Description
This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and flavorful holiday side dish featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes sweetened with pure maple syrup and warm spices, topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole combines sweet and nutty flavors with a luscious texture, making it an irresistible addition to any festive meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato Base
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Pecan Topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Mash and Mix: Drain the sweet potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl. Mash until smooth, then add the maple syrup, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Base Layer: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the base layer of the casserole.
- Prepare Pecan Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and melted butter. Mix until the topping becomes crumbly and well combined.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer. Place the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to meld and make serving easier.
Notes
- The sweet potato mixture can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; add the topping just before baking.
- For extra sweetness, increase the maple syrup slightly or add mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking.
