Make-ahead Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (2024)

Published: by Debra Clark · 1 Comment

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This Make-ahead Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic Thanksgiving Recipe and the perfect holiday side dish! It's full of sweet potatoes, crunchy pecans, and a hint of orange. Plus, it can be made ahead of time so you can relax on Thanksgiving day.

Make-ahead Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (1)

Looking for more ideas? Be sure to check out these terrific Holiday Side Dish Recipes!

Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Equipment
  • FAQ's
  • Things to know
  • Variations
  • Storage
  • Related recipes
  • Serve with
  • Make-ahead Sweet Potato Casserole

Why you'll love this recipe

✔️ This casserole is always a hit at holiday gatherings!

✔️ The sweet potatoes are cooked to perfection.

✔️ It's the perfect side dish for your holiday meal.

Make-ahead Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (2)

Ingredients

Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.

  • sweet potatoes
  • fresh orange
  • butter
  • light brown sugar
  • cinnamon
  • nutmeg
  • salt
  • pecans
  • mini marshmallows
Make-ahead Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (3)

Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

  1. Spray 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, set aside.
  2. Peel sweet potatoes, cut sweet potatoes into 2-inch pieces. Place in a large pot and add water to cover. Bring to a boil over medium high heat until fork tender, about 20 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat, drain well. Add to a large bowl and mash, set aside.
  4. Zest orange and juice orange in a small bowl, you'll need about ¼ cup juice. Whisk with melted butter.
  5. In a small bowl combine the topping ingredients, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
  6. Layer half of the creamy sweet potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the brown sugar mixture, and drizzle with half of the butter. Top with half of the toasted pecan topping. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients Top evenly with marshmallows.
  7. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
  8. The day you're baking the casserole, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature - about 30 minutes. Bake as directed.

Equipment

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FAQ's

How long can sweet potato casserole be refrigerated before cooking?

You can make this dish up to two days before you bake it.

Are canned yams and sweet potatoes the same?

No, they are not. yams tend to be sweeter and have more starch than sweet potatoes.

Do you put eggs in sweet potato casserole?

I did not use eggs in this recipe. However, some recipes do call for eggs.

Make-ahead Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (4)

Things to know

  • Make sure that you spray your casserole dish well with nonstick cooking spray or grease it with butter or shortening.
  • Though it's tempting to use ready-made OJ, zest an orange. It only takes about a minute and adds so much flavor!
  • I like to use mini marshmallows for the top of the casserole. However, you can use the larger marshmallows also.
  • I like to use a potato masher to break up the large chunks in the sweet potato mixture. But, if you want really smooth sweet potatoes, you can also use an electric mixer or potato ricer.

No oven space? Make this in the slow cooker instead! Layer the ingredients as directed and cook on low for 4 hours.

Variations

  • If you want a little extra sweetness, you can drizzle the casserole with honey or maple syrup before serving.
  • You can also use white sweet potatoes in this recipe if you can't find orange sweet potatoes.
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter mixture for a little extra flavor.
  • If you don't like pecans, you could use walnuts or almonds instead.
  • Instead of the marshmallow topping, you could also top this casserole with a crunchy pecan streusel topping instead.

Storage

Refrigerate - Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days. Store them in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Freezer - This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

Reheat - Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cover with foil and heat for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Make-ahead Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (5)
  • This Campbell's Green Bean Casserole is one of my favorite Thanksgiving Sides. And, it will definitely be on my table this year.
  • Dressing is a must-make for any holiday meal! This recipe for Sausage and Bacon Stuffing is savory, salty and delicious.
  • If you love to serve pumpkin pie at your family holiday gathering, but want an easy recipe with the same flavor, look no further than this No Bake Pumpkin Pie recipe.
  • These Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are the perfect way to make this classic Thanksgiving side dish yet still save some space on your stovetop for other side dishes.

Serve with

  • These Steamed Brussels Sprouts are one of the best holiday side dishes to make when you want a healthy vegetable on the table.
  • If you want a twist on this classic holiday side dish, give these Pan Fried Vegetables a try this holiday season.
  • You can't have Thanksgiving without Cranberry Sauce on the Thanksgiving table.

Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products! 🛍️

If you love this recipe please leave a⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!

Make-ahead Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (6)

5 from 1 vote

Make-ahead Sweet Potato Casserole

This easy recipe is a must-make for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter! The creamy sweet potatoes with the pecan crumble is a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr

Course: Vegetables and Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 433kcal

Author: Deb Clark

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes about 4 medium potatoes
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest plus cup fresh juice from 1 large orange
  • ¼ cup butter melted
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoons ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoons salt
  • 2 cups pecan chopped
  • 15-20 marshmallows

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Spray 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, set aside.

  • Peel sweet potatoes, cut sweet potatoes into 2-inch pieces. Place in a large pot and add water to cover. Bring to a boil over medium high heat until fork tender, about 20 minutes.

  • Remove from heat, drain well. Place sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl and mash until creamy. You can also use a hand mixer if you prefer whipped potatoes.

  • Zest orange and juice orange in a small bowl, you'll need about ¼ cup juice. Whisk with melted butter.

  • In a small bowl, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.

  • Layer half of the sweet potato filling in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the brown sugar mixture, and drizzle with half of the butter. Top with half of the toasted pecans. Repeat layers with the remaining ingredients.

  • Top the entire casserole evenly with marshmallows.

  • To make ahead, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or up to two days.

  • The next day, remove it from the refrigerator and set on the counter for 30 minutes prior to baking.

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until marshmallows are golden and casserole is bubbling and hot. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 433kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 413mg | Potassium: 518mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 16283IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 2mg

Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @BowlMeOver or tag #BowlMeOver!

