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Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe


  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish combining roasted sweet potatoes with warm spices, sweetened with brown sugar and pure maple syrup, and topped with toasted pecans and gooey marshmallows. Perfect as a holiday side or a cozy family meal, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.


Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes

  • 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). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
  2. Coat the sweet potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with extra virgin olive oil, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well coated, ensuring even distribution for optimal flavor.
  3. Roast the sweet potatoes: Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast them for 50-60 minutes until tender, golden, and slightly charred, which intensifies their natural sweetness. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
  4. Prepare the casserole dish: Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  5. Mix the casserole filling: In a bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes with almond milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, soaked raisins, and marshmallows. Stir gently to blend, allowing some sweet potato pieces to mash slightly to create a varied texture.
  6. Assemble the casserole base: Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Dot the top with small pieces of cubed unsalted butter, and tuck in a few extra marshmallows throughout for added gooeyness.
  7. Make the topping: In a separate bowl, mix raw pecans with maple syrup until the nuts are well coated and sticky, which will create a delicious, caramelized crust.
  8. Add topping and cover: Generously spread the pecan and maple syrup topping over the sweet potato mixture, covering it completely. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to keep moisture in during baking.
  9. Bake covered: Bake the casserole covered for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, allowing the flavors to meld and heat through.
  10. Finish baking uncovered: Remove foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the marshmallows on top have melted and browned slightly, adding a delightful texture.
  11. Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the casserole to set for easier serving and enhances the flavors. Enjoy with your favorite sides and main dishes.
  12. Bon Appetit! Relish this classic Southern sweet potato casserole that brings warmth and comfort to your table.

Notes

  • Soaking the raisins helps soften them and enhances their flavor while preventing them from drawing moisture from the casserole.
  • You can substitute almond milk with whole milk or any plant-based milk according to your preference.
  • For a richer texture, use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the casserole.
  • Make sure to spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer while roasting for even cooking and caramelization.
  • If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup in the filling and topping.
  • Use fresh, raw pecans for the best flavor and crunch in the topping.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, southern recipe, holiday side dish, maple syrup sweet potatoes, pecan topping, marshmallow topping