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Ah, sweet potato casserole! There’s something magical about it, isn’t there? It reminds me of cozy afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of cinnamon and sweet maple syrup enveloped the air like a warm hug. One holiday season, I remember my grandma taking her time to peel the sweet potatoes, the gentle scrape of the knife against the skin reminding me that good things take time. She taught me that cooking is as much about the process as it is about the flavor. When we finally tucked that dish into the oven, the rich, caramelized scent wafted through the house, inviting everyone in for a taste. It’s the kind of dish that sings of love, warmth, and family, and I’m thrilled to share this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole recipe with you—trust me, you’ll be smitten too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These steps are straightforward, allowing you to effortlessly whip up this cozy dish.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Impress your friends and family with this delightful casserole that’s sure to be a favorite at any gathering!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet maple, warm spices, and toasty pecans creates a flavor profile that dances on your taste buds.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Warm, creamy, and topped with gooey marshmallows, it’s the ultimate comfort food perfect for cozy gatherings.
- Flexible Ingredients: Simple swaps and additions let you customize this dish to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs!
Ingredients
4 large organic sweet potatoes, peeled & cubed
Sweet potatoes provide a creamy texture and natural sweetness—feel free to choose organic for the best flavor!2-3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
This adds a subtle richness and helps the sweet potatoes roast perfectly.1 tsp ground cinnamon
Cinnamon enhances sweetness and gives that warm, inviting aroma—always a must in cozy recipes!1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Nutmeg brings a warm, spicy flavor, rounding out the sweetness beautifully.1/2 cup almond milk
(You can use whole milk or your fave plant-based milk)
This keeps the casserole creamy without being too heavy—perfect for balancing flavors!2 tsps vanilla extract
For a touch of sweetness and warmth, vanilla makes everything feel like a hug from the inside out!4 Tbsp unsalted butter, cubed into small pieces
The butter adds richness; don’t skimp on this! Feel free to use vegan butter if needed!1/3 cup organic brown sugar
This helps create that nice caramelization, adding depth to the overall flavor!1/4 cup pure maple syrup
Maple syrup is everything! It elevates the dish with its unique sweetness that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes!1 tsp ground cinnamon
(Yes, more cinnamon please!)
The extra touch of cinnamon in the topping is a simple yet delightful finishing touch.1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
A little nutmeg goes a long way in enhancing those cozy flavors!Pinch of ground allspice
Allspice adds a dimension of flavor that’s like a warm sweater for your taste buds!1 cup organic raisins, soaked & drained
(See Notes!)
Raisins add pockets of sweetness and a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling!2 cups marshmallows
Gooey, fluffy marshmallows are what make this casserole oh-so-special and fun!1 1/2 cups raw pecans
These provide a nutty crunch, perfect for balancing the soft sweetness of the casserole!1/4 cup pure maple syrup
That final drizzle of maple syrup over the pecan topping ensures maximum deliciousness!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
TO ROAST THE SWEET POTATOES:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). It should feel like a warm hug as the kitchen fills with heat!
- Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl. Make sure they’re well coated; this is where the magic starts!
- Spread the sweet potatoes evenly on a lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Roast for about 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
TO MAKE THE CASSEROLE FILLING:
- Once sweet potatoes are perfectly roasted, transfer them to a large bowl. Go ahead and inhale that sweet, cozy scent!
- Add almond milk, vanilla extract, cubed butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and the remaining spices. Use a potato masher or fork to blend everything until creamy, but you can leave a few lumps for texture.
- Stir in those lovely soaked raisins. You’ll love how they plump up beautifully in this creamy mixture.
TO MAKE THE TOPPING:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed pecans, marshmallows, more cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. It’s like building the most delightful blanket for your casserole!
- Pour your sweet potato filling into a greased baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the marshmallow and pecan topping generously over the sweet potato filling. Drizzle with additional maple syrup for good luck!
Pro Tips for Success
- Stay Organic: Always choose organic sweet potatoes for a richer flavor and better texture.
- Soaking Raisins: Soaking adds a delicious chewiness and plumps them up—don’t skip this step!
- Taste Test: Feel free to taste the sweet potato mixture before baking; adjust sweetness or spices to your liking!
- Even Baking: For even baking, spread sweet potatoes evenly on the baking sheet and avoid overcrowding!
- Experiment with Toppings: Have fun with different nut or crumble toppings depending on what you have at home!
Flavor Variations
- Spice the Season: Swap out the spices for a pumpkin spice blend for a seasonal twist.
- Go Nutty: Try adding walnuts or almonds for a different texture!
- Fruity Addition: Toss in some diced apples or pears for a fruity surprise.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted meats or a hearty salad. For that perfect presentation, scoop out a generous serving onto a lovely plate and drizzle a little extra maple syrup on top for a finishing touch. Don’t forget to serve it with a warm spiced cider or a glass of chilled white wine. Cozy vibes, right?
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can make this dish up to a day ahead! Just prepare the sweet potato filling and toppings, store them separately in the fridge, and bake when needed. Leftover casserole can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Leftovers
Let’s get creative! Use leftovers in a breakfast hash by sautéing with eggs or whisk them into pancakes for a fun brunch treat. You could even layer them in a breakfast burrito for a delicious twist!
Freezing
Yes, this casserole can be frozen! Assemble it beforehand, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. Just remember, it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Reheating
For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also use a skillet with a lid on low heat to keep things moist or give the microwave a go, but be mindful not to overheat!
FAQs
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re thawed and drained before roasting to avoid excess moisture.
Is it possible to make this vegan?
Definitely! Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and omit the marshmallow or use vegan marshmallows!
Can I skip the marshmallows?
Sure! If you’re not a marshmallow fan, feel free to replace them with an oat or nut topping!
What can I serve with sweet potato casserole?
It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or a vibrant kale salad—seriously, it complements any main dish!
Final Thoughts
I hope this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole finds its way to your kitchen table and fills your home with the same warmth and love that it fills mine. Cooking is all about sharing moments and tales, and I can’t wait to hear about the cozy memories you create while enjoying this delightful dish. Happy cooking, y’all! 💖
Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl until well coated.
- Spread sweet potatoes on a lined baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes to a large bowl.
- Mix in almond milk, vanilla extract, cubed butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and remaining spices. Blend until creamy, leaving some lumps for texture.
- Stir in soaked raisins.
- In a separate bowl, mix together crushed pecans, marshmallows, additional cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Pour the sweet potato filling into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the marshmallow and pecan topping over it.
- Drizzle with additional maple syrup.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through, about 20-25 minutes.