A Holiday Tradition Begins
My Favorite is Sweet Potato Delight Casserole and The first time I made Sweet Potato Delight Casserole, it was purely by accident. I was hosting my very first Thanksgiving dinner, and I wanted everything to be perfect. My family had always loved sweet potatoes, so I thought, why not turn them into something extra special? I gathered all the ingredients, hoping to create a side dish that would leave everyone talking. Little did I know, this casserole would become a staple at every holiday gathering.
The Secret to Perfection
As I peeled and cubed the sweet potatoes, I felt a sense of calm. Cooking has always been my way of expressing love, and I wanted this dish to reflect that. When the sweet potatoes were perfectly tender, I mixed them with sugar, butter, and vanilla, giving them a rich, creamy texture. The secret, though, was in the pecan topping. I wanted a crunchy contrast to the smooth sweet potato base, so I mixed together brown sugar, flour, butter, and pecans. When the topping turned golden brown in the oven, I knew I had something special.
Family and Festivities
The real magic happened when I placed the casserole on the dinner table. The sweet, nutty aroma filled the room, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. My family’s reactions were priceless; they loved the blend of flavors and textures. The sweet potatoes were creamy and comforting, while the pecan topping added the perfect crunch. It wasn’t just a side dish; it became the star of the meal. From that day on, Sweet Potato Delight Casserole wasn’t just something I made for Thanksgiving—it became a part of our family’s holiday traditions.
A Recipe to Pass Down
Every year, as the holidays approach, my family starts asking about the Sweet Potato Delight Casserole. It’s a dish that brings us together, reminding us of all the wonderful meals we’ve shared. I’ve even started passing the recipe down to the next generation, teaching them how to make it just the way I did that first Thanksgiving. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a piece of our family history, a tradition I hope will continue for many years to come.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Sweet Potato Delight Casserole
- Ensure the sweet potatoes are fully cooked before mashing to achieve a creamy consistency. You can also use a food processor for an even smoother texture.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the sweet potato mixture based on your preference. If your sweet potatoes are naturally very sweet, you may reduce the sugar slightly.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the baking dish to ensure it cooks uniformly. This also helps the topping bake evenly without any soggy spots.
- For a more textured topping, consider adding rolled oats or crushed graham crackers to the pecan mixture.
- Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking step a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and bake it just before serving. This will save you time on the day of your event.
- If reheating leftovers, cover the casserole with foil to prevent the topping from burning while the filling warms up.
Sweet Potato Delight Casserole
4
servings20
minutes30
minutes226
kcal10
minutes1
hourThis Sweet Potato Delight Casserole is a must-try for your holiday gatherings! With a creamy sweet potato base and a crunchy pecan topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas, this dish combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the richness of butter and the crunch of pecans. It’s easy to make and sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- Sweet Potato Mixture
4 cups cubed sweet potatoes
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp sea salt
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pecan Topping
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Directions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Cook over medium-high heat until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, beaten eggs, sea salt, softened butter, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well-blended and smooth.
- Prepare Topping: In another bowl, mix together the light brown sugar and all-purpose flour. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before serving to let it set.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- baking sheet
- casserole dish
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 226kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30.1g
- Protein: 2.9g
- Fat: 11.1g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 187mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 18g
- Vitamin A: 200IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 6mg
- Iron: 4mg
FAQ- Sweet Potato Delight Casserole
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes, but make sure to drain them well before mashing to avoid a watery casserole. Fresh sweet potatoes are preferred for the best texture and flavor.
How can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and replace whole milk with almond or oat milk. These swaps will maintain the creamy texture without dairy.
What if I don’t have pecans?
You can replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
Can I freeze the Sweet Potato Delight Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it after baking. Allow it to cool completely, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 325°F until hot and bubbly.
