Cynthia Abshire's Yam Casserole

8 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 35 m Total: 50 m Beginner
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A popular and classic holiday yam casserole with a buttery pecan streusel topping. Sweet potatoes are mashed with eggs, butter, and vanilla, then topped with brown sugar, pecans, and more butter for a dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 3 cups cooked sweet potatoes, mashed
  • 1 stick softened butter
  • 2/3 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1 stick butter (8 tbsp)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Mix together eggs, sweet potatoes, softened butter, white granulated sugar and vanilla until smooth. Place in a greased 9x14 inch baking dish and set aside.
  3. Mix together the light brown sugar, butter, flour and chopped pecans until crumbly. For a thicker topping, double this topping recipe. Layer this pecan streusel on top of the sweet potato mixture in the dish.
  4. Bake at 400 degrees F for 30 to 40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the topping, cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the pecan topping just before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Q: Do I use canned or fresh sweet potatoes?

A: For fresh, peel and boil sweet potatoes until tender (about 15-20 minutes), then drain and mash. Canned sweet potatoes (drained) are a convenient shortcut.

Q: Why is my topping not getting crispy?

A: Make sure the butter in the topping is cut into the dry ingredients until crumbly rather than mixed smooth. The crumbly texture helps it get crispy. Also, don't cover the dish while baking.

Tips and Techniques

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture. If you prefer a thicker, more abundant topping (and who doesn’t?), double the streusel ingredients as suggested in the recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • chopped pecans: chopped walnuts or sliced almonds
  • white granulated sugar: light brown sugar
  • vanilla extract: maple syrup or bourbon

Equipment Needed

  • 9x14 inch baking dish
  • mixing bowls
  • potato masher or electric mixer

Historical Context

Sweet potato casseroles became a Southern holiday tradition in the early 20th century when marshmallow and pecan toppings became popular ways to dress up this nutritious vegetable for special occasions.