Print

Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Print Recipe

Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a beloved holiday side dish blending creamy sweet potatoes with warm maple syrup, brown sugar, and spices, topped with crunchy toasted nuts and optional gooey marshmallows. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion, this casserole offers a cozy, sweet-savory balance and Southern charm that’s easy to prepare and customizable to your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cooked (roasted or boiled)
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs

Topping

  • 1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped and toasted
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and either boil or roast the sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender. Roasting enhances sweetness, but boiling is faster and works well.
  2. Mash and Mix: Thoroughly mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth. Stir in maple syrup, brown sugar, softened butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and eggs until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a casserole dish and evenly spread the sweet potato mixture inside for a uniform bake.
  4. Prepare the Topping: Combine chopped toasted pecans or walnuts with brown sugar and melted butter to form a crumbly topping. Sprinkle generously over the sweet potato layer.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is nicely browned and the casserole is heated through.
  6. Optional Marshmallow Finish: During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top if desired. Allow them to melt and turn golden before removing from the oven.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm sweet potatoes for best flavor and texture.
  • Roasting sweet potatoes caramelizes them, enhancing sweetness.
  • Do not skip the cinnamon and nutmeg for essential warmth.
  • Lightly toast nuts before adding to the topping for extra flavor and crunch.
  • The casserole should be creamy but firm enough to slice and hold its shape.
  • To make vegan, substitute butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax or chia eggs.
  • For a nut-free version, replace nuts with toasted coconut flakes.
  • Use gluten-free oats or crackers if gluten-free topping is needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, maple sweet potato, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving recipe, Southern cooking, gluten free, vegan option

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/southern-maple-sweet-potato-casserole/