Looking for the best Thanksgiving sweet potato recipe that’s both rich in flavor and surprisingly wholesome? This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole brings the cozy taste of fall to your holiday table with a naturally sweet twist. Made with creamy sweet potatoes, a splash of coconut milk, and a crunchy pecan topping, it’s a dish that honors Southern tradition while feeling fresh and modern.
Whether you’re hosting a crowd or making a cozy dinner for two, this casserole Thanksgiving recipe is easy to prep, easy to love, and destined to become a new family favorite.
🍠 Why This Casserole Is a Thanksgiving Must
- ✅ Naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup
- ✅ Dairy-free friendly with coconut milk
- ✅ Topped with candied pecans for crunch and depth
- ✅ Crowd-pleaser for all diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, easily vegan)
- ✅ Perfect as a sweet potato side dish or even dessert!
This recipe fits right in whether you’re looking for Thanksgiving sweet potato recipes easy or aiming to impress with a Carolina sweet potato casserole that tastes like home.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the sweet potato base:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3–4 cups mashed)
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (optional for firmer texture)
For the candied pecan topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
🔁 Want to try a twist? Mix in some cooked pumpkin for a comforting sweet potato pumpkin casserole flavor blend!
🍂 How to Make Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
- Boil and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes with coconut milk, maple syrup, coconut oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and egg (if using).
- Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine all candied pecan topping ingredients. Stir well.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato layer.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and slightly crispy.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
👩🍳 Make It Your Own!
This sweet potato casserole with coconut milk is ultra flexible:
- Add mini marshmallows on top after baking for a sweet Southern twist.
- Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon/nutmeg for depth.
- Double the recipe for large gatherings — it scales beautifully.
Whether you’re preparing sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner or making a warm dish for a fall potluck, this casserole never disappoints.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
- 🧊 Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- 🔥 Reheat in the oven at 300°F or microwave individual servings.
- 🧺 Make it ahead! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking.
💬 Final Thoughts from Chef Sarah
There’s something nostalgic about the aroma of sweet potatoes and maple syrup filling your kitchen. This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish — it’s a seasonal tradition, a love letter to the South, and one of the most comforting ways to say “Welcome to the table.”
Whether you’re going classic, gluten-free, or exploring Thanks Giving sweet potato alternatives, this dish brings everyone together.
With gratitude,
– Chef Sarah Johnson
Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole (with Candied Pecans!)
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes about 3–4 cups mashed
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg optional
Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium baking dish.
- 2. Boil and mash the sweet potatoes. Let cool.
- 3. Mix mashed potatoes with coconut milk, maple syrup, coconut oil, spices, vanilla, and egg.
- 4. Spread evenly in baking dish.
- 5. Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle on top.
- 6. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes.
- 7. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
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