Ever since I can remember, my favorite dish at Thanksgiving Dinner was the Sweet Potato Casserole with marshmallows on top. I especially loved it when my mom left it in the oven just a few moments too long and the top would get burnt just a little bit, ...
Ever since I can remember, my favorite dish at Thanksgiving Dinner was the Sweet Potato Casserole with marshmallows on top.
I especially loved it when my mom left it in the oven just a few moments too long and the top would get burnt just a little bit, giving it that perfectly toasted flavor I looked forward to every year.
About fifteen years ago, when I hosted Thanksgiving dinner for the very first time, I decided to try something new. I’ll be honest, I was a little nervous. I didn’t want my mom to be disappointed that I wasn’t making the traditional version I grew up with.
But the moment everyone took a bite, I knew I’d found something special. The new version was creamy, sweet, and topped with the perfect crunch, and to my surprise, it became everyone’s favorite (even Mom’s!).
Now, this is the only way I make Sweet Potato Casserole. It’s rich, cozy, and just the right balance of sweet and savory, no marshmallows required. If you’ve always made the classic version too, give this one a try. It might just become your new family tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sweet Potato Casserole has everything you want in a holiday side.
It’s easy to make, budget friendly, and always a crowd pleaser. The filling is creamy and perfectly sweet without being over the top, and the topping adds just the right crunch.
I also love that this version skips the marshmallows but still delivers that nostalgic flavor everyone craves. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Best of all, you can make it ahead of time (which is a lifesaver when you’re juggling a dozen dishes at once). I usually prep it the night before and pop it in the oven right before we sit down to eat and it’s stress free and delicious every time!
Whether you’re hosting for the first time or keeping a family tradition alive, this casserole is one of those recipes that just feels like home.
Ingredients
Filling:
Sweet potatoes
Sugar
Eggs
Milk
Butter
Vanilla extract
Cinnamon
Salt
Topping:
Brown sugar
Flour
Butter
Pecans
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole
Full directions on how to make this Sweet Potato recipe are in the printable recipe card below. This is a quick walk through on how it is made.
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch dish.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mash sweet potatoes, then stir in sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
Step 3: Spread filling in the dish.
In another bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and pecans until crumbly, then sprinkle over the top.
Step 4: Bake 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden and the casserole is heated through.
Cool slightly before serving.
This recipe has officially earned a permanent spot on my Thanksgiving menu because it’s that good.
It’s one of those recipes that blurs the line between side dishand dessert, and if you happen to have leftovers (rare, but it happens), they’re pretty amazing with a cup of coffee the next morning.
What’s the one Thanksgiving dish you always look forward to each year?
Tips & Variations
Marshmallows or no marshmallows? I grew up with the gooey marshmallow topping, and I still have a soft spot for it! But after trying this pecan streusel version, my family officially switched sides. Turns out that the crunchy, buttery topping wins every time.
Nut free option: Skip the pecans and use crushed graham crackers, oats, or cornflakes for the same delicious crunch.
Want to lighten it up? Use half the sugar or swap in a splash of maple syrup for a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the sweet potatoes.
Make it extra creamy: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the filling for an ultra smooth texture.
Add a flavor twist: Try a pinch of nutmeg to make the flavor pop.
Whether you keep it classic or try a twist, this casserole is one of those rare dishes that everyone loves, even the ones who think they don’t like sweet potatoes!
One of my favorite things about this Sweet Potato Casserole is how easy it is to make ahead which is a total game changer during the busy holiday rush.
How to make ahead
Prepare the casserole through the topping step, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, set it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes and then bake as directed.
How to Freeze
Assemble the casserole (without baking), wrap it well in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake until hot and bubbly.
How to store leftovers
Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
A little prep ahead of time means one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving Day, and more time to enjoy your family (and pie!).
I love that this Sweet Potato Casserole has become one of those must have dishes on our holiday table every year. It’s simple, comforting, and tastes like home with every bite.
