Origin:
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a traditional dish originating from the southern United States, where sweet potatoes are abundant and often incorporated into classic recipes.
Region:
This dish is particularly popular in the Southern region of the United States, where sweet potatoes are a staple ingredient in many traditional Southern recipes.
Introduction:
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved side dish often served during holiday gatherings, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. It features creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a buttery pecan and brown sugar streusel, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3-4 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Optional Toppings:
- Mini marshmallows
- Additional chopped pecans
Tips:
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Boil or roast the sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender before mashing them.
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture.
- Toast the pecans before adding them to the streusel for a deeper flavor.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, beaten eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans to make the streusel topping. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown and the sweet potatoes are heated through.
- If desired, top the casserole with mini marshmallows during the last 5-10 minutes of baking until they are lightly toasted.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Description:
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that embodies the warmth and hospitality of Southern cooking. It’s a perfect combination of creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan streusel, making it a favorite side dish for holiday feasts and family gatherings.
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes. The values provided here are approximate.)
- Calories: 300 per serving
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 90mg
Conclusion and Recommendation:
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a must-have dish for any Southern-style feast or holiday celebration. Its rich and indulgent flavors, combined with the comforting texture of mashed sweet potatoes and crunchy streusel topping, make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether served as a side dish or a dessert, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite for years to come.