Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors that will make your holiday dinner or family gathering unforgettable. This dish features smooth, buttery sweet potatoes drizzled with rich maple syrup and topped with fluffy marshmallows and crunchy pecans. The fragrant spices of cinnamon and nutmeg elevate the sweet potato goodness, making every bite a cozy experience.
Why is this casserole so special? It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and not only is it a delicious treat, but it also embraces the warmth of home cooking. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a fantastic addition to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about an hour: Perfect for busy nights or holiday feasts.
- Simple, wholesome ingredients: You probably have most of them in your pantry.
- Great for gatherings: A family favorite that everyone will savor.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it to your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients for Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter or vegan substitute
Step-by-Step Instructions of Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
- Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the mashed sweet potatoes with maple syrup, brown sugar, raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and smooth the top.
- Dot the top with butter or vegan substitute, then sprinkle mini marshmallows and chopped pecans over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Tips for Success
- Cook the sweet potatoes just right: Over or undercooking them can affect the texture of your casserole.
- Toast the pecans first: This brings out their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
- Top with marshmallows towards the end: For an extra toasty finish, add the marshmallows in the last 10 minutes of baking.
Substitutions & Variations of Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
- To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Use a vegan butter substitute and ensure the marshmallows are vegan.
- Variations: Consider adding a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist, or mix in different dried fruits like cranberries for extra sweetness.
Storage Instructions of Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the sweet potatoes a day in advance and assemble everything the day of.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Can I use canned sweet potatoes? Yes, but be sure to reduce the amount of maple syrup and brown sugar since they’re already sweetened.
Can I make this casserole in advance? Absolutely! Assemble it the night before and bake when ready to serve.
How can I make it less sweet? Cut down on the maple syrup and brown sugar by a quarter while still retaining the sweetness from the sweet potatoes.
Final Toughts
The Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is not just a side dish; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and comforting warmth. Perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress guests, this casserole is sure to become a beloved staple at your gatherings. Try it out and let me know how your family enjoys it! Don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating!
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Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
A delightful blend of smooth sweet potatoes, rich maple syrup, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy pecans, perfect for holiday dinners or family gatherings.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter or vegan substitute
Instructions
- Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the mashed sweet potatoes with maple syrup, brown sugar, raisins, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and smooth the top.
- Dot the top with butter or vegan substitute, then sprinkle mini marshmallows and chopped pecans over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
For best results, toast the pecans before adding, and add marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking for a toasty finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian