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Classic Make-Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole: Easy Holiday Side

classic make-ahead sweet potato casserole - featured image
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A reliable, creamy sweet potato casserole with a crunchy pecan streusel topping that can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for holiday parties and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds peeled and cubed sweet potatoes (Garnet or Jewel varieties)
  • 1/2 cup 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 freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Peel and cube sweet potatoes into uniform pieces. Place in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook until tender (15-20 minutes). Drain well and let sit for 5 minutes to steam off excess moisture.
  2. Return potatoes to the warm pot. Add softened butter, heavy cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mash until smooth or beat with a hand mixer until fluffy.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Mix with a fork until the mixture resembles wet sand or coarse crumbs.
  4. Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the potatoes and press gently to adhere.
  5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and edges are bubbling. Cover loosely with foil if topping browns too quickly.
  6. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.

Notes

This recipe can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. If baking from cold, add 5-10 minutes to baking time. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with coconut cream. Toasting pecans lightly enhances their flavor. Ensure potatoes are drained thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, holiday side dish, make-ahead recipe, pecan topping, Thanksgiving, Christmas, comfort food, easy side dish

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/classic-make-ahead-sweet-potato-casserole-easy-holiday-side/