Judy's Irresistible Sweet Potato Casserole 🍠✨

This Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family gatherings or holiday feasts. With its creamy, smooth base and a crunchy, sweet topping, it brings a warm, homey vibe to any occasion. The combination of sweet potatoes and the rich topping makes it a delightful dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Pair it with a savory main course for a well-rounded meal that pleases all palates.

Ingredients

For the casserole base

• 3 cups sweet potatoes, mashed
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ stick margarine (or butter for a richer flavor)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the crunchy topping

• 1 cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work great!)
• ⅓ cup butter/margarine, melted
• ½ cup shredded coconut (optional, but adds a lovely texture!)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, salt, eggs, margarine, milk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and well combined.

   🥄 You can use a hand mixer or a potato masher; just make sure to achieve a velvety texture to enhance the creaminess of the casserole.

3. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.

4. In a separate bowl, prepare the topping by mixing together the brown sugar, flour, chopped nuts, melted butter, and coconut until crumbly.

5. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

   ⏰ Keep an eye on it for the last few minutes to prevent burning, especially if your oven runs hot!

Variations

• Nut-Free: Omit the nuts or replace them with crispy rice cereal for added crunch without the allergens! 🍚
• Plant-Based: Swap the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), use plant-based milk, and coconut oil instead of margarine for a delightful vegan version.
• Marshmallow Topping: For a festive twist, add mini marshmallows on top in the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, sweet finish! 🎉
• Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture for a warm, spicy kick.

Enjoy this delightful dish that captures the essence of home cooking and brings warmth to your table!