Can I use canned sweet potatoes or yams?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes work in a pinch. Drain them very well before using to avoid excess liquid. Reduce the sugar by 2 to 3 tablespoons since canned varieties often contain added sweeteners. Fresh sweet potatoes deliver better flavor and texture, but canned sweet potatoes casserole can save time during busy holidays.

What kind of sweet potatoes are best for casserole?

Orange-fleshed varieties like Jewel or Garnet sweet potatoes work perfectly. These types offer natural sweetness and smooth texture when mashed. They hold up well during baking and create the ideal creamy consistency. Avoid white-fleshed sweet potatoes, which lack the signature flavor.

Is sweet potato casserole a side dish or dessert?

Traditionally, Southern Sweet Potato Casserole serves as a side dish at holiday meals. The sweet flavor often confuses guests who expect it alongside desserts. Most Southern families place it on the dinner table with turkey and dressing. Some versions taste sweet enough to double as dessert, but this sweet potato casserole side dish or dessert debate depends on personal tradition.

How do I prevent my casserole from being watery?

Drain cooked sweet potatoes thoroughly and let them sit in the colander for several minutes. Avoid over-mashing, which releases extra moisture. Let boiled potatoes cool slightly before mashing to allow steam to escape. Baking sweet potatoes instead of boiling them reduces water content naturally.

Can I make this without eggs?

Yes, several substitutes work for sweet potato casserole without eggs. Replace each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or one flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Commercial egg replacers also work well. The texture might be slightly less fluffy but still delicious.

What's the difference between a sweet potato casserole and a souffle?

A sweet potato souffle uses a blender or mixer to create an extra smooth, light texture. Casseroles typically feature hand-mashed potatoes with a chunkier consistency. Souffles often include whipped ingredients for added airiness. Both dishes taste similar, but souffles feel lighter and fluffier.

How long does sweet potato casserole last?

Properly stored sweet potato casserole stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Keep it in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap. Frozen casserole lasts up to 3 months when wrapped well.

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole (Easy Recipe!)

Name: Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 3 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup whole milk; 1/3 cup butter, melted; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup pecans, chopped

Description

This classic Southern Sweet Potato Casserole features creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a buttery brown sugar pecan crumble. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting Sunday dinner, sweet, slightly savory, and utterly comforting.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sweet Potato Base:

3 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup whole milk

For the Pecan Crumble Topping:

1/3 cup butter, melted
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Make the Sweet Potato Base: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, softened butter, beaten eggs, vanilla, and milk. Beat with a hand mixer or stir vigorously until smooth and creamy.
Transfer to Dish: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Prepare the Pecan Crumble: In a medium bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and is evenly moistened.
Top & Bake: Sprinkle the pecan crumble evenly over the sweet potato layer. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the edges are bubbly.
Rest & Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set, then serve warm.

Notes

Use oven-roasted whole sweet potatoes (baked at 400°F for 45-60 minutes) for the best texture and flavor. Reduce the granulated sugar to 1/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet base. Toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes to deepen their flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Vegetarian Casseroles
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8 casserole)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, southern sweet potato casserole, pecan crumble sweet potatoes