A Perfect Southern Holiday Side Dish
The Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish that brings warmth and sweetness to every festive table. Creamy roasted sweet potatoes blend with rich maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a dish that feels like a hug from the South. Topped with crunchy maple-pecan crumble and gooey marshmallows, it’s a guaranteed showstopper for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole isn’t just another side dish—it’s a Southern tradition. It’s naturally gluten-free, can easily be made vegan, and has a beautiful balance of textures: creamy, crunchy, and fluffy all at once. The maple syrup adds a rich caramel note, while brown sugar deepens the flavor, making each bite irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 large organic sweet potatoes
- 1 cup organic raisins
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup organic brown sugar
- ½ cup almond milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅝ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch ground allspice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups raw pecans
- 2 cups marshmallows
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash, peel, and cube the sweet potatoes. Toss them with olive oil and spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 35–40 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
2. Mash the Potatoes
Once roasted, transfer sweet potatoes to a large bowl. Add butter, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and brown sugar. Mash until creamy but slightly chunky.
3. Add the Raisins
Fold in the raisins for a burst of sweetness and texture.
4. Prepare the Maple-Pecan Topping
In a small bowl, mix chopped pecans with a drizzle of maple syrup and a teaspoon of brown sugar. Stir until the pecans are coated and glossy.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Grease a baking dish. Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly. Sprinkle the maple-pecan topping on top. Add marshmallows as the final layer.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden and marshmallows are slightly toasted.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy the comforting sweetness with your family and friends.
Make-Ahead & Vegan Options
To make ahead, prepare everything except the topping and store it covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready, add the topping and bake.
For a vegan version, use vegan butter and dairy-free marshmallows.
Tips for the Best Flavor
- Use pure maple syrup for authentic taste.
- Slightly roast pecans before adding for extra crunch.
- Don’t over-mash; small chunks make it rustic and rich.
- Sprinkle a touch of sea salt for balance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with roasted turkey, green beans, or cornbread stuffing. It also pairs beautifully with baked ham or grilled tofu for a plant-based feast.
TASTY RECIPE CARD
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Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe – A Comforting Holiday Classic
- Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A rich, creamy Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole topped with maple-pecan crumble and toasted marshmallows. Perfect for holidays!
Ingredients
4 large organic sweet potatoes
1 cup organic raisins
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/3 cup organic brown sugar
1/2 cup almond milk
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
2 tsp ground cinnamon
5/8 tsp ground nutmeg
1 pinch ground allspice
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups raw pecans
2 cups marshmallows
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast sweet potatoes for 35–40 minutes.
2. Mash with butter, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and spices.
3. Fold in raisins.
4. Mix pecans with maple syrup and brown sugar for topping.
5. Spread mashed mixture in baking dish and top with pecans and marshmallows.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden.
7. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make ahead by preparing the base and refrigerating for 2 days.
Use vegan butter and dairy-free marshmallows for a vegan option.
Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance sweetness.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
