Description
Alton Brown’s sweet potato casserole delivers southern comfort with a perfect balance of creamy potatoes and crunchy pecan topping. Classic holiday flavors merge in this irresistible side dish that will make you the star of any family gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 5 large sweet potatoes
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup evaporated milk
Dairy and Fats:
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup evaporated milk (or substitute cream, or half and half)
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Submerge sweet potatoes in a large pot, ensuring water covers at least 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 centimeters) above the vegetables. Bring water to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium.
- Cover the pot and simmer potatoes until a fork glides smoothly through their flesh, approximately 20 to 40 minutes depending on size. Monitor closely to prevent overcooking.
- Remove potatoes from boiling water and transfer to a clean cutting board. Allow them to cool until comfortable to handle, then carefully strip away the skin and discard.
- Transfer peeled potatoes to a spacious mixing bowl. Add butter, eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and salt. Initially mash the potatoes manually, then use an electric mixer on low speed for 45 seconds to achieve a silky, uniform consistency.
- Lightly grease a casserole dish measuring 8×11 inches (20×28 centimeters), 9×13 inches (23×33 centimeters), or a deep 10×14 inches (25×35.5 centimeters) pie pan. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly across the surface.
- Prepare the crumble topping by combining all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and chopped nuts in a separate mixing bowl. Incorporate softened butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Generously sprinkle the prepared topping over the sweet potato base. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Notes
- Elevate your sweet potato game by picking vibrant orange or red varieties, packed with natural sweetness and creamy potential.
- Cold water is your boiling buddy, ensuring even cooking and adding a pinch of salt for flavor-boosting magic.
- Culinary doneness detective work involves a simple fork test – glide it through smoothly, and you’re golden, but beware of mushy mishaps.
- Skin removal gets a cool twist: plunge boiled potatoes into cold water for effortless peeling that’ll make prep a breeze.
- Texture transformation happens with a potato ricer for silky smoothness or a classic masher for rustic charm.
- Spice up your mash with warming cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to create a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance.
- Gentle mixing is the secret weapon – combine ingredients with love, but stop before turning your casserole into a dense disaster.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg