Name: Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 large organic sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup almond milk (or whole milk or your 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; 1 1/2 cups raw pecans; 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

Why Make This Recipe

Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with rich maple syrup, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. It’s a great dish for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home. With its soft texture and tasty toppings, this casserole is sure to impress both family and friends.

How to Make Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients

4 large organic sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup almond milk (or whole milk or your 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 (See Notes!)
2 cups marshmallows
1 1/2 cups raw pecans
1/4 cup pure maple syrup

Directions

To Roast the Sweet Potatoes:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the cubed sweet potatoes on a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil.
Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg.
Toss to coat evenly and roast the sweet potatoes for about 25-30 minutes, until tender.

To Make the Casserole Filling:

In a large bowl, mash the roasted sweet potatoes.
Add almond milk, vanilla extract, and cubed butter. Mix well until smooth.
Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, remaining cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
Fold in the soaked raisins and combine everything thoroughly.

To Make the Topping:

In a separate bowl, mix the marshmallows and raw pecans.
Spread the sweet potato mixture into a baking dish.
Evenly top with the marshmallow and pecan mixture.
Drizzle with an additional 1/4 cup of maple syrup.
Bake in the oven for another 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden and the casserole is heated through.

How to Serve Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Serve this casserole warm as a side dish during your holiday feast or family dinner. It pairs well with roasted meats like turkey or ham. You can also enjoy it as a sweet dessert after a hearty meal.

How to Store Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It will last for about 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it in the oven.

Tips to Make Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Make sure to soak the raisins for a bit to plump them up before adding them to the mixture.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup according to your taste.
To add a twist, try mixing in different nuts or spices to customize the flavor.

Variation

If you want a different twist, consider adding shredded coconut or using different types of nuts like walnuts instead of pecans.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling the day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it with the topping on the day you plan to serve it.

2. Is there a vegan version of this casserole?
Absolutely! Just ensure to use plant-based butter, almond milk, and dairy-free marshmallows for a vegan-friendly dish.

3. Can I substitute sweet potatoes with other types of potatoes?
While sweet potatoes are traditional for this dish, you may experiment with regular potatoes, but they will not provide the same sweetness or flavor profile.