Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
If you’re looking for the perfect dish to warm your heart and please your palate, look no further than this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole! This treasured recipe is a staple in my kitchen, especially during those cozy family gatherings and festive celebrations. The combination of sweet potatoes with maple syrup and crunchy pecans creates a delightful balance of flavors that everyone will love.
Not only is this casserole a show-stopper at Thanksgiving, but it’s also easy enough to whip up on busy weeknights. You can savor every bite knowing it’s made with wholesome ingredients that nourish both body and soul!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare: With simple steps, you’ll have this casserole ready to go without any fuss.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the sweet taste and comforting texture.
- Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
- Rich flavors: The blend of maple syrup and spices brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Vegan-friendly: Made without animal-derived products, so everyone can enjoy it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what you need to create this delicious side dish!
For the Casserole
- 4 large organic sweet potatoes, peeled + cubed
- 2-3 Tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or your favorite plant-based milk)
- 2 tsps vanilla extract
- 4 Tbsps unsalted butter, cubed into small pieces
- 1/3 cup organic brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground allspice
- 1 cup organic raisins, soaked + drained
- 2 cups vegan marshmallows
- 1 1/2 cups raw pecans
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
Variations
The beauty of this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up according to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
- Add some crunch: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or oats on top for an added texture.
- Incorporate fruits: Toss in some diced apples or pears for a fruity twist.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a surprising kick!
- Nut alternatives: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if that’s what you prefer.
How to Make Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes. This step is crucial because it allows them to cook evenly and become perfectly tender. Boil the cubes in salted water until fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Drain them well before moving on!
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked sweet potatoes with olive oil, almond milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Mash everything together until smooth. This creamy mixture adds a wonderful base flavor for your casserole.
Step 3: Mix in the Goodies
Gently fold in the raisins and half of the pecans into the sweet potato mixture. This step not only adds sweetness but also gives texture. Pour this mixture into a greased baking dish—make sure it’s nice and even!
Step 4: Create the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together vegan marshmallows, remaining pecans, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Sprinkle this topping generously over your sweet potato layer. The marshmallows will melt beautifully while baking, creating an irresistible crust.
Step 5: Bake It Up!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for about 60-75 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it towards the end; we want that perfect melty marshmallow finish!
Step 6: Let It Cool & Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will allow everything to set just right! Serve warm as a delightful side dish at dinner or as part of your holiday feast.
Enjoy every bite of this comforting Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home just like it is in mine!
Pro Tips for Making Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Making the perfect Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole can elevate your holiday meal or cozy weeknight dinner! Here are some pro tips to ensure your casserole turns out delicious every time.
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Choose the right sweet potatoes: Opt for organic sweet potatoes that are firm and have smooth skin. This ensures a rich flavor and creamy texture in your casserole.
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Soak the raisins ahead of time: Soaking the raisins not only plumps them up but also enhances their sweetness, allowing them to meld beautifully with the sweet potatoes.
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Mind the marshmallows: If you want a perfectly toasted top, add the vegan marshmallows during the last 15 minutes of baking. This helps achieve that golden-brown color without overcooking them.
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Adjust sweetness to taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of maple syrup and brown sugar based on your sweetness preference. Taste-testing is key to achieving that perfect balance!
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Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven before serving for an easy, stress-free dish!
How to Serve Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Presenting your Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole beautifully can make all the difference at your table. Here are some fun ideas on how to serve this delightful dish.
Garnishes
- Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme on top for a touch of color and an aromatic boost.
- Toasted pecans: Adding a handful of toasted pecans not only enhances texture but also provides a nutty flavor that complements the sweet potatoes perfectly.
Side Dishes
- Crispy Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans with garlic and lemon zest provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Savory Stuffing: A herb-filled stuffing made with whole grain bread can add a hearty element to your meal, balancing out the sweetness of the casserole.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil and roasted until crispy, Brussels sprouts offer a satisfying crunch alongside your creamy casserole.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic create a comforting combination when paired with sweet potato flavors.
With these serving suggestions and tips, you’re sure to impress your guests with this delicious Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole! Enjoy every bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a fantastic option for meal prep, making your holiday celebrations or weeknight dinners a breeze. You can prepare it in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully!
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing.
Freezing
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (about 20-30 minutes).
- You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole:
Can I use another type of milk instead of almond milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute almond milk with whole milk or any other plant-based milk that you prefer.
How do I make Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole vegan?
To make this casserole vegan, simply use plant-based butter and ensure that all other ingredients are vegan-friendly, including the marshmallows.
Can I prepare Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! This casserole is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. Just follow the storage instructions above.
What can I substitute if I don’t have pecans?
If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or even sunflower seeds can make great substitutes while still delivering a lovely crunch.
Is Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you ensure that all your ingredients are labeled gluten-free, this dish is perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole as much as I do! It’s a delightful blend of flavors that will surely impress your family and friends during any gathering. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just another cozy dinner night, this dish is sure to bring smiles around the table. Happy cooking!
Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole, a delightful dish that’s perfect for any gathering. This casserole features creamy mashed sweet potatoes blended with rich maple syrup and topped with crunchy pecans and vegan marshmallows. Ideal for holiday feasts or cozy weeknight dinners, it warms the heart and pleases the palate. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends. With its irresistible blend of sweetness and nuttiness, this casserole is sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 4 large organic sweet potatoes
- 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/3 cup organic brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup organic raisins
- 2 cups vegan marshmallows
- 1 1/2 cups raw pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and cube sweet potatoes; boil in salted water until fork-tender (15-20 minutes) and drain.
- In a bowl, mash sweet potatoes with olive oil, almond milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Fold in raisins and half of the pecans; pour into a greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix remaining pecans with vegan marshmallows, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice; sprinkle on top of sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole (about 200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
