A Classic Southern Sweet Potato Souffle Recipe from Historic Beaufort, N.C.

Updated November 7, 2023

If you are looking for an easy, southern holiday side, then I have the perfect recipe for you. It's not different from a casserole, but it is without marshmallows, which causes it to have the souffle name.  It will work great for any time of the year, but it screams the holidays because sweet potatoes are in season in North Carolina. This dish pairs well with the traditional holiday turkey or ham.  However, it is also divine with pork tenderloin. 

I've used this recipe for the holidays several times through the years.  This sweet potato classic dish was published in the St. Paul's Episcopal Church Cookbook, with the last print edition in 2004. I bought the cookbook that year in Beaufort, N.C.  

I used to go down to the historic home tour every year before kids and strollers entered our lives. Beaufort is the third oldest town in North Carolina and a favorite place of mine.  It's been a long time since updating the blog's travel guide on the area, but Liza and I spent a few days there with family this summer. It's a lovely town to walk in, with lots of coastal charm. 

The waterfront views and trees are just grand in this coastal village. 

I typically stay with my father-in-law when in town, but the city boasts a pet-friendly boutique hotel on the water called the Beaufort Hotel.  My family dined at the restaurant on-site during my last visit in June, and two items off the menu have me wanting to eat at 34° North Restaurant on each visit. They have delicious crabcakes and "out of this world., the best thing you will put in your mouth ever," which is not listed on its website. It's called the Atlantic Beach Pie. 

The homes are charming and always beautifully decorated. The Inn on Turner is a lovely boutique inn with four suites in the historic district a block or two off the waterway.  Innkeepers Kim and Jon speak my language with their focus on "Wellness Travel and Slow Travel" in beautiful surroundings. We've followed each other on social media for years, and guests rave about their experiences there. 

If you want a little taste of Beaufort in your own home, then give this sweet potato souffle recipe a try. 

This is a classic, traditional recipe that can be used for years. I have just one warning. It has lots of Sugar, but it's tasty.  I sometimes cut the sugar somewhat. 

Sweet Potato Souffle Recipe from Historic Beaufort, N.C. 

Ingredients:

3 cups of cooked, mashed sweet potatoes ( I baked my sweet potatoes in the oven for a few hours. Peeled them then smashed them quickly for this recipe)

1 cup sugar ( I used Sugar in the Raw)

1/4 cup butter, melted 

2 eggs

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup milk

Mix these ingredients until well blended and pour into a baking dish.

Sweet Potato Souffle Topping:

1 cup brown Sugar

1/3 cup butter, melted

1/3 cup flour

1 cup chopped pecans

Mix brown Sugar, butter, flour, and nuts. Sprinkle on sweet potato mixture.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

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