A Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is the kind of dish that makes the table feel complete. The smell of roasted sweet potatoes mingled with maple syrup and cinnamon brings back cozy holiday memories. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Sunday supper, this casserole is both comforting and festive. With its creamy base, golden marshmallow topping, and nutty crunch, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
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Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole with roasted potatoes, maple syrup, marshmallows, and pecans. Perfect for holidays.
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled & cubed
- 2–3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup almond milk (or whole milk)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups marshmallows
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
- 1 ½ cups pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Roast 50–60 minutes until tender.
- Lower oven to 375°F. Mix roasted potatoes, brown sugar, maple syrup, milk, vanilla, butter, raisins, and marshmallows until combined.
- Spread mixture in greased 9×13 dish. Tuck in extra marshmallows for gooey bites.
- Mix pecans with maple syrup. Scatter topping over casserole. Cover with foil; bake 15 minutes, then uncover and bake 15 more.
- Cool slightly before serving. Scoop and enjoy with other holiday favorites.
Notes
For a vegan option, use dairy-free butter and marshmallows. Toast pecans for more flavor. Add bourbon-soaked raisins for an adult twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern American
Why You’ll Love Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
This casserole blends creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures in one dish, creating a side that tastes like dessert but pairs beautifully with savory mains. In addition, the maple-pecan topping adds richness, while roasted sweet potatoes keep the base velvety and flavorful. It’s a recipe that’s family-friendly, customizable with dietary swaps, and simple enough to prepare ahead of time.
Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients
Before we dive into the table, keep in mind that this recipe uses everyday pantry items and a few fresh staples. As a result, these familiar ingredients transform into a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Pantry & Fresh
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Large sweet potatoes, peeled & cubed | 4 |
| Olive oil | 2–3 Tbsp |
| Cinnamon | 2 tsp |
| Nutmeg | ½ tsp |
| Unsalted butter | 4 Tbsp, cubed |
| Brown sugar | ⅓ cup |
| Pure maple syrup | ¼ cup |
| Almond milk (or whole milk) | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Marshmallows | 2 cups |
| Raisins (optional) | 1 cup |
| Pecans | 1 ½ cups |
Substitutions for Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
You can swap almond milk with oat or dairy milk, and pecans with walnuts or hazelnuts. Meanwhile, marshmallows can be reduced or replaced with a pecan crumble topping for a less sweet option. To make this vegan, use dairy-free butter and marshmallows.
Step-by-Step Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Time needed: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Before starting, preheat your oven and set aside a 9×13 baking dish. From roasting the potatoes to serving a golden, bubbling casserole, each step ensures rich flavor and perfect texture.
- Roast the Potatoes
First, preheat oven to 400°F. Then toss cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Finally, roast for 50–60 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Mix the Filling
Next, lower oven temp to 375°F. Combine roasted sweet potatoes, brown sugar, maple syrup, milk, vanilla, butter, raisins, and marshmallows. Stir until creamy with a few chunks left for texture.
- Assemble the Casserole
After mixing, spread the filling evenly in a greased 9×13 dish. In addition, tuck in extra marshmallows between layers for melty bites.
- Add the Topping
Meanwhile, stir pecans with maple syrup. Scatter over the casserole. Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes, then uncover and bake 15 more until golden.
- Serve and Enjoy
Finally, cool slightly before serving. Each scoop should deliver creamy potatoes, melted marshmallow, and crunchy pecans together.
Pro Tips
Roast, don’t boil, to avoid watery potatoes. In addition, toast pecans lightly before topping for extra flavor. If making ahead, prep filling and topping separately and assemble just before baking. For perfect marshmallow coverage, add half at the start and the rest near the end.
Variations & Substitutions for Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
For a vegan version, use dairy-free substitutes. For a gluten-free dish, ensure marshmallows and syrup are certified gluten-free. On the other hand, a lighter version can skip marshmallows and use a nutty crumble. For a richer flavor, add bourbon-soaked raisins.
Serve It With Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
This casserole is a natural fit for the holiday table, but it shines just as brightly at any cozy family dinner. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, where the savory meat balances the casserole’s sweetness. A glazed ham also makes an excellent partner, since its salty-sweet crust complements the maple notes in the dish. For vegetables, tender green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts bring freshness and color to the plate. If you’re looking for more comfort food sides, fluffy garlic bread rolls provide the perfect way to soak up every bit of sauce, while a creamy root vegetable gratin adds another layer of hearty, warming flavor. Together, these dishes create a spread that feels abundant, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
Storage & Reheat Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a 375°F oven until warmed through. According to the FDA, avoid leaving casseroles out longer than 2 hours. Therefore, always refrigerate promptly.
Nutrition in Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Each serving has about 187 calories, 4g fat, 38g carbs, and 32g sugar. Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A, which supports vision and immunity per the NIH. In addition, they’re high in fiber and potassium according to the USDA.
FAQs
Roasting deepens the flavor and prevents excess moisture. However, boiling works if you’re short on time, though roasting creates a richer, caramelized base.
Add half at the start and the rest in the last 10 minutes. This way, they stay gooey without burning or disappearing.
Yes, roast the potatoes and prep filling a day ahead. Then store separately, and finally assemble and bake just before serving.
Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a 375°F oven until warmed through. As a result, the texture remains creamy and fresh.
More Like This
If you loved the balance of sweet and savory flavors in this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole, you’ll enjoy exploring a few other seasonal recipes that bring comfort and festivity to the table.
- For a playful holiday twist, try Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls, which combine classic stuffing with tart cranberries in bite-sized form.
- When you want something light and refreshing, Broccoli Cauliflower Salad adds a crisp, creamy crunch that contrasts nicely with rich casseroles.
- If bread is your weakness, Texas Roadhouse Rolls deliver pillowy softness and a touch of sweetness, perfect for sopping up gravy or maple glaze.
- And finally, end the meal with Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake, a decadent dessert that blends autumn flavors with creamy indulgence.
Save This Recipe for Later
Pin it, bookmark it, or share it with friends. Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole deserves a spot at every holiday gathering. Therefore, save it now and make it part of your tradition.