Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
This Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. Featuring tender sweet potatoes sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup and topped with a nutty, crunchy topping, this casserole is rich, creamy, and easy to prepare. It offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth from classic spices, making it a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with many main courses.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour or oats (or gluten-free flour/oats for gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Boil them gently in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain well and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth, forming the creamy base of the casserole.
- Mix in the Flavorings: While the sweet potatoes are still warm, stir in the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined and creamy.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans or walnuts with flour (or oats), brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly to create a crunchy topping.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spoon the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish, smoothing the surface evenly. Sprinkle the prepared topping uniformly over the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until the topping is bubbly and lightly browned, indicating the flavors have melded beautifully.
Notes
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overmix the mashed sweet potatoes; stir just enough to combine for a light and fluffy texture.
- Lightly toast nuts before adding to the topping to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Choose pure, Grade A maple syrup for authentic sweetness and aroma.
- Watch the baking time closely to avoid burning the topping while ensuring it crisps evenly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 casserole
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: maple sweet potato casserole, holiday side dish, sweet potato recipe, comforting casserole, easy sweet potato casserole, maple syrup sweet potatoes