At Amelia Best Vacation Rentals & Realty, we believe true luxury extends beyond beautiful condos—it includes the cherished traditions we bring home. With the holiday season approaching, we wanted to share something special from our own family kitchen. This is Laily's Signature Sweet Potato Casserole—a recipe she makes every single Thanksgiving. It's rich, decadent, and the perfect dish to elevate your holiday table. We hope it creates wonderful new memories for your family, just as it has for ours.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 45-50 minutes Total Time: 65-70 minutes Servings: 10-12
Ingredients For the Casserole:
- 5 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or sweetener of choice
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, but recommended to balance sweetness)
For the Pecan Topping:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups pecans or walnuts, crushed
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or coconut flour (for a gluten-free option)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot.
2. Make the Casserole Base: Add the softened butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and the lightly beaten eggs to the warm, drained sweet potatoes. Mash until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, crushed pecans, and flour. Stir until all ingredients are well-mixed and the nuts are evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture into an even layer in the prepared dish. Top with the pecan mixture, spreading it out evenly over the sweet potatoes.
5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 35-40 minutes.
6. Finish Baking: Remove the aluminum foil and check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, the casserole is cooked through. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pecan topping is golden brown and crispy. Watch it closely during this step to prevent the nuts from burning.
7. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
