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Thanksgiving Day runs so much smoother when a few side dishes are already done, and our Sweet Potato Casserole is one of the easiest to get ahead on. It has more than 6,000 five-star ratings, a silky filling of mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, evaporated milk and vanilla, and a crunchy brown sugar pecan topping. This make ahead sweet potato casserole can be prepped 1 to 2 days before the holiday, as long as you hold back one part. Start the way you always would: simmer the sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender but not mushy, peel them once they are cool enough to handle, and mash them with the other filling ingredients until smooth. I start with a potato masher and finish with an electric mixer on low for about 45 seconds.
That part is the topping. Mix the flour, brown sugar and chopped pecans, cut in the butter, and store it in its own container rather than sprinkling it on early. Smooth the sweet potato filling into a greased baking dish (a 9×13, an 8×11 or a deep-dish 10-inch pie pan all work), cover it, and refrigerate. On Thanksgiving, scatter the topping over the filling and bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes. Keeping the two apart until baking day is what keeps a sweet potato casserole with pecan topping tasting freshly made, and it frees up your hands for the turkey and gravy.
Can you freeze sweet potato casserole?
Yes, and it is a great option if you like to plan weeks ahead. Prepare the casserole completely but don’t bake it. Cover it with a double layer of aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. The night before you need it, move it to the refrigerator to thaw, then let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes before baking as directed. Any leftovers keep in the fridge for 4 to 5 days, if they last that long. Freezing is a lifesaver when you are hosting a crowd or bringing a side to someone else’s table.
Can’t decide between pecans and marshmallows? Make both. Make half a batch of the pecan topping, spread it over one side of the dish, and bake as directed, then add mini marshmallows to the other half when it’s about 5 minutes from done and return it to the oven until they’re golden and puffy. For a nut-free version, leave out the pecans or add about ½ cup of rolled oats for texture. Round out your holiday menu with Homemade Dinner Rolls, Cornbread Dressing, Green Bean Casserole and Turkey Gravy, or browse our full list of Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes.
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