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Classic Make-Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole

classic make-ahead sweet potato casserole - featured image
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A stress-free, crowd-pleasing side dish that balances creamy, spiced sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan crumble topping. Perfect for holidays or busy weeknights, this recipe can be assembled ahead of time for effortless elegance.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes (Garnet or Jewel varieties)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cups mini or large marshmallows

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash sweet potatoes, pierce with a fork, and bake for 45-60 minutes until very soft. Let cool completely.
  2. Cut potatoes in half, scoop flesh into a large bowl, and discard skins. Mash until smooth or slightly lumpy.
  3. Add softened butter, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt to the mashed potatoes. Mix until well combined. Cover and refrigerate if making ahead.
  4. In a small bowl, combine chopped pecans, flour, melted butter, and brown sugar. Mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Transfer potato mixture to a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle pecan topping over the surface.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden and edges are bubbling.
  7. If using marshmallows, add them during the last few minutes of baking or broil for 1-2 minutes to toast, watching closely to prevent burning.

Notes

For best results, let sweet potatoes cool before mashing to avoid a gummy texture. Toast pecans in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before chopping for enhanced flavor. If making ahead, let the casserole sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking and add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. Do not freeze marshmallows as they become rubbery.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, make-ahead recipe, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving, pecan topping, comfort food, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/classic-make-ahead-sweet-potato-casserole-5-easy-steps/