Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Bless your heart—you can, but fresh makes all the difference! If you're in a pinch, drain canned yams well and mash them with a fork. Just know the texture and flavor won't be quite as bright and earthy as fresh-boiled sweet potatoes. But hey—sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do!

How do I keep the topping from getting soggy?

The trick is in the baking! Make sure your oven's fully preheated before the casserole goes in, and don't cover it while baking—that steam needs to escape. Also, let it rest 10 minutes after pulling it out so the topping can crisp up. If you're reheating leftovers, pop it under the broiler for a minute to bring back that crunch.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the whole thing (topping and all) up to 24 hours before baking—just keep it covered in the fridge. The flavors actually get better! If you're planning further ahead, freeze the unbaked casserole (without topping) for up to 3 months—add the topping when you're ready to bake.

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe in 5 Easy Steps

Name: Irresistible Southern Sweet Potato Casserole in 5 Easy Steps
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 eggs, beaten; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup melted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup melted butter; 1 cup chopped pecans

Description

A classic Southern sweet potato casserole with a crunchy pecan topping.

Ingredients

3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, milk, 1/2 cup melted butter, and vanilla in a bowl.
Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
Combine brown sugar, flour, 1/3 cup melted butter, and pecans in a separate bowl.
Sprinkle pecan mixture over the sweet potato mixture.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until topping is golden brown.

Notes

Use freshly cooked sweet potatoes for best flavor.
Adjust sugar to taste if preferred.
Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern