Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a warm and cozy dish that captures the heart of comfort food. This casserole has creamy mashed sweet potatoes sweetened with rich maple syrup, and a crunchy pecan topping that adds just the right bit of texture. It’s got a perfect balance of sweet and nutty that always feels like a little taste of home.
I love making this casserole during the holidays or any time the weather starts to cool down. The maple syrup brings a smooth sweetness that feels special but not too much, and the pecan topping gives it a lovely crunch that everyone ends up sneaking bites of before dinner is even served. I find it’s a great way to show off sweet potatoes in a way that feels both simple and a little fancy.
My favorite way to enjoy this casserole is fresh out of the oven, when the topping is golden and crisp, and the sweet potatoes underneath are perfectly soft and warm. It’s one of those dishes that instantly makes the table feel inviting, and everyone always asks for seconds. Plus, it pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even just a nice salad for a lighter meal.
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish. I suggest baking or boiling them until very soft for smooth mashing. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, try using yams or even butternut squash for a different twist.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a natural, rich sweetness. If you don’t have it, honey or agave syrup work as alternatives, though the flavor may be a bit different.
Pecans: These nuts give the casserole its signature crunch. If you’re allergic or don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds are good substitutes. Toast the nuts for extra flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds creaminess and helps bind the topping. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk keeps the sweet potatoes moist and creamy. For dairy-free or vegan versions, try almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crunchy Pecan Topping?
The crunchy topping is what makes this casserole stand out. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Keep the butter cold before mixing into the topping ingredients. Cold butter creates small clumps that bake into crisp crumbs.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the flour, sugar, and nuts until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the smooth sweet potato mixture to ensure an even crunch across the whole dish.
- Bake uncovered until the topping is golden brown, usually about 30–35 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
My tip: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the topping to set and stay crisp longer.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – Perfect for mashing and mixing your sweet potato mixture smoothly.
- Potato masher or fork – Helps you mash the sweet potatoes evenly without lumps.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – Provides enough space for the casserole to bake and crisp up nicely.
- Pastry cutter or two knives – Makes mixing cold butter into the topping easy and fast for a crumbly texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Needed for accurate ingredients like maple syrup, spices, and flour.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add 1/2 cup mini marshmallows on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey, sweet twist.
- Stir in 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a subtle savory contrast with the sweet potatoes.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon ground ginger or a pinch of cayenne pepper to add a warm spice kick.
- Replace pecans with toasted walnuts or even pumpkin seeds for a different crunch and flavor.
Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Sweet Potato Mixture:
- 4 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Optional Garnishes:
- Whipped cream or marshmallows (for serving)
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to bake. So in total, plan for about 45 minutes from start to finish – quick and easy for a tasty, warming dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to help the casserole bake evenly.
2. Mix the Sweet Potato Filling
In a large bowl, add the mashed sweet potatoes. Pour in the maple syrup, melted butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything together well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the chopped pecans last.
3. Spread Sweet Potato Mixture in the Dish
Pour the sweet potato mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly for a uniform layer.
4. Make the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Add the cold, chopped butter pieces. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks crumbly and the butter is well mixed in.
5. Add Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the crumbly pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and crisp.
6. Cool and Serve
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Optional: top with whipped cream or marshmallows before serving for an extra cozy touch.
Enjoy your Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole! It’s a perfect cozy side dish that’s creamy, sweet, and crunchy all at once — great for holiday meals or comforting family dinners.
Can I Use Frozen Sweet Potatoes for This Casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen sweet potatoes! Just make sure to fully thaw and drain any excess moisture before mashing to keep your casserole from becoming watery.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the topping crisp as much as possible.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sweet potato mixture and topping separately, then assemble the casserole in the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready.
What’s a Good Substitute for Pecans?
If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds work great as crunchy options. Toast them lightly for extra flavor before mixing into the topping or sweet potato mix.
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