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Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

4.9 from 10 reviews

This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring roasted sweet potatoes blended with warm spices, brown sugar, maple syrup, and marshmallows, topped with a crunchy pecan and maple syrup glaze. Perfect for holiday meals or cozy family dinners, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and texture that complements savory main dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes and Roasting

  • 4 large organic sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 23 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Casserole Filling

  • 1/2 cup almond milk (or whole milk/plant-based milk of your choice)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/3 cup organic brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of ground allspice
  • 1 cup organic raisins, soaked and drained
  • 2 cups marshmallows

Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups raw pecans
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare for Roasting: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Season Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  3. Roast Sweet Potatoes: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 50-60 minutes until tender, charred edges appear, and they turn golden brown. Allow to cool slightly after roasting.
  4. Prepare Baking Dish and Oven: Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  5. Mix Casserole Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, almond milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, ground allspice, soaked raisins, and marshmallows. Stir to blend, allowing some sweet potatoes to mash slightly while retaining chunkiness.
  6. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Distribute the cubes of unsalted butter throughout the mixture. For added sweetness, tuck a few extra marshmallows gently into the casserole.
  7. Make Pecan Topping: In a small bowl, mix raw pecans with 1/4 cup pure maple syrup until well coated.
  8. Top the Casserole: Spread the pecan and maple syrup mixture generously over the sweet potato casserole, covering it completely.
  9. Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to heat through and meld flavors.
  10. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the topping is golden brown and marshmallows have melted and browned slightly.
  11. Cool and Serve: Remove casserole from oven and allow it to cool slightly for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps set the dish and enhances flavors.
  12. Enjoy: Serve as a delicious side dish alongside your favorite holiday or comfort food mains. Bon Appetit!

Notes

  • Soaking the raisins plumps them up and prevents them from being too chewy in the casserole. Soak in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain well before adding.
  • If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the marshmallows or brown sugar by half.
  • For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and ensure marshmallows are vegan-friendly.
  • This recipe can be prepared ahead: assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake just before serving.
  • Ensure sweet potatoes are cooked thoroughly by testing tenderness with a fork before proceeding to casserole assembly.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, southern recipe, maple syrup, holiday side dish, pecans, roasted sweet potatoes, marshmallows, comfort food