If you’re looking to add a comforting, crowd-pleasing side to your holiday table, look no further than Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole. This show-stopping dish combines velvety mashed sweet potatoes with the deep, golden sweetness of real maple syrup, a touch of spice, and a pecan-studded crumbly topping. It strikes the perfect balance between creamy, crunchy, sweet, and soulful—just the way this Southern classic was meant to be. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, a Sunday supper, or simply to treat yourself on a chilly evening, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, relying on pantry staples and a few key star ingredients. Every element brings something special—from flavor and warmth to irresistible texture and color. Here’s what you need (plus a pro tip for each):
- Mashed sweet potatoes: The backbone of Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole; use freshly roasted sweet potatoes for added caramelized flavor.
- Pure maple syrup: Real maple syrup infuses the casserole with a natural, earthy sweetness that’s the secret to its soulful Southern edge.
- Brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses note to both the filling and the irresistible crunchy topping.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Creates silky richness in the casserole and makes the topping perfectly crumbly.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding a custardy texture.
- Milk: Makes the sweet potato mixture creamy and smooth; whole or 2% milk work best.
- Vanilla extract: A splash brings warmth and rounds out the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: Lends cozy spice throughout the casserole.
- Ground nutmeg: A pinch elevates the casserole with classic holiday aroma.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the sweet elements, so don’t skip it!
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crumbly topping.
- Pecans (chopped): Give the topping a Southern crunch that’s absolutely essential.
How to Make Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Start by roasting or boiling your sweet potatoes until fork tender. Roasting brings out extra sweetness and a deeper flavor, but boiling works too in a pinch. Once they’re cooked, let them cool slightly, then peel and mash them until smooth, measuring 4 cups for the recipe. This creates the creamy heart of your Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir everything together until smooth and well blended. You want the filling to be creamy but not runny—smooth it out for a homogenous, luscious texture that bakes up like a dream.
Step 3: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour in your sweet potato mixture. Use a spatula to smooth the top so you have a nice, even layer. This ensures every bite will have a perfect forkful of sweet, creamy filling and crunchy topping.
Step 4: Make the Crumbly Pecan Topping
In a separate mixing bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until the topping looks crumbly and the pecans are evenly distributed. This is what transforms the top of the casserole into golden, nutty, sweet perfection.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture, covering every delicious inch. Bake in a 350°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. The aroma will tempt everyone to peek, but for the best crust, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Garnishes
Give your casserole that final flourish with a scatter of toasted pecans or a drizzle of warm maple syrup. For a classic touch (and a wink to nostalgia), add a handful of mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking so they melt into gooey, toasty swirls. A sprinkle of cinnamon right before serving also looks beautiful and adds extra aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair your Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole with savory stars like roast turkey, glazed ham, or herb-infused stuffing. It even sits beautifully next to fresh green beans or tangy cranberry sauce, adding both color and sweet comfort to your plate. For potlucks, it holds its own among other Southern favorites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try baking your casserole in individual ramekins for personal servings—everyone loves their own golden-topped mini casserole! For gatherings, serve it family-style right from the baking dish, or cut into squares for a buffet. You could even layer the casserole in a trifle dish for a show-stopping presentation with visible colorful layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers a tasty treat all week long.
Freezing
If you’d like to get ahead, prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. You can also freeze baked leftovers in individual portions for easy reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, bake covered at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes for a full casserole. Single servings can be microwaved in a pinch, but a few minutes in the oven will help restore that deliciously crisp topping.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute canned sweet potatoes in Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole. Just be sure to drain them well and mash thoroughly for a creamy base. The flavor will be a touch milder compared to fresh, but the casserole will still be wonderful.
Is it possible to make it dairy free?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk like almond or oat, and swap the butter for vegan margarine or coconut oil. Your Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole will still come out delicious and creamy, with that signature crusty topping.
What if I want it less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet dish, simply reduce the brown sugar in both the filling and the topping by half. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and maple syrup will shine through, offering a more subtly sweet flavor profile.
Can I add marshmallows?
For the marshmallow lovers, yes! Layer mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. Let them turn golden and gooey for a classic touch to your Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole that kids and adults both adore.
What’s the best way to serve it at a potluck?
Bake Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole in a disposable foil pan for easy transport and cleanup. Serve it warm or at room temperature; it’s delicious through and through. If space is tight, you can even prep it in mini muffin tins for bite-size servings.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is pure comfort and joy in every bite. Whether it’s gracing your holiday table or dressing up a weeknight meal, you’ll discover why it’s a favorite in so many Southern homes. Reserve a spot for it at your next gathering and watch your guests (and taste buds!) light up. Enjoy every forkful!
Print
Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of the South with this delicious Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are infused with the sweetness of maple syrup and a hint of warm spices, topped with a crunchy pecan streusel.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix sweet potato mixture: In a bowl, combine sweet potatoes, maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
- Prepare topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, pecans, and melted butter in a separate bowl until crumbly.
- Assemble: Pour sweet potato mixture into the baking dish, top with the pecan mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, roast the sweet potatoes instead of boiling.
- You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and bake just before serving.
- Add mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking for a classic touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