Whether you’re trying it for the first time or passing the recipe down to your own family, I hope it brings a little warmth (and maybe a few happy memories) to your table too.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on social media and don’t forget to pin it or print it so you can find it easily next Thanksgiving.
More Thanksgiving Recipes
Mashed Potatoes – This is the easiest way to make the creamiest mashed potatoes!
Green Bean Casserole – This is the classic green bean side dish that has everyone coming back for seconds.
Cranberry Salad – This Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad is a delicious autumn inspired salad.
Buttermilk Biscuits – These Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits are made from scratch and are super fluffy and so good with some warm butter or fresh jam.
This classic sweet potato casserole uses canned sweet potatoes for quick prep and a smooth, flavorful base. A buttery pecan topping adds a crisp, sweet layer that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
Below you’ll find the very best deals in the Ace Black Friday Ad Scans
Ace Black Friday Store Hours
The specific store hours for the Black Friday sales have yet to be released.
Be sure to scroll all the way down for our picks of the best deals to score during the sales on Black Friday!
Ace Black Friday Deals
Here are some of the best deals that I spotted in the Ace Hardware Black Friday Ad today!
Ace Rewards Member Black Friday Deals
Before you start shopping, don’t miss out on these extra ways to save during the Ace Black Friday Sales!
From exclusive member rewards to bonus freebies and limited-time coupons, Ace is making it easy to stretch your holiday budget even further.
Check out all the current offers below so you can stack your savings and get the best deals possible.
Freebies & Bonus Offers
Free delivery from store with qualifying online orders of $50 or more (Ace Rewards members).
Buy a $50 Ace gift card, get a free $10 Ace gift card.
Free or heavily discounted assembly and delivery on grills and accessories priced $399 and up for Ace Rewards members.
Member Rewards / Loyalty Perks
Join Ace Rewards (free to join) and earn 10 points per $1 spent on most purchases.
Collect 2,500 points to earn a $5 reward toward a future purchase.
Members receive exclusive offers, special coupons, and early access to select sales.
Coupons & Discount Codes
Promo codes such as 10% off orders $75+ or 15% off orders $49+ / $99+ (for members).
Online promotions like $15 off $125+ or $10 off $100+.
Some coupon codes apply exclusively to Ace Rewards members for additional savings.
Be sure to sign up for a free Ace Rewards account if you haven’t already because it’s the easiest way to unlock bonus deals, exclusive coupons, and even free delivery perks.
And don’t forget to check back often as all the new Ace Black Friday Sales and coupon codes are added as the holiday shopping season unfolds!
The Black Friday Best Price Checker Tool will be updated every time a new Black Friday Ad gets released.
It’s super easy to use! Just type in the item that you are looking for and the tool will show every store that will have it, how much it costs and any other important details.
So if you want to make sure you are going to be getting the very best deals this holiday shopping season, check back often to make sure you are getting the things you want for the very best prices!
Grab your FREE Printable Black Friday Shopping Planner below. This will be so helpful to have on hand as you are looking through the Black Friday ads this year.
Keep track of everything you want to get, along with store hours and doorbuster end times!
Now is the best time to plan your Thanksgiving dinner. These suggestions along with the FREE Thanksgiving Dinner Plannerwill help you remember all you need to do to make it a success and a memorable experience for everyone.
I remember the first year that I hosted Thanksgiving and did not take time to come up with a plan first and thought I could just wing it. Was I wrong!
It was the most stressful day for me, and I decided after that first time I would never host another holiday without making a plan first.
So today, I’m sharing my best tips for planning a stress-free, budget-friendly Thanksgiving dinner, plus a FREE printable planneryou can grab below!
Taking time today to decide which recipes you will need as well as making a list of the ingredients you have to buy will help you save time and lots of money in the long run.
1 week ahead: thaw turkey, finalize side dish recipes
Day before: prep veggies, casseroles, set table linens
Morning of: cook turkey, warm ups, mingle!
Here is why this saves time.
Just like with regular meal planning, knowing all of the dishes you’ll be preparing for Thanksgiving gives you time to come up with a plan of action.
