This classic homemade sweet potato casserole is a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or any family gathering. It’s creamy and rich, with a deliciously sweet flavor and topped with a crunchy, buttery streusel. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a wonderful balance of sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Mixture:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, beaten
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture:
- To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the milk, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until fully combined.
- Add the beaten eggs and mix until the egg is fully incorporated into the sweet potato mixture.
- Make the Streusel Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, chopped pecans or walnuts (if using), flour, cinnamon, and ginger (optional).
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s perfect as a side dish to any holiday meal!
Tips and Variations
- For a Lighter Version: Use less sugar and opt for a lighter milk (such as almond or skim milk) to reduce the richness while keeping the flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, bring it to room temperature before baking, or add an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and milk, and replace the eggs with a flax egg or another egg substitute.
- Marshmallow Topping: If you prefer the classic marshmallow topping, add a layer of mini marshmallows on top during the last 5 minutes of baking, allowing them to melt and brown slightly.
This homemade sweet potato casserole with its creamy texture and crunchy streusel topping is sure to be a family favorite at your next meal! Enjoy!
