Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is what holiday dreams are made of—rich, creamy sweet potatoes mingling with the deep warmth of pure maple syrup, crowned by a brown sugar-pecan crumble that’s irresistible. Whether it’s your Thanksgiving table or just a cozy Sunday supper, if you’re looking to win everyone over with minimal effort and maximum flavor, this is the dish to showcase. Sweet, comforting, and just a touch decadent, it’s a family tradition waiting to happen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole lies in how a handful of simple, carefully chosen ingredients combine for something truly special. Each one brings its own unique magic, contributing the perfect color, flavor, or texture you crave in this classic.
- Mashed sweet potatoes (4 cups): The naturally sweet and vibrant base—use freshly baked sweet potatoes for the creamiest texture.
- Pure maple syrup (½ cup): Adds a deep, caramel warmth and complexity you just can’t fake.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup + ½ cup for topping): Brings in that molasses note and perfectly balances the sweetness in both the casserole and the topping.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup melted + ¼ cup cold for topping): Richness for both the base and the crumble—melted for silkiness, cubed and cold for that irresistible topping crunch.
- Large eggs (2): Help bind everything together, creating a luscious, souffle-like texture.
- Whole milk (½ cup): Adds creaminess, balancing the density of the sweet potatoes.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with a cozy, fragrant note.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon) & Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Bring warmth and a subtle spice that feels like Southern hospitality on a spoon.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Brightens everything, keeping the sweetness in check.
- All-purpose flour (⅓ cup, for topping): The secret to the topping’s perfect crumble—don’t skip it!
- Chopped pecans (½ cup, for topping): Buttery crunch and classic Southern flavor—substitute with oats for a nut-free version if needed.
How to Make Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Before you do anything else, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light greasing—this keeps your sweet potato mixture from sticking and makes serving a breeze later on. Simple, but don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Base
In a large bowl, combine your mashed sweet potatoes with maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This is where you get to see the magic come together! Mix until everything is smooth and creamy—no lumps. The aroma alone will make you swoon.
Step 3: Spread in the Dish
Once your mixture is silky and well-blended, pour it into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top, making sure it’s evenly distributed. You want every bite of your Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole to be just right!
Step 4: Make the Pecan Crumble Topping
For the crowning glory, stir together the brown sugar and all-purpose flour in a separate bowl. Add in the cold, cubed butter, and cut it in with a fork or pastry cutter until everything looks like coarse, crumbly sand. Fold in the chopped pecans, and you’re ready for topping magic.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle that pecan crumble topping evenly over the sweet potato base, covering every inch for that perfect golden crust. Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden, and the center is set. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving—a little patience makes for a perfectly scoopable casserole!
How to Serve Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Garnishes
If you’d like to dress things up, sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans over the top, or even a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt for contrast. A light dusting of cinnamon or a splash of maple syrup over each serving can make this casserole feel extra special—just like you’d see in the South!
Side Dishes
This casserole is versatile enough to sit prettily next to both classic roasts and simple grilled chicken. At the holidays, pair it with turkey, ham, or roast beef, and fill out your menu with something crisp (like green beans or a fresh salad) and maybe a classic mac and cheese. It’s the sweet, creamy comfort your plate needs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant dinner, try baking Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole in individual ramekins—everyone gets their own adorable portion! Or, serve it in a rustic cast iron skillet for down-home chic. You can even top with tiny marshmallows in place of the pecan crumble if you’re feeling nostalgic for family recipes of the past.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying after the big meal—or anytime you need a sweet-savory bite of Southern comfort.
Freezing
Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole can be frozen either before or after baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking as usual—ideal for planning ahead during the busy holiday season.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until hot throughout. If you’re only reheating a single serving, a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick. You may want to refresh the topping with a sprinkle of pecans or brown sugar for extra crunch.
FAQs
Can I make Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just let it come to room temperature before baking so it cooks evenly and the topping gets nice and crisp.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes can speed things up—just be sure to drain and mash them well before mixing. The flavor will be slightly different, but it’s still a delicious shortcut!
What can I use instead of pecans for a nut-free version?
Swap out the pecans for old-fashioned oats or sunflower seeds. They’ll add texture and crunch without the nuts, making your casserole allergy-friendly without sacrificing that signature crumble.
Is Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole suitable for vegetarians?
Definitely! All the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. Just make sure to check your butter and milk if you have dietary restrictions or preferences for plant-based alternatives.
How do I keep the topping crunchy when reheating?
The best trick is to reheat uncovered in the oven, which helps the topping crisp back up. If you’re using the microwave, a minute or two under the broiler afterward will do wonders for that signature crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole at home, now’s your chance—I promise it’s the perfect combination of easy, impressive, and absolutely delicious. Whether it’s a new addition to your holiday menu or a feel-good side dish for any time of year, one bite is all it takes for this casserole to win a permanent spot at your family table. Give it a try and let every spoonful bring a bit of Southern joy to your home!
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Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are sweetened with maple syrup and topped with a crunchy pecan streusel for the perfect side dish to elevate any meal.
Ingredients
Main Casserole:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 medium sweet potatoes)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Casserole: Combine all main casserole ingredients in a bowl, mix until smooth, and spread into the baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: Mix brown sugar and flour in a bowl; cut in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle topping over sweet potato mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and set. Rest before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole a day ahead and refrigerate—just bring it to room temperature before baking.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with oats.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
