Stress-Free Holidays: The Perfect Make-Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole!
The Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for Holidays and Beyond!
This mouthwatering sweet potato casserole recipe is the epitome of holiday bliss, featuring perfectly mashed sweet potatoes, a hint of vanilla, and a delectable brown sugar pecan topping for that extra crunch.
With this time-saving recipe, you can prepare the mouthwatering casserole in advance, so you can spend more quality time with loved ones on the big day.
A game-changer for your holiday gatherings.
Say goodbye to holiday stress and hello to a relaxing, delicious Thanksgiving with this make-ahead sweet potato casserole!
Thanksgiving Delight: A Dessert-like Side Dish That Steals the Show!
This holiday season, elevate your Thanksgiving feast with a side dish that’s so indulgent, it could pass for dessert!
Imagine velvety smooth mashed sweet potatoes, delicately sweetened with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, all crowned with a heavenly toasted Peacn topping that’ll have everyone swooning.
It’s the perfect harmony of flavors that bridges the gap between side dish and dessert, making it a must-have centerpiece for your holiday spread.
Prepare to be showered with compliments and requests for seconds as you wow your loved ones with this unforgettable dessert-like Thanksgiving side dish!
Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients
(See the recipe card below for full ingredient list with quantities & instructions)
- Sweet potatoes
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- For the topping:
- Brown sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Pecans
How to Make Classic Sweet Potato Casserole
Prepare your taste buds for a delightful journey with this easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions for crafting the perfect sweet potato casserole.
I’ve broken it down into simple stages, making it a breeze for both seasoned cooks and kitchen newcomers:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by assembling all the necessary ingredients for the casserole, including sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and any optional toppings or variations you plan to use. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.
Step 2: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, pierce them with a fork, and place them on a baking sheet. Bake the sweet potatoes for 45-60 minutes until they become tender. Once they are cooked and slightly cooled, peel off the skin and transfer the soft flesh to a large mixing bowl. Mash the sweet potatoes using a fork or potato masher until smooth and free of lumps.
Step 3: Mix in the Sweet Potato Base
To the mashed sweet potatoes, add granulated sugar, melted butter, beaten eggs, milk, and a dash of vanilla extract. Carefully stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined, creating a luscious and creamy sweet potato base.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, and pour the sweet potato mixture into it, spreading it out evenly. If you’re adding any toppings, such as marshmallows, streusel, or pecans, this is the time to layer them on top, ensuring a tantalizing texture and flavor contrast.
Step 5: Make-Ahead Option
If you’re planning to prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Remember to keep any marshmallow toppings separate and add them just before baking.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
When you’re ready to serve, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) again. If the casserole has been refrigerated, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly to ensure it heats through. Bake the sweet potato casserole for 25-30 minutes or until the topping turns golden and the casserole is heated to perfection.
Step 7: Savor and Share!
Once your casserole dish is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Invite your loved ones to gather around the table, bask in the delightful aroma, and relish every spoonful of this heavenly creation. Don’t forget to capture and share those precious moments and delicious results with friends and family!
Tips for Make-Ahead Success
– Refrigerate the assembled casserole within 24 hours of baking time, and it can stay in the fridge for up to two days before baking.
– Add the marshmallow topping just before baking for the best results.
– Adjust the baking time slightly to ensure the casserole heats through and the topping turns golden.
– Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Ingredient Substitutions
– Use brown sugar or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar.
– Choose any milk variety that suits your preferences or dietary needs.
– Opt for vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
– Try a streusel topping with oats, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter instead of marshmallows.
Cooking with Kids
– Involve kids in washing, peeling, and mashing sweet potatoes (under supervision).
– Let them measure and pour ingredients for the sweet potato base.
– Encourage creativity with pecan topping, drawing shapes or patterns.
– Always prioritize safety and supervise kids during cooking activities.
Variations to The Classic Sweet Potato Casserole
Discover the delightful world of sweet potato casserole variations, where we explore a range of creative twists and delectable adaptations to elevate this classic holiday dish to new heights of flavor and excitement!
1. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole: Discover a plant-based twist on the classic sweet potato casserole, featuring creamy coconut milk and vegan butter for a delightful dairy-free delight.
2. Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole: Gluten-sensitive or following a gluten-free diet? Try this version, replacing regular flour with gluten-free alternatives for a scrumptious casserole without compromising on taste.
3. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole: Embrace convenience with a hassle-free slow cooker version, allowing you to savor the flavors while saving time in the kitchen.
4. Classic Marshmallow-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole: Experience the timeless delight of the traditional sweet potato casserole, crowned with gooey, toasted marshmallows.
Other Casserole Recipes to Try!
- Breakfast Casserole Recipes
- Mashed Potato Casserole
- Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
- Sausage Breakfast casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Treat your tastebuds to this scrumptious Sweet Potato Casserole, a heartwarming dish that's perfect for your holiday table or any day calling for a comforting treat.
Enjoy the silky-smooth sweet potato base, delicately sweetened and enhanced with a touch of vanilla.
Crowned with a crumbly brown sugar and pecan topping, this casserole offers a delightful contrast of textures that will have you reaching for seconds.
Ingredients
For the sweet potato base:
- - 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3-4 large sweet potatoes)
- - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- - 2 large eggs, beaten
- - 1/2 cup milk (you can use regular or plant-based milk)
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
- - 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional for added crunch and flavor)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Wash the sweet potatoes and prick them with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes or until they are soft and can be easily pierced with a fork.
3. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Peel the skin off and place the flesh in a large mixing bowl.
4. Mash the sweet potatoes with a fork or potato masher until smooth and free of lumps.
5. To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the granulated sugar, melted butter, beaten eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined and smooth.
6. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. In a separate bowl, prepare the topping by combining the brown sugar and all-purpose flour. Add the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you're using pecans, stir them into the topping mixture.
8. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
9. Bake the sweet potato casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and the casserole is heated through.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious sweet potato casserole as a side dish or dessert during your holiday meals or any time you crave a comforting and flavorful treat!
Notes
Tips for Make-Ahead Success
- Refrigerate the assembled casserole within 24 hours of baking time, and it can stay in the fridge for up to two days before baking.
- Add the marshmallow topping just before baking for the best results.
- Adjust the baking time slightly to ensure the casserole heats through and the topping turns golden.
- Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 353Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 70mgSodium 83mgCarbohydrates 45gFiber 2gSugar 35gProtein 3g
