Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting dish perfect for cozy dinners and special occasions. This casserole brings together sweet flavors and warm textures, making it a family favorite. The creamy sweet potatoes topped with crispy marshmallows create a delightful combination that everyone will love.
Why You Will Love This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
This recipe is easy and quick to prepare. With simple ingredients, you can bring a cozy atmosphere to your table. The flavors are sweet, but not too overwhelming, making it great for family gatherings. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any meal where you want to impress your guests. Plus, it fills your home with warmth and delicious smells.
How to Make Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Making this casserole is straightforward. You’ll start by mixing all the ingredients in one bowl. Then, just pour everything into a baking dish and let the oven do the work. The key is in the layering of flavors, which makes this dish stand out.
What You Need
- 4 cups roasted sweet potatoes, mashed
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter or vegan butter (for topping)
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, maple syrup, brown sugar, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, mixing well.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Mix the chopped pecans with the melted butter and syrup, then sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.
- Top with mini marshmallows evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and marshmallows are golden brown.
- Serve warm as a side dish during meals, especially for Thanksgiving.
How to Serve Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey or ham. It’s also delicious alongside green beans or a fresh salad. For an extra touch, you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
How to Store Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Storing leftovers is simple. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze the casserole for a month. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, around 15-20 minutes.
Recipe Tips
- Lightly mash the sweet potatoes for a smooth texture.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans before adding.
- Ensure the marshmallows are golden but not burned.
- Try adding a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.
- Swap raisins for dried cranberries for a different twist.
- Use regular butter or a vegan option based on your preference.
- Make it ahead and bake it just before serving.
- Don’t crowd the baking dish for even cooking.
Variations & Swaps
- Substitute sweet potatoes with butternut squash for a different flavor.
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a unique sweetness.
- Add mini chocolate chips for a fun twist that kids will love.
- Try using different nuts like walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
- Make it dairy-free with plant-based butter and coconut cream.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Just make sure to transfer it to an airtight container before freezing.
How do I reheat the casserole?
Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until it’s warmed through. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
What can I use instead of raisins?
Dried cranberries or chopped dates work well as substitutes.
What if my marshmallows burn?
Keep an eye on them while baking. If they brown too quickly, you can cover the dish loosely with foil until the rest of the casserole is heated through.
Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Casserole Base
- 4 cups roasted sweet potatoes, mashed Lightly mash the sweet potatoes for a smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup maple syrup Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute.
- 1/2 cup raisins Can be substituted with dried cranberries.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon For a warmer flavor, add a pinch of ginger.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
Topping
- 1 cup mini marshmallows Ensure they are golden but not burned.
- 1 cup pecans, chopped Toast the pecans for a nuttier flavor.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter or vegan butter (for topping) Use regular butter or a vegan option as preferred.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, maple syrup, brown sugar, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, mixing well.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
Topping
- Mix the chopped pecans with the melted butter and syrup, then sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.
- Top with mini marshmallows evenly.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and marshmallows are golden brown.
- Serve warm as a side dish during meals, especially for Thanksgiving.
