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Perfect Make-Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

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This make-ahead sweet potato casserole features roasted sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan streusel topping, designed to be assembled up to two days before Thanksgiving for a stress-free holiday side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pounds sweet potatoes (about 4–5 large), scrubbed clean
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, freshly grated if possible
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1 cup pecan halves or pieces, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Roast the sweet potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork, then place on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 45-60 minutes until completely tender. Let cool until comfortable to handle, about 15 minutes.
  2. Prepare the sweet potato base: Peel the roasted sweet potatoes and place flesh in a large mixing bowl. Mash until smooth. Add melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, beaten eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until well combined. Fold in milk or heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  3. Make the pecan streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add cold cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or fingertips, work butter into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized butter pieces. If using bourbon, drizzle over mixture and toss gently with a fork.
  4. Assemble the casserole: Spread sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle pecan streusel topping evenly over the surface. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days, or bake immediately.
  5. Bake: If baking immediately, place uncovered dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until filling is bubbly around edges and topping is golden brown. If baking from refrigerator, add 10-15 minutes to baking time. For extra crispy topping, broil for the last 5 minutes, watching carefully.
  6. Rest before serving: Let casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow filling to set before serving.

Notes

Roasting sweet potatoes instead of boiling concentrates flavor and prevents waterlogging. Toast pecans before using for maximum flavor. Keep streusel butter cold for a crispy topping. The casserole can be assembled up to 2 days ahead. For best results, add streusel just before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, Thanksgiving side dish, make-ahead, pecan streusel, holiday recipe

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/perfect-make-ahead-sweet-potato-casserole-for-a-stress-free-thanksgiving/