Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

With its layers of sweet, creamy potatoes and crunchy brown sugar topping, this classic casserole brings all the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving to your table with ease.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Sweet potatoes are a favorite during the fall and holiday season.

This Sweet Potato Casserole is made with canned yams, making it easy to whip up.

The butter and sugar make it sweet, while the pecans give it a nice crunch.

It's a dish that many families love to have on Thanksgiving. When you take a bite, it reminds you of cozy times with family and friends. Plus, it's a great way to enjoy the tasty and healthy benefits of sweet potatoes.

Whether it's a big family dinner or a potluck with friends, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

Unsalted Butter: This is used for both the casserole and greasing the dish. If you only have salted butter, you can use it but be mindful of the overall saltiness. Margarine can also be a substitute, but butter gives a richer flavor.

Canned Sweet Potatoes: A convenient choice that saves time. If you prefer fresh sweet potatoes, you'll need to boil and mash them first. Remember, the taste might slightly vary based on the brand and syrup used in the can.

Sugar: Both granulated and brown sugar are used.

Milk: You can use any type, from whole milk to almond milk, depending on your preference or dietary needs.

Eggs: If you have an egg allergy, there are egg replacers available in stores, or you can use a flaxseed mixture.

Vanilla Extract: Gives a hint of vanilla flavor. If you don't have it, you can leave it out or use almond extract for a different taste.

Pecans: Walnuts can be a good substitute, or if you have nut allergies, you can skip them altogether.

All-Purpose Flour: This helps thicken the topping.

How to make

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter. A glass baking dish is preferred.

In a medium saucepan, bring the canned sweet potatoes and their accompanying liquid to a boil.

Once they're boiling, reduce the heat and let them simmer. When the sweet potatoes are tender, drain away the liquid and proceed to mash them.

In a separate bowl, blend together the mashed sweet potatoes, white sugar, butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. This will form the base of your casserole.

In another bowl, create the topping by combining the chopped pecans, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and melted butter.

Now, spread the sweet potato mixture evenly across the base of your prepared baking dish. Over this, sprinkle your pecan mixture, making sure it's spread evenly over the top.

With everything in place, transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven. Let it bake for around 45 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the topping adopts a rich, golden brown hue.

Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Sweet Potato Casserole

Here are some tips to keep in mind when making this sweet potato casserole from canned yams.

• Sweet Potatoes vs. Yams: While the recipe calls for canned sweet potatoes, be aware that in some stores, yams and sweet potatoes might be labeled interchangeably. Yams are generally sweeter and moister than sweet potatoes.
• Butter Choice: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. If you only have salted butter, make sure to reduce the added salt accordingly.
• Sugar Levels: Adjust the white and brown sugar based on your sweetness preference. Remember, some canned yams come in a sweet syrup which can add to the overall sweetness.
• Mixer Use: If you have a mixer, it can make mashing the sweet potatoes easier and result in a smoother texture.
• Pecan Substitution: If you're not a fan of pecans, walnuts can be a great alternative for the topping.
• Spices: You can add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even pumpkin pie spice to the sweet potato mixture.
• Knives & Cutting Board: If you don't buy pre-chopped pecans, use sharp knives for chopping the pecans and a sturdy cutting board to ensure safety.
• You can double the recipe and it will fit into a 9x13 casserole dish really well. Great for larger crowds.

Remember, the key to a great sweet potato casserole is to adjust the recipe based on your personal preferences and the ingredients you have on hand.

Enjoy your cooking experience and the comfort food vibes this dish brings!

Storing Leftover Sweet Potato Casserole

After enjoying a hearty meal of sweet potato casserole, it's essential to store any leftovers properly to able to enjoy them later.

Cooling: Before storing, allow your casserole to cool to room temperature.

Tupperware or Food Storage Containers: Transfer the cooled casserole into a Tupperware or any airtight food storage container.

Aluminum Foil or Plastic Wrap: If you prefer to leave the casserole in its original glass baking dish, cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

Refrigerator Storage: Place the covered casserole or container in the refrigerator. It's best enjoyed within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and freshness.

Freezing for Longer Storage: If you anticipate storing the casserole for an extended period, consider freezing it. First, wrap the casserole dish or container in aluminum foil and then place it inside a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date and contents. Frozen sweet potato casserole can last up to two months.

Reheating: When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, if frozen, first thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Remove any plastic wrap and replace it with aluminum foil for reheating. Place the casserole in the oven and heat until it's warmed through.

Safety Tip: Avoid leaving the casserole out for more than two hours at room temperature.

By following these storage tips, you can be sure that your sweet potato casserole remains a delicious comfort food treat for days after the initial feast, whether it's a cozy autumn evening or a chilly winter night.

What to serve with

The sweet potato casserole, with its delightful blend of flavors, is a versatile side dish that can elevate any meal. When thinking of what to serve alongside this casserole, here are some suggestions that harmonize well with its sweet and creamy profile:

• Dutch Oven Roasted Turkey Breast: A perfectly roasted turkey breast from a Dutch Oven is a match made in heaven for the sweet potato casserole. The turkey's savory juices and tender meat complement the casserole's sweetness. Enhance the turkey with aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. The combination of the oven roasted turkey and the casserole brings about memories of Thanksgiving feasts and cozy autumn dinners.
• Cranberry Sauce: The tangy burst of cranberries offers a refreshing contrast to the casserole's sweetness, making it a classic pairing, especially during the holiday season.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables, including brussels sprouts, parsnips, and turnips, seasoned with garlic, onion, and herbs, can provide a delightful earthy balance to the meal.
• Mashed Potatoes: A side of creamy mashed russet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes complements both the casserole and the turkey, creating a trio of comfort foods perfect for a family meal.
• Salad: A crisp salad with leafy greens, apples, and a light vinaigrette can offer a refreshing counterpoint, adding a touch of freshness to the hearty dishes.