Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake until tender when pierced with a knife, about an hour.

Step 2

Remove from the oven and set aside until cool enough to handle.

Step 3

Lower the oven temperature to 350°F and butter a 9 x 9-inch baking dish (see notes below).

Step 4

Scoop the flesh of the sweet potatoes into a large bowl and discard the skins. Add the butter and beat with an electric mixer until smooth.

Step 5

Add the orange juice and zest, half-and-half, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.

Step 6

Beat to combine, then taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 7

Add the eggs and beat on medium-high speed until the mixture light and fluffy, 1-1/2 to 2 minutes.

Step 8

Transfer the sweet potato mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 9

Cover and bake until puffed and slightly golden, about 25 to 35 minutes.