Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Topping Recipe

 Sweet potato casserole is a beloved holiday side dish, especially popular during Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are baked with a buttery, crunchy brown sugar–pecan topping that balances sweetness with a hint of nuttiness. It’s comfort food at its finest, often served alongside roasted turkey, ham, or festive main dishes.

1. Ingredients (serves 8):
For the sweet potato base:

  1. 4 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 kg / 3 lbs), peeled and cubed

  2. ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  3. ½ cup brown sugar, packed

  4. 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

  5. ½ cup milk (whole or evaporated milk for creaminess)

  6. 1 tsp vanilla extract

  7. ½ tsp ground cinnamon

  8. ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

  9. ¼ tsp salt

For the brown sugar topping:
10. ½ cup all-purpose flour
11. ½ cup brown sugar, packed
12. ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
13. ½ cup chopped pecans

2. Cooking and Serving Details:

  1. Servings: 8

  2. Preparation time: 25 minutes

  3. Cooking time: 35–40 minutes

  4. Total time: 1 hour – 1 hour 10 minutes

3. Method:

  1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Place peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain well. Tip: Drain thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole.

  2. Mash and Mix Base: Transfer hot sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Mash until smooth, then stir in melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until fully combined and creamy. Tip: For an extra silky texture, use a hand mixer.

  3. Prepare Topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, softened butter, and pecans. Mix with a fork until crumbly. Tip: Toast the pecans before adding for deeper flavor.

  4. Assemble Casserole: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the brown sugar–pecan topping evenly over the surface.

  5. Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp. Tip: Keep an eye on the topping during the last 10 minutes to prevent overbrowning.

  6. Cool and Serve: Allow casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps the topping set and makes it easier to slice.

4. Serving Suggestions:

  1. Serve warm as a side dish for Thanksgiving turkey or holiday ham.

  2. Pair with roasted vegetables or green bean casserole for a complete festive spread.

  3. Add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on leftovers for a dessert-like treat.

5. Extra Tips:

  1. For a sweeter version, add mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

  2. Substitute coconut milk for dairy milk to make it dairy-free.

  3. Prepare ahead: Assemble casserole (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

  4. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.

6. Nutrition per serving (1 of 8):

  1. Calories: ~310 kcal

  2. Protein: 4 g

  3. Carbohydrates: 45 g

  4. Fat: 14 g

  5. Fiber: 4 g

  6. Sugar: 24 g

  7. Sodium: 160 mg

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