Cordele’s Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Soufflé Casseroles
If you’re looking to elevate your holiday table with a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor, Cordele’s Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Soufflé Casseroles are the perfect addition. This recipe, adapted from a beloved family tradition, will fill your home with the rich aroma of roasted sweet potatoes and the warmth of spices. Although not a true soufflé in the technical sense, these casseroles are made in soufflé dishes, giving them a beautiful presentation and an airy texture that melts in your mouth. The combination of sweet potatoes, warm spices, and crunchy pecans makes this dish a must-try for any Thanksgiving or holiday meal.
This recipe yields two 1 1/2-quart casseroles, making it perfect for large gatherings. Each bite offers a delightful mix of sweetness from the sweet potatoes and brown sugar, complemented by the subtle richness of butter and eggs. It’s an indulgent dish that’s sure to become a family favorite—just make sure to save room for dessert! And don’t worry about a complicated cooking process; this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare with a few basic steps.
Ingredients
To create these sweet potato soufflé casseroles, you’ll need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes | 4 medium-sized |
| Water | Enough to cover potatoes |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 4 large eggs |
| Self-rising flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Pecans | 1 cup (chopped) |
| Dark brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Cordele’s Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Soufflé Casseroles provides the following:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 349.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 13.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 93.7 mg |
| Sodium | 190.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 52.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 25.6 g |
| Protein | 5.8 g |
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious holiday dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
-
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for the casseroles. -
Prepare the Soufflé Dishes
Get two 1 1/2-quart round deep soufflé dishes or casserole dishes ready. Set them aside to be filled once the sweet potato mixture is prepared. -
Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Start by washing and peeling your sweet potatoes. Place them in a large pot and cover them with enough cold water to ensure they’re submerged by about 1 inch.
Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 30-45 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. You may need to adjust the heat to keep the water at a steady simmer. -
Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture
Drain the sweet potatoes well and let them cool for a minute. Then, peel off the skin (it should come off easily).
Place the sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the sweet potatoes until smooth, being careful not to overbeat them (overbeating can make the texture gluey). -
Combine the Remaining Ingredients
Add 1/2 cup of unsalted butter to the mashed sweet potatoes and continue mixing until the butter is fully incorporated.
Next, beat in 1 cup of granulated sugar, 4 eggs (one at a time), 3 tablespoons of self-rising flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Continue mixing until all ingredients are well combined. -
Assemble the Casseroles
Once your sweet potato mixture is smooth and well-mixed, divide the mixture evenly between the two soufflé dishes. This will ensure that both casseroles are the same size and cook evenly. -
Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of chopped pecans, 1 cup of dark brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir these ingredients together until they are well mixed. -
Top the Casseroles
Sprinkle the nut and sugar mixture evenly over the top of each casserole. The topping will caramelize as it bakes, creating a sweet, crunchy crust. -
Bake the Casseroles
Place both casseroles in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 1 hour or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy. The sweet potatoes should be set and firm to the touch. -
Serve and Enjoy
After baking, remove the casseroles from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. The casseroles can be served warm as a side dish at your Thanksgiving feast or any other holiday gathering.
Tips for Success:
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can mash the sweet potatoes with a potato masher instead of a mixer. Just be careful not to overwork them.
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. To reheat, bake it uncovered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- For a variation, try adding a touch of maple syrup to the sweet potato mixture for a slightly different flavor profile.
Perfect Pairings:
- These sweet potato soufflé casseroles pair wonderfully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even grilled chicken.
- Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
Conclusion
Cordele’s Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Soufflé Casseroles are the epitome of comfort food, made with a blend of sweet, creamy potatoes and a crunchy, cinnamon-pecan topping. This recipe takes a classic side dish and elevates it to something truly special. It’s easy to prepare, visually stunning, and full of the flavors we associate with a cozy holiday meal. If you’re looking for a dish that will impress your guests and become an instant family favorite, this sweet potato casserole is the one to try.
Keywords:
Sweet potatoes, Thanksgiving, casseroles, pecans, holiday side dish, oven-baked, sweet, savory
