Print

Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 3 reviews

This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a heartwarming dish perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. Roasted sweet potatoes are combined with warm spices, brown sugar, maple syrup, and marshmallows, then topped with a crunchy pecan and maple syrup topping. The dish boasts a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors with a comforting, creamy texture and a golden, toasted finish.

Ingredients

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 or favorite plant-based milk)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed into small pieces
  • 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. Toss Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, mix the cubed sweet potatoes with extra virgin olive oil, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until all pieces are evenly coated with the flavorful spices and oil.
  3. Roast Sweet Potatoes: Spread the coated sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 50-60 minutes, until tender, golden, and slightly charred. Remove and let cool slightly.
  4. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
  5. Mix Casserole Filling: In a bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, milk of choice, vanilla extract, brown sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, allspice, soaked raisins, and marshmallows. Mix gently, allowing some sweet potatoes to mash while leaving some in chunks for texture.
  6. Assemble Casserole: Spoon the mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Dot the casserole with cubed unsalted butter, distributing it between different areas. For extra marshmallow goodness, tuck additional marshmallows gently into the casserole.
  7. Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, stir together raw pecans and maple syrup until the pecans are coated and sticky.
  8. Add Topping and Cover: Generously sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potato mixture, ensuring full coverage. Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in during initial baking.
  9. Bake Covered: Bake the casserole covered with foil for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to meld flavors and melt marshmallows.
  10. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the marshmallows have melted and are gooey.
  11. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm alongside your favorite sides and main dishes for a comforting Southern-style treat.
  12. Enjoy! Dig in and savor this deliciously sweet and spiced casserole that’s perfect for holidays or any family meal.

Notes

  • Soaking the raisins in warm water or a little rum for 10-15 minutes before adding ensures they are plump and juicy in the casserole.
  • For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk alternative.
  • Adjust the amount of marshmallows to your liking or substitute with mini vegan marshmallows if needed.
  • This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and reheated before serving for convenience.
  • Use organic and high-quality maple syrup for the best natural sweetness and flavor.