If you're looking for the perfect Thanksgiving side dish, look no further. It's will be the star of the side dishes, with a brown sugar and pecan topping that is to die for. It can be made in advance to save time and stress.
4-5 large sweet potatoes
3 large eggs
1/2 c. evaporated milk, cream or half and half
1 t. vanilla extract
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1/2 t. salt
1/4 c. butter, melted
Topping:
3 T. butter
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. light brown sugar
1 c. pecans, chopped
Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover the potatoes a little more than half way. There should be at least 3-4 inches of water. The water will not completely cover the potatoes.
Bring the water to a boil; turn heat to a medium simmer; simmer until they're fork tender, which may take 20-40 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes. Be careful because you don't want them to be mushy.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease an 8x11 or 9x13 inch casserole dish.
Sweet Potatoes:
Drain water; transfer sweet potatoes to a cutting board to cool down. Once they are just cool enough to hold, peel the skins off; place them in a large bowl.
Sweet Potato Mixture:
Add eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla, sugar, salt, and butter; mash until smooth. You may want to start with a potato masher, and then use an electric mixer on low speed, for about 45 seconds, to get the mixture smooth. Pour mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Topping:
Add and stir together flour, brown sugar and pecans in a bowl; add butter; cut in with a fork or pastry blender until well combined. Sprinkle topping over sweet potato mixture.
Bake for 35-40 minutes.
The casserole can be stored covered in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
15 servings.
Tips:
*If wanting to add a marshmallow topping instead, top the casserole with a layer of miniature marshmallows and then bake for about 25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffy and browned.
*To Make in Advance: The sweet potato casserole can be prepared 1-2 days in advance. First, make the filling and smooth into a prepared baking dish. Then, make the topping but instead of putting it on the casserole, place it in a ziplock bag. When ready to bake it, take it out of the refrigerator and sprinkle the topping on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.