More Casserole Recipes

  • Big Mac Casserole
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  • Cheeseburger French Fry Casserole

About Debra Clark

Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram,Twitterand YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lois

    Make-ahead Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (11)
    Sweet Potatoes go with any holiday meal. We just love them and you can fix them ahead of time to make the holiday cooking a little less stressful. So good.

    Reply

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Make-ahead Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can you prep sweet potatoes ahead of time? ›

Potatoes: Peel or pare and chop up to a day in advance. Store in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator. Sweet potatoes: Peel and chop 3 to 4 days in advance. Store in a sealed bag or container with an airtight lid in the refrigerator.

How long can you keep uncooked sweet potato casserole in the refrigerator? ›

Here are some other great Make-Ahead Thanksgiving recipes. To Store: Store sweet potato casserole covered in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. To Freeze: Prepare the sweet potato casserole completely, but don't bake it. Cover with a double layer of aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Is it better to make a casserole ahead of time? ›

Make-ahead meals (especially baked casseroles) are terrific because you can completely assemble them in advance and bake them just before serving. They're the ultimate comfort food as they come bubbling hot and delicious straight from the oven to the table to the delight of family and friends.

How do you reheat premade sweet potato casserole? ›

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Sweet Potato Casserole. Cover and refrigerate leftover sweet potato casserole for up to four days. Bring to room temperature, then warm at 325°F until hot throughout before serving.

Can you bake sweet potatoes ahead of time and reheat? ›

Highlights: Baked Sweet Potato Recipe

They can easily be baked ahead, refrigerated, then reheated when on the menu to save you time later in the week.

Can you refrigerate sweet potatoes before baking? ›

You should avoid storing sweet potatoes in the refrigerator says Richard, explaining that refrigerator storage "will produce a hard center and unpleasant taste." If you choose to store sweet potatoes on your countertop, keep an eye on them because Richard notes that storing the tubers in the sunlight can cause them to ...

Can you put an uncooked casserole in the fridge? ›

Unless food will be frozen, it's safest and will provide the best quality product to start preparing most perishable foods no more than a day before a meal. For example, assemble a vegetable casserole a day in advance, refrigerate and then bake the day of your dinner.

What does adding egg to sweet potato casserole do? ›

The egg is the all-important binder in a sweet potato casserole: it enriches and stiffens the mixture without making it heavy. Make sure to cool the mash slightly before adding the egg so it doesn't scramble, and to stir well so there are no streaks of cooked egg white in the finished dish.

Can you make a casserole with raw egg and leave it uncooked overnight in fridge? ›

An egg strata traditionally consists of layered bread, cheese, and other foods (such as cooked sausage, ham, bacon, shrimp, or vegetables) over which a mixture of raw beaten eggs and milk are poured. The casserole is covered and refrigerated overnight to allow the liquid ingredients to be absorbed into the bread.

How long can an unbaked casserole last in the fridge? ›

Most casseroles can be made ahead and refrigerated for a day or two or frozen up to three months. Not only is this convenient, but it also lets the flavors mingle and fully develop.

How long can you keep a casserole in fridge before baking? ›

Whether you pre-cook the casserole or not, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking it in the oven for the best results. You can place the casserole into a dish in the fridge for up to 36 hours to allow it to thaw and then proceed to follow the dish's original cooking instructions.

Can you put a casserole dish straight from fridge to oven? ›

The reason is simple: the cold casserole dish may crack. Despite being able to withstand extreme temperatures, vessels made from ceramic, glass, or enameled cast iron undergo thermal shock when they're pulled from a cold fridge (or freezer) and added directly to a hot oven — who knew?

Why is my sweet potato casserole watery? ›

(Another hot tip if you're boiling your sweet potatoes: Don't overcook them! They tend to absorb water, which could make the filling watery.) So, say you do have some undercooked bits of sweet potato. You have two choices: Pick them out or bake your sweet potato casserole long enough to soften the underdone pieces.

Can I make sweet potato casserole ahead of time and freeze it? ›

The eggs will be raw when you freeze the mix in your casserole dish, but they'll be fine because they're completely mixed with the sweet potatoes. Wrap the casserole. You can freeze the casserole in the dish you're planning to serve it from.

Does sweet potato casserole reheat well? ›

Does sweet potato casserole reheat well? Yes, but the key is to assemble it right before reheating! It takes 5 minutes of active prep, tops, & helps ensure the crunchy pecan streusel topping doesn't lose its texture as it sits on the creamy sweet potato mash.

Can you pre cut sweet potatoes or will they turn brown? ›

While raw sweet potatoes are best stored in dry and dark places, cut sweet potatoes should be doused in water to stop the oxidation process until you're ready to use them. As soon as a sweet potato is cut, the flesh quickly dries out and even starts turning brown.

How long do prepped sweet potatoes last? ›

If your sweet potatoes are already cooked, storage is fairly simple. Put your cooked sweet potatoes in a shallow container such as a GladWare® Container or a GLAD Food Storage Zipper Gallon Bag and place in the refrigerator for short-term use. Cooked sweet potatoes can last in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

Do sweet potatoes turn brown after cutting? ›

With raw potatoes, sweet potatoes, apples, avocadoes, etc., when you peel them and they are exposed to oxygen, the oxidation process begins turning them brown/grey. To prevent this from happening, after peelingand cutting, place them in a bowl of cold water with a few teaspoons of lemon juice added.

How do you keep pre cut sweet potatoes from browning? ›

It is not necessary to peel sweet potatoes, but you can. How do you prevent sweet potatoes from browning? After cutting sweet potatoes, the easiest way to prevent browning is to submerge them in water. You can store them in water in the fridge for 3-4 days in advance.

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