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Best Make-Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole with Easy Pecan Streusel

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This make-ahead sweet potato casserole features a creamy roasted sweet potato filling topped with a buttery, crunchy pecan streusel. Perfect for holidays, it can be assembled up to two days in advance and baked straight from the fridge.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pounds sweet potatoes (about 4–5 medium)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup whole milk (or heavy cream)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash sweet potatoes, pierce with a fork, and roast for 45-60 minutes until very soft. Let cool, then peel and place flesh in a large bowl.
  2. Add softened butter, brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the sweet potatoes. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter cubes using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse sand. Stir in chopped pecans. Refrigerate streusel.
  4. Spread sweet potato filling evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle streusel evenly over the top without pressing down.
  5. To bake immediately: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden. To make ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days, then bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes.
  6. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Roasting sweet potatoes instead of boiling prevents a watery casserole. Keep streusel cold for maximum crunch. Bake straight from the fridge if making ahead. For gluten-free, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter sticks and oat milk.

Nutrition

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

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