Description
Easy Sweet Potato Casserole features tender sweet potatoes, warm spices, and a crunchy pecan topping. A simple, comforting dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- Sweet Potato Base:
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for base)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for base)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt (for base)
- Crunchy Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (for topping)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
- Tiny pinch of salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Prep Your Spuds:: First things first, get those sweet potatoes peeled and chopped into about 1-inch cubes. You want them pretty uniform so they cook evenly. I usually just go for it with a vegetable peeler, sometimes getting little bits of skin everywhere – oops! Pop them into a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water; this is where I always forget, but it really helps season the potatoes from the inside out. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until they’re fork-tender, usually about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they practically melt when you poke them. Drain ’em well!
- Mash and Mix the Base:: Once drained, transfer those soft sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Now for the fun part: mashing! I usually go for a potato masher, but a fork works too if you’re feeling old-school. Add your melted butter, brown sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste it! This is your chance to adjust. Need a little more spice? Go for it! I often add another dash of cinnamon because I just love that warm smell filling the kitchen. Don’t overmix, though; we want it fluffy, not gluey. This makes for a wonderful Easy Sweet Potato Casserole base.
- Make the Crunchy Topping:: In a separate, smaller bowl, let’s get that glorious pecan topping ready. Combine your chopped pecans, the remaining brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and a tiny pinch of salt. Then, drizzle in the melted butter. Use your fingers (yes, get in there!) to mix it until it forms a crumbly, sandy texture. This is crucial for that satisfying crunch! I remember once I just dumped everything in and it turned into a paste – not ideal. You want distinct crumbles here, hon. This topping is what elevates an ordinary sweet potato dish to an Easy Sweet Potato Casserole masterpiece.
- Assemble Your Casserole:: Now, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. If you’re like me, you’ve probably got a few lurking in the back of your cupboard. Lightly grease it – a little butter or cooking spray works. Spoon your mashed sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula. Then, sprinkle that amazing pecan topping all over. Be generous! Make sure you get good coverage so every bite has that delightful crunch. It’s starting to look like a real feast now, right? This step is where your Easy Sweet Potato Casserole really comes together.
- Bake Until Bubbly:: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pop your casserole into the hot oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the sweet potato base to be heated through and the topping to be golden brown and slightly bubbly around the edges. Keep an eye on it, especially that topping, as pecans can brown quickly. I once got distracted by a phone call and nearly torched the top – oops! A little golden is good, charcoal is not. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible, honest.
- Cool and Serve:: Once it’s beautifully baked, pull that gorgeous Easy Sweet Potato Casserole out of the oven. Let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This cooling time lets everything set up a bit, making it easier to scoop and preventing burnt tongues! It will smell like pure heaven, I promise. Garnish with a little extra sprinkle of cinnamon or a few whole pecans if you’re feeling fancy. Then, dig in and enjoy that warm, sweet, crunchy goodness you just created!