Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking to bring pure comfort to your next gathering or holiday meal, the Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a must-try classic with a delicious twist. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes meet rich maple syrup, warm spices, and a buttery pecan crumble topping, creating a side dish that manages to be nostalgic and exciting all at once. Whether it’s the star of your Thanksgiving table or a cozy weeknight treat, this casserole will win hearts with its harmonious sweet, nutty, and aromatic flavors. Let’s make every bite count with this beloved Southern treasure!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling together a stellar Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole doesn’t mean spending hours at the store or in the kitchen. Each ingredient here has a delicious job to do, bringing either creaminess, sweetness, a gentle crunch, or a lovely aroma to your finished dish.
- Mashed sweet potatoes (4 cups): The star of the show—choose large, orange-fleshed varieties for intense color and sweetness.
- Pure maple syrup (1/2 cup): Real maple syrup infuses the casserole with deep, caramelized notes that set it apart from ordinary sweet potato dishes.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/3 cup): Adds rich flavor and silky texture—always opt for unsalted to control the seasoning yourself.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Brings a creamy, lush consistency that binds everything together.
- Large eggs (2): These help set the casserole, adding a little lift and structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A splash of vanilla rounds out the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp): This spice adds cozy warmth and depth—a little goes a long way.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Nutmeg complements the sweet potatoes beautifully with its subtle, earthy aroma.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Just enough to balance all the sweet, creamy, and nutty elements.
- Brown sugar, for topping (1/2 cup): Adds irresistible caramel sweetness and helps form a golden crust.
- All-purpose flour, for topping (1/3 cup): Helps the topping hold together and get lightly crisp as it bakes.
- Chopped pecans, for topping (1/3 cup): The ultimate Southern finishing touch—pecans add a delectable crunch and toasty flavor.
- Softened unsalted butter, for topping (3 tbsp): Blended into the topping, this makes every bite rich, nutty, and downright craveable.
How to Make Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Dish and Preheat the Oven
Before you get started, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light swipe of butter or cooking spray—this keeps your casserole from sticking and ensures easy serving later. While you’re at it, set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking once your mixture comes together. Prepping both of these at the outset means you’ll move smoothly from mixing to baking with zero hiccups.
Step 2: Combine the Sweet Potato Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, bring together your mashed sweet potatoes, maple syrup, melted butter, whole milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until it all looks creamy and uniform. The eggs help the casserole hold its shape, while the maple syrup mingles beautifully with the aromatic spices for a truly Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole that’s unified in both taste and texture.
Step 3: Pour and Smooth
Once your sweet potato mixture is ready, pour it into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to gently smooth the surface, ensuring an even layer—this will help the topping bake evenly and look inviting when served at your table.
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Pecan Topping
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans. Add the softened butter and use your fingertips (or a fork) to blend until the mixture forms small damp crumbs. This is what will create that golden, crisp topping every Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole lover looks forward to!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Scatter the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture, making sure there’s a bit of pecan crunch in every bite. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling feels set when pressed lightly at the center. Allow it to cool for just a bit before diving in to let the flavors settle and the structure firm up.
How to Serve Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Garnishes
To really make your Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole pop, try a sprinkle of extra toasted pecans across the top or a drizzle of warm maple syrup right before serving. For a holiday flourish, add a scattering of mini marshmallows during the last ten minutes of baking and let them get perfectly toasted for a festival of flavor and color.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines next to other Southern classics like roasted turkey, baked ham, or skillet cornbread. A bright, tangy salad or roasted Brussels sprouts can balance the sweetness and give your plate beautiful variety. If you’re gathering around the table for a special occasion, setting out a mix of savory and fresh sides makes the casserole even more memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, serve directly from the casserole dish for that warm, communal feeling. Want a more elegant spin? Spoon the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for personal-sized servings. Or for a rustic twist, try baking and serving it in a cast-iron skillet—it holds heat well and looks fantastic straight from oven to table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole stores like a dream. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors even seem to meld and deepen overnight!
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble (without baking) and wrap tightly with both plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes if it’s still a bit chilly in the center.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. For single servings, a minute or two in the microwave works well, but for best texture, use the oven. If your topping needs a little freshening up, uncover for the last few minutes so it stays crisp.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, canned sweet potatoes work well—just drain and mash them before mixing with the other ingredients. The key is making sure they’re unsweetened, so you can control the overall sweetness of your Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole.
Can this dish be made dairy-free?
Yes, swapping out milk and butter for plant-based alternatives like unsweetened almond milk and vegan butter is easy. The casserole maintains its lovely creaminess and richness, keeping it friendly for guests with dairy sensitivities.
Is it possible to prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated before baking. Simply add the topping right before baking so it stays crisp and fresh.
What’s the best way to mash sweet potatoes?
For ultra-smooth potatoes, use a potato ricer or electric mixer once the sweet potatoes are cooked and peeled. If you like a bit of rustic texture, a simple potato masher or sturdy fork does the job nicely.
Can I add marshmallows to the topping?
Of course! Scattering mini marshmallows over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking adds a gooey, caramelized finish that classic sweet potato casserole fans will love. It’s a delightful twist on the traditional Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole.
Final Thoughts
Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is one of those timeless dishes that brings people together with every warm, sweet, spiced bite. Whether you serve it for a special holiday or a cozy Sunday dinner, it never fails to satisfy and delight. Don’t let this recipe just sit on your screen—gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a true taste of Southern comfort!
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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, comforting flavors of this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are sweetened with maple syrup, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a buttery pecan crumble. A must-have side dish for any holiday table!
Ingredients
Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix sweet potato mixture: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, maple syrup, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans. Add softened butter and blend until crumbly.
- Top and bake: Pour sweet potato mixture into baking dish, top with crumble mixture. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and set. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- For a sweeter topping, add mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
