Sweet Potato Casserole: A Comforting Delight
Introduction
There's something incredibly comforting about a warm, homemade sweet potato casserole. This classic dish, often gracing holiday tables, combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery topping. It's a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that makes it a favorite among many. Whether you're making it for a festive gathering or simply craving a taste of home, this sweet potato casserole recipe is sure to satisfy. Let's dive into this delightful dish and discover how to make it step by step.
Preparation Time
Preparing this delicious sweet potato casserole doesn't take too long, making it perfect for both special occasions and regular dinners. The preparation time is approximately 20 minutes. This includes peeling and cutting the sweet potatoes, mixing the ingredients, and getting everything ready for baking. If you're new to cooking or just want to take your time, you might spend a bit more time prepping, but once you get the hang of it, you'll find it quite straightforward.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
To create this delightful sweet potato casserole, you will need the following main ingredients:
- 4 cups of mashed sweet potatoes (about 4-5 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/3 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
Topping Ingredients
For the delectable topping, you will need:
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup of chopped pecans
Instructions
Making this sweet potato casserole is a simple process that involves a few key steps. Here's how you can make it: 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. 2. In a large pot, add the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes. Cover them with water and bring to a boil. Cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. 3. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, beaten eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined. 4. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. 5. In a separate bowl, prepare the topping by combining the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. 7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. 8. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
This sweet potato casserole is not only delicious but also provides some nutritional benefits. Here's the approximate nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 310
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 24g
Recipe Yield
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings. It's perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering. If you're hosting a larger event, you can easily double the recipe to accommodate more guests. The casserole is quite filling, and a little goes a long way, especially if you're serving it alongside other dishes.
Total Time
From start to finish, making this sweet potato casserole will take about 1 hour. This includes the preparation time of 20 minutes and the baking time of 30-35 minutes. It's a relatively quick and easy dish to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sweet potato casserole is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Its combination of creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy, sweet topping makes it a favorite for many. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow and sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic casserole.
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