Soulful Baked Sweet Potato Casserole
Indulge in the deep-rooted flavors of Southern cuisine with this Soulful Baked Sweet Potato Casserole. This comforting dish features tender sweet potatoes, enhanced by a symphony of warm spices and rich butter, creating a heavenly glazed effect that is truly irresistible. Perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners, this recipe will warm hearts and bring people together. Each bite is a delightful reminder of classic soul food, making it a cherished addition to any meal.
N/A
Servings
375
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salted butter
8 tablespoons (melted)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
Ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Granulated sugar
1 cup (white)
Brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
Pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (not imitation)
Sweet potatoes
about 4 medium (approximately 3 pounds) (peeled and chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes under running water to remove any dirt.
3
Peel the sweet potatoes and chop them into approximately ½ inch thick slices to ensure even cooking.
4
Arrange the chopped sweet potatoes in a 9x13 inch baking dish in an even layer.
5
In a medium saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat until fully liquefied.
6
Once the butter is melted, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground ginger. Stir well to combine.
7
Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in the pure vanilla extract, ensuring it's well incorporated.
8
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, then place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
9
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven and drizzle the candied mixture over the sweet potatoes, making sure to coat each piece generously.
10
Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Baste the sweet potatoes with the liquid at least once during this time for enhanced flavor and texture.
11
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to firm up slightly.
Nutrition Information
16.25
Fat
62.5
Carbs
0.625
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Soulful Baked Sweet Potato Casserole?
It is a traditional Southern side dish featuring tender sweet potatoes glazed with a rich mixture of butter, sugars, and warm spices.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How should I prepare the sweet potatoes?
You should wash them thoroughly, peel them, and chop them into slices approximately 1/2 inch thick.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is required for arranging the sweet potatoes in an even layer.
How many pounds of sweet potatoes are needed?
The recipe calls for about 3 pounds of sweet potatoes, which is roughly 4 medium-sized potatoes.
What ingredients are in the candied glaze?
The glaze consists of salted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and pure vanilla extract.
How long do the potatoes bake initially?
The potatoes are first baked covered with aluminum foil for 30 minutes.
When do I add the sugar and spice mixture?
The mixture is drizzled over the sweet potatoes after the initial 30 minutes of baking.
Should the dish be covered the entire time?
No, the dish is covered for the first 30 minutes but left uncovered for the final 15-20 minutes of baking.
Do I need to baste the sweet potatoes?
Yes, it is recommended to baste the potatoes with the liquid at least once during the final uncovered baking stage.
Why should the casserole sit before serving?
Letting it sit for about 10 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the dish to firm up slightly.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
Is this recipe high in fat?
Each serving contains about 16.25 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are approximately 62.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe a good source of protein?
No, this is a low-protein side dish with about 0.625 grams of protein per serving.
What kind of butter should I use?
The recipe specifies 8 tablespoons of salted butter.
Can I use imitation vanilla extract?
The recipe recommends pure vanilla extract for the best flavor profile.
What spices give this dish its soulful flavor?
A blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger provides the warm, soulful flavor.
Is this dish considered vegan-friendly?
While tagged as vegan-friendly, the standard recipe uses butter; you would need to use a plant-based butter substitute to make it strictly vegan.
How much granulated sugar is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of white granulated sugar.
How much brown sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the butter mixture?
Melt the butter in a saucepan, then stir in the sugars and spices before finally adding the vanilla extract.
Is this dish suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for holiday gatherings and family dinners.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The finished dish features tender sweet potatoes with a heavenly glazed coating.
Does the recipe require salt?
No additional salt is added as the recipe utilizes salted butter for seasoning.
Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
While the recipe specifies sweet potatoes, yams can often be used as a substitute in similar Southern preparations.
What type of dish is this?
It is categorized as a side dish, comfort food, and soul food.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this casserole.
Can the recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a second baking dish if serving a larger crowd.