Making the most of each and every moment in the kitchen will free you up to spend more time with family on Thanksgiving Day.
Planning gives you time to:
Pick your recipes with confidence
Shop smart by watching for the best sales
Avoid last-minute stress and overspending
Frugal Thanksgiving Budget Tips
You don’t need a huge budget to host a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner.
Here’s how to stretch your dollars:
Buy ahead during weekly sales and don’t wait until the last minute
Use store brands for pantry staples
Reuse décor from year to year or borrow from friends
Make from scratch where possible, things like homemade rolls and pies are cheaper and tastier
Plan leftovers for extra meals
Want to know exactly what to shop for? Keep your list handy! I like to tuck mine into my purse and grab sale items a little at a time.
The stores will be offering really great sales now through Thanksgiving on everything you will need to pull off the perfect dinner.
Pay attention to who has the best prices, and look for coupons to save even more.
Before you hit the store, take a few more minutes to check your pantry for anything you might already have. Then write a list of what you still need.
I keep my Thanksgiving Dinner List in my purse and try to cross off a few things each week while I am doing my regular shopping.
Picking things up over the next several weeks only when you can find them at a great low (and possibly even free) price will save you lots of money.
The alternative is to take the full list and run to your favorite store.
You may find a couple things on sale this week and that will help you save, but what is not on sale this week will likely be on sale in the next couple weeks.
Step-by-Step Thanksgiving Dinner Timeline
Here’s a simple week-by-week guide to keep you on track:
If you’re working around food sensitivities (like avoiding almonds or nightshades), swap with safe ingredients like oat milk, coconut flour, or roasted carrots instead of potatoes.
When you plan ahead, you can actually sit down, enjoy your meal, and make those cozy memories that last long after the dishes are done.
Here’s to a stress-free, budget-friendly Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, laughter, love and memories that will last long after the kitchen has been cleaned up.
I recently heard that the cost of heating your home is expected to rise drastically this winter.
Add that to all of the other rising costs such as gas and food, you’ll want to check out all of the easy ways to save money this fall below.
There are several little things that you can do today that will add up to big savings for you and your budget!
On Saving Dollars and Sense, I want to convey the message that we are Changing the Way you Save, and the most important part of the equation is change.
Take a look at the list below and see what areas in your life you can change today.
Ditch the Cable
One thing we did a while back was finally let go of cable service.
Gasp! I know.
It was the hardest thing to let go of for my family, especially my husband. But we replaced it with Amazon Prime which everyone LOVES!
Plus we found out something by accident.
My husband decided to reorder cable to watch the Superbowl last year, while on the phone with our internet service provider (who also supplies cable) he let him know that since we already had a cable line for internet and an HDTV we would get basic cable free.
It turned out to be true.
So I encourage you to reconsider paying a cable bill at all.
As soon as the chill is in the air at night, switch out your regular sheets for flannel sheets.
We also make sure to have an extra blanket or two underneath our quilts at night to trap our body heat.
Nighttime is a good time to turn down the thermostat and save some money on heating since everyone should be snug in their toasty warm beds.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
This might seem silly to have on the list.
But there are some in my family who would love to wear shorts and short-sleeved clothes all year long if they could.
Unfortunately, it can get pretty chilly here in the north which makes that clothing combination a bit uncomfortable.
Here’s a list of clothes to wear indoors to stay warm during the winter:
Warm Sweaters or Pullovers: Thick, cozy sweaters or pullovers can provide extra warmth indoors.
Thermal or Flannel Pajamas: Opt for thermal or flannel pajamas to keep warm when sleeping or lounging.
Long-sleeve Shirts: Layer long-sleeve shirts under your sweaters for added warmth.
Fleece or Flannel-lined Leggings: These can be worn under your pants or as standalone bottoms for extra insulation.
Fleece-lined Lounge Pants: Comfortable lounge pants with a soft fleece lining are great for staying warm at home.
Socks: Wear warm, woolen or thermal socks to keep your feet toasty. Thick, fuzzy socks are also a good option.
