Name: Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: Sweet potatoes; Maple syrup; Butter (or vegan butter for dairy-free); Whole milk (or plant-based milk for dairy-free); Ground cinnamon; Ground nutmeg; Vanilla extract; Salt; Brown sugar; Pecans (or walnuts for substitution); All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option); Rolled oats (or gluten-free oats for gluten-free option)

This Southern-style maple sweet potato casserole is the perfect holiday side dish. Creamy, cinnamon-spiced sweet potatoes meet a crunchy pecan streusel topping for a dish that’s both comforting and festive. It’s a beautiful balance of sweet and savory that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Holidays: This casserole makes an ideal addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.

Balanced Flavor: The maple syrup and cinnamon create a sweet warmth, while the pecan streusel adds a delightful crunch.

Comfort Food Classic: Creamy sweet potatoes make this dish incredibly comforting and satisfying.

Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, it’s straightforward to make.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance and bake when needed, making holiday meal prep easier.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

sweet potatoes

maple syrup

butter

whole milk

ground cinnamon

ground nutmeg

vanilla extract

salt

brown sugar

pecans

all-purpose flour

rolled oats

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Boil the sweet potato cubes in a large pot for 12-15 minutes, until tender. Drain and return them to the pot.

Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Mix in maple syrup, melted butter, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt until creamy and well combined.

Spread the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, pecans, flour, oats, and softened butter. Mix to form a crumbly streusel topping.

Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the sweet potatoes.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling.

Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Marshmallow Topping: Swap the streusel for a layer of mini marshmallows for a sweeter, fluffier topping.

Cranberry Twist: Add dried cranberries to the streusel mixture for a tart contrast.

Vegan Option: Replace butter with vegan butter and whole milk with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.

Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour and oats for a gluten-free version of the streusel.

Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for extra warmth.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Warm the casserole in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.

Freezing: Freeze the prepared casserole (before baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Related Recipes:

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

FAQs

How far in advance can I make this casserole?

You can prepare the casserole up to 1 day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake it just before serving.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Be sure to drain them thoroughly before mashing.

What can I use instead of pecans?

You can use walnuts or leave out the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.

Is this casserole very sweet?

It’s mildly sweet due to the maple syrup and brown sugar but balanced by the creamy sweet potatoes and savory butter.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter and the whole milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk.

Conclusion

This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting classic that brings warmth and flavor to any holiday meal. Whether you stick with the traditional recipe or try one of the delicious variations, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Give it a try, and enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, spiced sweetness and crunchy streusel topping!

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