If you’re craving a holiday side dish that combines sweet, nutty, and warmly spiced flavors, this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is going to steal your heart (and your taste buds!). It’s a beautiful medley of roasted sweet potatoes layered with maple syrup, cinnamon, marshmallows, and a crunchy pecan topping that gives it those irresistible Southern charm vibes. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to crowd-pleaser at every gathering.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Deep, comforting flavors: Roasting the sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness while the maple syrup and warming spices add that perfect cozy touch.
Texture heaven: The mix of creamy mashed sweet potatoes, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy pecan topping creates an unforgettable contrast in every bite.
Simple yet impressive: With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, this dish looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
Perfect for all occasions: Whether it’s a festive holiday spread or a comforting family dinner, this casserole fits right in with any meal plan.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is crafted with simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element, from the roasted sweet potatoes to the pecan topping drizzled in maple syrup, plays a vital role in bringing this dish to life.
- Sweet potatoes: Using organic and roasting them enhances their sweetness and ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Maple syrup: This pure syrup adds natural sweetness with a distinctive flavor that makes the casserole stand out.
- Marshmallows: They bring that classic gooey texture and a hint of lightly toasted sweetness on top.
- Almond milk: You can substitute with whole milk or your favorite plant-based milk to keep it creamy and smooth.
- Pecans: Raw pecans provide a crunchy topper that pairs perfectly with the softer casserole underneath.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and a subtle molasses flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
How to Make Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to a lively 400°F. Toss those peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg until every piece is beautifully coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then let them roast for about 50-60 minutes until tender, golden, and with a slight char that amps up the flavor. This roasting step is key to unlocking that sweet, caramelized base for your casserole.
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Filling
Lower the oven temperature to 375°F and grease a generous 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, mix the roasted sweet potatoes with almond milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, maple syrup, and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Fold in the soaked raisins and marshmallows, aiming for a lovely blend of mashed and chunky textures that make this casserole so delightful. Spread this heavenly mixture evenly in your prepared dish, then nestle small cubes of butter throughout for pockets of rich flavor.
Step 3: Add the Maple Pecan Topping
In a small bowl, combine raw pecans with maple syrup, stirring until the nuts are coated in glossy sweetness. Sprinkle this mix generously over the sweet potato filling until it’s completely covered. This topping bakes up crunchy, sticky, and perfectly golden, adding another textural and flavor layer that brings the whole dish together. Cover with foil to trap moisture and bake for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Finish Baking and Serve
After that initial covered bake, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the topping is golden and the marshmallows have melted into gooey perfection. Let your Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole cool for a bit before serving — this rest time helps everything set just right. Then get ready for some serious compliments!
How to Serve Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon just before serving for extra visual appeal and crunch. A drizzle of warm maple syrup on top can also give it that final glossy, inviting touch that’s sure to draw everyone in.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with classic Southern mains like glazed ham, roasted turkey, or even a savory vegetarian loaf. Complement it with green beans almondine, collard greens, or a crisp fresh salad to balance out the sweet richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins topped with a miniature pecan and marshmallow cluster. Or, simply gather everyone ‘round the family-style dish, letting that maple aroma and golden topping be the centerpiece of your holiday table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld wonderfully overnight, making the next-day bites even more delicious!
Freezing
This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap before popping it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Rewarm leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20-25 minutes. You can remove the foil in the last few minutes to revive that golden, toasty topping.
FAQs
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Can I make this casserole vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace marshmallows with vegan-friendly marshmallows available at specialty stores.
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How do I soak the raisins for the best texture?
Place raisins in a bowl and pour boiling water over them, soaking for 5-10 minutes before draining. For an extra twist, soak them in a bit of rum or bourbon to add a subtle adult note to your casserole.
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Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the sweet potatoes in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, assemble the casserole, add the topping, and bake. This saves valuable time on busy days.
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What if I don’t have pecans? Can I use other nuts?
While pecans provide that classic Southern flavor, walnuts or almonds can also be excellent substitutes and will still offer a lovely crunch and flavor contrast on top of the casserole.
Final Thoughts
Making this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is like inviting a warm hug to your holiday table. Full of comforting flavors and textures, it’s a dish that brings smiles, nostalgia, and plenty of second-helpings. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become an instant favorite in your family too!
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Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A comforting Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole featuring roasted sweet potatoes blended with warm spices, brown sugar, maple syrup, and marshmallows, topped with a sticky pecan and maple syrup glaze. This cozy dish is perfect for holidays or family gatherings, offering a sweet, nutty, and slightly spiced flavor with a delightful combination of mashed and chunky textures.
Ingredients
Roasted Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 large organic sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Filling:
- ½ cup almond milk (or whole milk/plant-based milk of choice)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed into small pieces
- ⅓ cup organic brown sugar
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground allspice
- 1 cup organic raisins, soaked and drained
- 2 cups marshmallows
Topping:
- 1 ½ cups raw pecans
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly coated.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, slightly charred, and golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven for Casserole and Prepare Dish: Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly.
- Make the Casserole Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, almond milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, soaked raisins, and marshmallows. Gently mix, allowing some sweet potato to mash while retaining some chunks for texture.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Dot small cubes of butter throughout the casserole. For extra indulgence, gently press additional marshmallows into the mixture in various spots.
- Prepare the Topping: In a bowl, mix the raw pecans with maple syrup until pecans are well coated.
- Add Topping and Bake: Generously spread the pecan and maple syrup topping evenly over the casserole. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the topping is golden brown and marshmallows have melted and browned lightly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy alongside your favorite main dishes.
Notes
- STORAGE: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- MAKE AHEAD: Roast the sweet potatoes ahead of time, cool completely, and refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use. Allow to come to room temperature before assembling the casserole.
- EQUIPMENT: For best results, use quality baking dishes, baking sheets lined with parchment, wooden spoons, and mixing bowls.
- CRUMBLE TOPPING OPTION: For a more traditional touch, you can substitute the pecan maple glaze with a pecan crumble topping; refer to the full recipe post for instructions.
- VEGAN OPTION: Use your favorite plant-based milk and substitute butter with vegan butter to make this casserole vegan-friendly. See the Vegan Skillet Sweet Potato Casserole recipe for ideas.
- SOAKING OF RAISINS: To plump raisins, cover them with boiling water for 5-10 minutes, then drain. For an adult twist, soak in rum or bourbon instead.