Slippers or House Shoes: Insulated slippers or house shoes can help keep your feet warm on cold floors.
Robe or Bathrobe: A plush, warm bathrobe is perfect for staying cozy indoors.
Beanie or Knit Hat: Keeping your head warm indoors can help maintain overall body warmth.
Fingerless Gloves or Mittens: These can be handy when using a computer or reading while keeping your hands warm.
Warm Blankets or Throws: Wrap yourself in a warm, cozy blanket when sitting or lying down.
Shawls or Wraps: A shawl or wrap can be draped over your shoulders for added warmth.
Thermal Underwear: If it’s exceptionally cold indoors, you can wear thermal or long underwear as a base layer.
Leg Warmers: These can be a stylish and practical addition to keep your legs warm.
Layered Clothing: Just like when you’re outdoors, layering your clothing can help you adjust to varying indoor temperatures.
Fluffy Socks or Slipper Socks: These are especially comfortable for keeping your feet warm.
Turtleneck Tops: Turtleneck tops can provide extra insulation for your neck.
Fuzzy, Insulated Hoodies: A fuzzy or insulated hoodie can be a perfect casual indoor garment.
The key to staying warm indoors during the winter is layering and choosing clothing made from warm and insulating materials like fleece, flannel, wool, and thermal fabrics. Adjust your clothing to suit your comfort, as indoor temperatures can vary depending on your heating system and personal preferences.
I actually look forward to the time of year when I can pull out my sweater and wool socks!
I have learned that if I am wearing cold weather clothing then I can stand for the house to be a little chillier.
We’ve been known to keep our thermostat at 62 degrees.
When dressed appropriately, with a fire burning in the fireplace, this is very comfortable for us and our wallets.
Weatherproof your Home
Now is the time to weatherproof your home.
Check all of your windows and doors for drafts and seal with caulk to keep the heat in and your bill under control.
We also use weatherproofing kits liike these and put plastic over our windows which helps a lot, and when done properly you can hardly tell it is there.
You could also add insulation to your attic to keep the heat in.
The less heat you lose, the less your heating bill will cost.
Save on Dinner
I would love to say that we eat every dinner at home to save since I know this is best for the budget and your health.
But the reality is that we eat out about once a week.
More and more I am convinced that I get the very best deals when I shop online!
Not only do I have a plethora of stores at my fingertips where I can search for the best price, but I can almost always find a coupon code to add to a sale.
I find that now that I know how to search for deals online I can get brand new, name-brand clothes for my family – for the same price I used to spend visiting thrift stores and garage sales!
Most of the stores, gas stations, and restaurants that you visit regularly have customer loyalty programs that you can join.
You can earn rewards for visiting them which you are already going to do anyway.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard a cashier ask someone if they would like to sign up for a store card and the person declines.
Maybe they are tapped for time?
But it takes less than 5 minutes to sign up, and you’ll earn rewards from free dinners, gas, and even cash!
If you are planning to spend at that establishment anyway, why wouldn’t you want to get the most for your money?
Avoid Late Fees
It seems like no big deal.
You are a little late on a bill and have to pay a couple of extra dollars, you return movies late and the late fees get added to your account.
A couple of dollars here and there can add up quickly until you find yourself making an extra bill payment each month just in late fees or overdraft charges.
Be mindful of those dates, and get rid of the thinking that it’s just a couple extra dollars.
Reevaluate Everything
Every couple of months my husband and I sit down and look over all of our bills together.
We are looking for areas that have gotten fat and could use a little trimming.
Specifically cable, internet, and cell phone bills.
Take some time to call each of their competitors and see what is the best price they can give you for the service you need.
Then take the amount they give you and call your service provider to see if they can beat it.
We have never had our provider not try to beat the competitor’s price to keep us, but sometimes they just couldn’t do it and we had to make the switch to a competitor.
This is a great way to scale back on your utility bills and put that money back into your pocket!
Do you have any other tips that you think deserve to be added to the list?
Feel free to include them in the comments below so we can all learn to change the way we save!
And always make sure that you’re tracking your expenses.