potatoes have cooled down, mash them in a large mixing bowl. Add in the milk, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Prepare the pecan topping
In a separate bowl, mix the chopped pecans with 1/4 cup of brown sugar.
Step 5: Assemble the casserole
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the pecan mixture, covering the entire surface.
Step 6: Bake and serve
Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the pecans are golden brown and the casserole is heated through. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Final Thoughts:
This southern sweet potato pecan casserole is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion. Whether you're serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead and give it a try, and watch as this casserole becomes a new holiday tradition in your household.
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