Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Boil in water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain well and mash until smooth.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until creamy and uniform.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and melted butter until crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans if using. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato layer.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. Serve warm.
Variation
- Marshmallow Topping: Instead of pecans, top with mini marshmallows and broil for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned.
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle warm maple syrup over the baked casserole for extra sweetness.
- Savory Version: Reduce sugar in the filling and add a pinch of black pepper or rosemary for a savory twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour for the topping to make it gluten-free.
COOKING NOTE
For extra creamy sweet potatoes, mash while still warm. Avoid overmixing once eggs are added, as it can make the casserole dense. Toasting pecans lightly before adding to the topping enhances their flavor and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a side with roasted turkey, baked ham, or grilled chicken.
- Pair with a fresh green salad or cranberry sauce for a festive meal.
- Great for holiday potlucks — it can be baked ahead and reheated gently.
Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Bake before serving.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust sugar according to your taste and the natural sweetness of your sweet potatoes.
- Topping Crunch: For extra crunch, add a few extra tablespoons of butter to the topping.
- Even Cooking: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform cubes for faster and even boiling.
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