Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

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### **Instructions**

#### **Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

#### **Step 2: Mash and Mix the Sweet Potatoes**
3. Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until creamy and fully combined.

#### **Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Base**
4. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

#### **Step 4: Make the Pecan Topping**
5. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Stir until crumbly, then fold in the chopped pecans.
6. Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato base.

#### **Step 5: Add the Marshmallows (Optional)**
7. If using marshmallows, sprinkle them over the top of the casserole, either on their own or alongside the pecan topping.

#### **Step 6: Bake**
8. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
9. If adding marshmallows partway through, bake the casserole for 20 minutes, then add the marshmallows and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden.

#### **Step 7: Serve**
10. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the sweet and crunchy layers of this Southern classic!

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### **Tips for Perfect Southern Sweet Potato Casserole**

– **Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes:** While canned sweet potatoes can work in a pinch, fresh ones provide a deeper, more natural flavor.
– **Adjust Sweetness:** For a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of sugar in the sweet potato base or opt for a topping with just nuts and butter.
– **Make It Ahead:** Prepare the sweet potato base and topping separately, store them in the refrigerator, and assemble just before baking.
– **Try a Combination Topping:** Can’t choose between pecans and marshmallows? Use both for an extra-decadent casserole!

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### **Serving Suggestions**

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole pairs beautifully with classic holiday dishes such as:
– **Roast Turkey** or **Glazed Ham**
– **Green Bean Casserole**
– **Cornbread Stuffing**
– **Cranberry Sauce**

For dessert, follow it up with something equally comforting like **pecan pie** or **pumpkin cheesecake**.

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### **Storing and Reheating**

– **Refrigerate:** Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– **Reheat:** Warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual servings until heated through.
– **Freeze:** You can freeze the unbaked casserole (without the marshmallows) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

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### **Final Thoughts**

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a centerpiece of holiday meals and a treasured family tradition. Its creamy, spiced sweet potato base and irresistible topping make it a dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because, this casserole is guaranteed to bring comfort and joy to your table. Try it today and create a new family favorite!