Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Step 1

Rinse the sweet potatoes to remove any residual dirt. Place them in a deep pot with enough water to cover by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a high simmer and cook for 40-45 minutes or until the potatoes are very tender.

Step 2

Remove the sweet potatoes from the water and allow them to cool enough to handle. (I slice them open to hurry the cooling process.)

Step 3

While the sweet potatoes cook, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and generously butter a baking dish. I typically use my 3-quart oval baking dish for this recipe.

Step 4

Peel the sweet potatoes, place them in a mixing bowl, and mash using a potato masher or large fork. Add the softened butter, light brown sugar, milk, egg, and vanilla.

Step 5

Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth.

Step 6

Spread the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 7

In a small mixing bowl, combine the ingredients for the topping. Use a fork to mix well. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.

Step 8

Bake for 30 minutes in the 350 degree preheated oven.