Make Ahead Sweet Potatoes

Effortlessly bring a touch of comfort and convenience to your holiday table with these Make Ahead Sweet Potatoes—an irresistibly creamy side dish that’s perfect for busy hosts. This recipe transforms oven-roasted sweet potatoes into a velvety mash, blended with brown sugar, rich butter, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a depth of flavor that feels like a cozy hug. A splash of vanilla extract and optional pecans add a gourmet twist, while mini marshmallows create that nostalgic caramelized topping everyone loves. Designed to be prepped up to two days in advance, this dish ensures a stress-free cooking experience while delivering crowd-pleasing results. Whether for Thanksgiving or a casual family dinner, this sweet potato casserole pairs perfectly with any festive spread.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 6 medium sweet potatoes
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 0.33 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes. Pierce each potato several times with a fork, then place them on a baking sheet lined with foil.

Step 3

Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven for 40-50 minutes, or until they are soft and tender when pierced with a knife.

Step 4

Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skins and transfer the flesh to a large mixing bowl.

Step 5

Add the butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract to the sweet potato flesh. Mash everything together using a potato masher or a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.

Step 6

Fold in the chopped pecans, if using, for added texture and flavor.

Step 7

Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 8

If desired, sprinkle the top with mini marshmallows for a traditional touch. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days if making ahead.

Step 9

When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the covering and bake the dish for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If marshmallows are added, broil for the last 2-3 minutes to toast them lightly. Be sure to watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your rich, sweet, and spiced make-ahead sweet potatoes!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1129.8 grams (1129.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2252

Total Fat 114.70g	147%
Saturated Fat 47.50g	238%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 203mg	68%
Sodium 1715mg	75%
Total Carbohydrate 292.80g	106%
Dietary Fiber 30.90g	110%
Total Sugars 133.00g
Protein 20.30g	41%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 344mg	26%
Iron 8mg	42%
Potassium 322mg	7%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.2%

Protein: 3.6%

Carbs: 51.3%