Nell'S Sweet Potato Casserole

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A creamy, sweet potato casserole with crunchy pecan topping, perfect for holiday gatherings or comforting family dinners, blending rich flavors and smooth textures.

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Ingredients

  • 1 large can sweet potatoes, drained
  • 1 small can evaporated milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 stick margarine
  • 1 cup pecans

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together with a mixer.
  2. Pour into a buttered casserole dish.

Tips & Substitutions

For optimal flavor, use fresh sweet potatoes if possible, but canned sweet potatoes work well in a pinch. If you want a healthier alternative, consider substituting half of the granulated sugar with maple syrup or honey. You can also replace the margarine with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. For added texture, mix in some mini marshmallows before baking, similar to what you might find in American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this sweet potato casserole warm as a delightful side dish at holiday gatherings or family dinners. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or a fresh salad dressed in Cucumber-Blue Cheese Dressing. You can also top it with additional pecans or mini marshmallows before serving for a festive touch. For dessert lovers, consider following it up with Busy Housewife Banana Pudding.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. For a quicker option, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, but the oven method helps retain the dish's texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Nell'S Sweet Potato Casserole contains roughly 686 calories, with 8g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1891mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).

686 kcal 34% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.3g 17% DV
Total Fat 49.2g 63% DV
Carbs 46.2g 17% DV
Fiber 7.8g 28% DV
Sugar 7.9g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1891.5mg 82% DV
Potassium 552.4mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 64.6mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.9mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 11.2mg 12% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 125mg 10% DV
Iron 2.4mg 13% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking for the best results.

What can I use instead of pecans?

If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or even omit them entirely. Alternatively, you could use a mix of seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added crunch.

Can I freeze the sweet potato casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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