If you are on the hunt for a cozy, nostalgic dish that brings warmth and a touch of southern charm to your dinner table, Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic casserole combines the creamy sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with a perfectly crunchy, buttery pecan topping. It’s a dish that not only captivates the senses but also carries the comforting flavors of home and family gatherings. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special weeknight treat, this casserole effortlessly steals the spotlight with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe, you will need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create layering of flavors and textures. Each item plays an essential role in ensuring the casserole delivers its signature taste and irresistible appeal.
- 2 cans cut sweet potatoes in syrup (40 oz each): Provides the natural sweetness and creamy base, great to rinse and drain to control syrup level.
- 1 cup sugar: Adds a pleasant sweetness to balance the earthiness of sweet potatoes.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
- 2 eggs (beaten): Binds the ingredients for that smooth, firm casserole texture.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Brings richness and a silky mouthfeel.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the casserole mixture for a delicate consistency.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds an inviting warm spice that complements sweet potatoes beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a subtle, aromatic sweetness enhancing overall flavor.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: Forms the sweet, caramelized base of the pecan topping.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Holds the pecan topping together with a tender, crumbly texture.
- 1 cup pecans (chopped): Brings crunch, nuttiness, and a toasty finish on top.
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Enriches the pecan topping, ensuring it bakes to golden perfection.
How to Make Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it reaches the perfect temperature by the time you finish assembling the casserole, allowing even baking of the sweet potato base and the crunchy topping.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Base
In a large bowl, combine the rinsed and drained sweet potatoes with sugar, salt, beaten eggs, melted butter, milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mash and stir everything together until smooth and creamy. This mixture is going to be the velvety foundation of the casserole’s rich, sweet flavor.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the sweet potato mixture into a buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This step ensures the casserole has a nice, uniform thickness, helping it bake consistently.
Step 4: Create the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter until the mixture clumps together. This crumbly topping provides that signature texture contrast that makes this dish so memorable.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato base. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, until the topping turns golden brown and crisp while the sweet potato base is heated through. The aroma filling your kitchen will be downright irresistible.
How to Serve Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or a few whole pecans just before serving. A light drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream can also elevate the experience without overpowering the classic flavors you love in Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with savory mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or herb-roasted chicken. Green vegetable sides such as sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts balance the sweetness for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the casserole in individual ramekins topped with pecan halves and a tiny pinch of cinnamon. You can also use a cast-iron skillet for a rustic look that keeps the dish warm and cozy right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe again without reheating the entire dish.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To bring leftover casserole back to life, preheat your oven to 325°F, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and heat for 20 to 25 minutes until warmed through. The topping may lose a bit of its crunch, but reheating gently keeps the sweet potato base perfectly moist.
FAQs
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned for Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh sweet potatoes can be boiled or baked until tender, then mashed for the base. Just be sure to adjust the liquid slightly, as fresh potatoes won’t be as moist as canned ones in syrup.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a plant-based milk alternative. For the eggs, consider using flax eggs or another egg replacer to keep the texture similar.
How can I make the pecan topping extra crunchy?
For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before mixing them with the other topping ingredients. This step boosts their nutty flavor and ensures a satisfying crunch after baking.
Can I prepare Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe ahead of the holiday?
Definitely. The casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored covered in the fridge. Pop it in the oven the next day for fresh, warm results with little hassle.
What are some variations to spice up the classic recipe?
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the sweet potato mixture for a warmer spice profile. You can also substitute pecans with walnuts or add mini marshmallows on top for a more traditional holiday twist.
Final Thoughts
Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe is truly a culinary hug in a dish. Rich, sweet, and wonderfully textured, it has everything you need to make your family dinners or holiday gatherings extra special. I encourage you to bring this recipe into your kitchen and watch it become a beloved staple. Once you try it, it will surely find a permanent spot at your table too.
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Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a classic, comforting dessert perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. This sweet potato casserole features tender sweet potatoes mixed with sugar, eggs, butter, and warm cinnamon, then topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel. Baked until golden and bubbling, it’s a delightful blend of creamy and crunchy textures with rich, sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 2 cans cut sweet potatoes in syrup (40 oz each), rinsed and drained
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pecan Topping
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans (chopped)
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Sweet Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the rinsed and drained sweet potatoes with sugar, salt, beaten eggs, melted butter, milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the dish.
- Make Pecan Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and chopped pecans. Add the melted butter and stir until the topping is evenly moistened and crumbly.
- Top the Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish, ensuring a good coverage for a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set for easier portioning and enhanced flavors.
Notes
- Rinsing and draining the canned sweet potatoes helps reduce excess syrup, balancing sweetness.
- You can prepare this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate before baking, then bake fresh before serving.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding to the topping.
- If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the sugar amounts slightly according to taste.
- This dish pairs excellently with savory mains like roasted turkey or glazed ham.
