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Best Easy Make-Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel

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This make-ahead sweet potato casserole with pecan streusel is creamy, crunchy, and perfectly balanced. It’s a kid-approved, budget-friendly side dish that can be assembled the night before and baked when you’re ready, making it ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any busy weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pounds sweet potatoes (about 5–6 medium), peeled and cubed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole milk or 2%)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Place on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil, toss to coat, and spread in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until fork-tender and caramelized.
  2. Let sweet potatoes cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Add melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mash until smooth with a few small chunks remaining.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk eggs and milk together. Pour into sweet potato mixture and stir until combined. Mixture should be thick and spreadable.
  4. Spread sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
  5. Make the streusel: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or fingertips, work butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse meal with pea-sized butter pieces. Stir in chopped pecans.
  6. Sprinkle streusel evenly over sweet potato mixture. Do not press down. At this point, cover with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or bake immediately.
  7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes (add 10-15 minutes if baking from cold). Casserole is done when streusel is golden brown and filling is bubbling around edges. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
  8. Optional: Add mini marshmallows during the last 5 minutes of baking for a classic marshmallow topping.

Notes

For best results, keep butter cold for the streusel. Let casserole rest after baking to set. Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

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