Heavenly Sweet Potato Casserole – A Delicious Holiday Treat!

I have been making this Sweet Potato Casserole for years now and it has become a staple at my family gatherings. It’s a decadent, creamy and flavorful side dish that everyone loves. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory and the crunchy pecan topping adds an extra special touch.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ¾ stick butter, melted
• 1 stick butter, melted
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup white sugar
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• ⅓ cup evaporated milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Peel and cube 4 medium sweet potatoes and place in a large pot.
• Add enough water to cover the sweet potatoes and bring to a boil. Cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
• Drain the sweet potatoes and transfer to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
• In a medium bowl, mix together ¾ stick melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, flour, ½ cup sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
• Pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes and stir to combine. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and drizzle with remaining ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk.
• Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
• Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 9.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Dietary Fiber: 3 g
• Sugars: 23 g
• Protein: 4 g

What are the best toppings to enhance the flavor of sweet potato casserole?

When it comes to sweet potato casserole, there are a variety of toppings that can be used to enhance its flavor. From sweet to savory, these toppings can add a unique twist to this classic dish.

One of the best sweet toppings for sweet potato casserole is melted marshmallows. Not only does it provide a sweet and gooey topping, but it also gives the dish a nice crunch. To make this topping extra special, consider adding some cinnamon or nutmeg to the marshmallows before they are melted.

For those who prefer a savory topping, crumbled bacon is an excellent choice. Not only does the bacon provide a subtle salty flavor, but its crunchy texture also adds a nice contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes. For an even more intense flavor, consider adding some freshly chopped herbs such as rosemary or thyme.

Nuts are another great topping for sweet potato casserole. Crushed pecans, almonds, or walnuts can add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the dish. For a more unique flavor, consider using maple syrup-glazed nuts for a hint of sweetness.

Finally, a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon is always a classic topping for sweet potato casserole. This combination adds a hint of sweetness while also providing a wonderful aroma. For an extra special touch, consider adding some freshly grated nutmeg to the topping.

With these topping ideas, you can easily elevate the flavor of your sweet potato casserole. Whether you prefer sweet or savory toppings, there are plenty of ways to enhance the flavor of this classic dish.

What are the health benefits of sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.

• They are high in vitamin A, providing over 400% of the daily recommended value. Vitamin A is important for vision, immune system health, and skin health.
• Sweet potatoes are also high in vitamin C, providing over 30% of the daily recommended value. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, skin health, and immune system health.
• Sweet potatoes are also a good source of dietary fiber, providing over 10% of the daily recommended value. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help to lower cholesterol levels.
• Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, which can help to fight off free radicals in the body and reduce inflammation.
• They are also a good source of potassium, providing over 10% of the daily recommended value. Potassium is important for heart health and can help to regulate blood pressure.

What type of sweet potatoes work best for casseroles?

The best type of sweet potato to use for casseroles is the orange-fleshed variety. This type of sweet potato is often referred to as a yam and is typically found in grocery stores.

When making a sweet potato casserole, it is important to use a sweet potato with an orange flesh. This type of sweet potato is much sweeter than other varieties and has a smoother, creamier texture. The orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are also high in beta-carotene, so they provide an extra nutritional benefit.

In addition to using a sweet potato with an orange flesh, it is important to choose one that is firm and free of blemishes. A soft or mushy sweet potato can cause the casserole to become mushy, so it is important to select a sweet potato that is firm and has no bruises or other discoloration.

When selecting a sweet potato for casserole, it is also important to choose one that is large enough for the recipe. A large sweet potato will yield more servings and will ensure that the casserole is cooked evenly.

Finally, it is important to select a sweet potato that is organically grown. Organic sweet potatoes are free of pesticides and other chemicals, so they are much healthier than conventional varieties.

In conclusion, the best type of sweet potato to use for casseroles is the orange-fleshed variety. It is important to select a sweet potato that is firm and free of blemishes, as well as large enough for the recipe. Finally, it is important to choose an organic sweet potato to ensure that the casserole is healthy and nutritious.

How can sweet potato casserole be served as part of a healthy meal?

Sweet potato casserole can be served as part of a healthy meal by making a few simple substitutions. For instance, instead of using butter or margarine, use olive oil or avocado oil. To reduce the amount of added sugar, try using honey or maple syrup instead of white or brown sugar. In addition, opt for low-fat or non-dairy milk instead of whole milk.

For an even healthier take on sweet potato casserole, use ingredients such as diced bell peppers, diced onion, and garlic for flavor. To increase the fiber content, add in some chopped broccoli or spinach. When preparing the casserole, bake it in the oven instead of frying it. This will help reduce the amount of fat and calories.

When served as part of a healthy meal, sweet potato casserole can be a great addition. It can be used as a side dish to a lean protein like chicken or salmon, or as a topping on salads. If you are looking for a vegetarian option, try adding black beans or chickpeas to the casserole. To complete the meal, add in a side of fresh fruits and vegetables to provide essential vitamins and minerals.

With a few simple changes, sweet potato casserole can easily be incorporated into a healthy meal. It is a great way to get in extra vitamins, minerals, and fiber without sacrificing taste.

What are the differences between sweet potato casserole and other sweet potato dishes?

Sweet potato casserole is a side dish that is traditionally served during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. While it’s similar to other sweet potato recipes, there are important differences that make it stand out.

One of the main differences between sweet potato casserole and other sweet potato dishes is the addition of a crunchy topping. This topping typically consists of a combination of butter, flour, sugar, and nuts, giving it a sweet and crunchy texture. The topping is usually sprinkled on top of the casserole just before baking, creating an extra layer of flavor.

Another difference between sweet potato casserole and other sweet potato recipes is the way it is cooked. Unlike some other sweet potato dishes, casserole is typically baked in the oven rather than boiled or mashed. This allows for a more even cooking and results in a soft and creamy texture.

Finally, sweet potato casserole is often served with a dollop of butter or marshmallow, adding a creamy sweetness to the dish. Many other sweet potato dishes are served without any additional toppings.

Overall, sweet potato casserole is a unique side dish compared to other sweet potato recipes. With its crunchy topping and creamy texture, it’s sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.