Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its sweet, rich flavors and creamy texture, this casserole is a favorite in many homes, especially during the holidays. It combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the delicious taste of maple syrup and a topping that is simply irresistible.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress their family and friends with a traditional Southern dish. It’s not only simple to make but also a great way to incorporate nutritious sweet potatoes into your meal. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a dish that can easily be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for gatherings and festive occasions.
How to prepare Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Making your Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is easy. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a tasty and impressive dish ready in no time!
Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes
- Maple syrup
- Brown sugar
- Raisins
- Spices (such as cinnamon and nutmeg)
- Mini marshmallows
- Pecans
- Butter (or a vegan alternative)
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil in a pot of water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with maple syrup, brown sugar, raisins, spices, and butter. Mix well.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture into a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans with a bit of maple syrup and sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.
- Add mini marshmallows on top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
How to serve Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
This casserole is best served warm. You can enjoy it as a side dish with your favorite meats, or it can be a delicious main dish for a vegetarian meal. It’s also a great addition to any holiday feast. Just scoop it onto a plate and dig in!
How to store Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
To store your casserole, let it cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to make Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole perfectly
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip on the spices; they add a warm depth to the dish.
- If you prefer a crunchier topping, bake it a bit longer or switch to broil for the last few minutes. Just watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
Variations
- For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter substitute and make sure your marshmallows are vegan-friendly.
- You can add chopped apples or pears for extra sweetness and a bit of fruity flavor.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sweet potato mixture.
FAQ
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mixture and store it in the refrigerator. Add the topping just before baking.
2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes to save time, but be sure to drain them well and adjust the sweetness to your taste.
3. Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients listed are gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Enjoy your cooking adventure with Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole!
PrintSouthern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
A delightful Southern dish that combines sweet potatoes with maple syrup and a crunchy topping, perfect for holidays or family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup butter (or vegan alternative)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil sweet potatoes in water until tender, about 15-20 minutes, then drain and mash.
- In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes with maple syrup, brown sugar, raisins, spices, and butter.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture into a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans with a bit of maple syrup and sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.
- Add mini marshmallows on top if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor. This dish can be prepared ahead of time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: sweet potato, casserole, Southern, holiday, vegetarian