A Side Dish That Brings Comfort to the Table
Nothing says cozy holiday gathering like a warm Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole. Sweet potatoes are steamed or baked until tender, mashed with butter and maple syrup, then baked with a crunchy pecan topping. It’s the definition of hearty comfort food, perfect for family dinners and festive celebrations like Thanksgiving recipes or Christmas meals.
This casserole has been a staple in Southern kitchens for generations. It takes the natural sweetness of maple sweet potatoes and pairs them with a nutty topping that makes every bite taste like home. If you’ve ever tried mashed sweet potatoes and wanted something more special, this recipe is your next must-bake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich flavor – maple syrup gives depth to the natural sweetness.
- Crunchy topping – pecans and brown sugar balance the creamy filling.
- Perfect for holidays – works as a Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish.
- Family-friendly – simple, wholesome ingredients that everyone loves.
- Make-ahead option – prepare the filling a day in advance to save time.
This casserole isn’t just a holiday star—it’s also easy enough for quick weeknight meals when you want something warm and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the sweet potato base:
- 4–5 medium sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs), peeled and steamed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the pecan topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Steam or boil the steamed sweet potatoes until fork-tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well to avoid excess liquid. Mash until smooth.
Step 2 – Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with butter, maple syrup, eggs, milk, vanilla, and spices. Whip until creamy and fluffy. Spread into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3 – Make the Topping
Mix pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
Step 4 – Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with crushed graham crackers or oats.
- Healthier Twist: Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Skip the topping and serve just the creamy filling for a lighter dish.
- Quick weeknight meals: Make smaller portions in ramekins for easy reheating.
This recipe transitions seamlessly from holiday comfort food to a dish that can brighten up your weeknight meals.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with roasted turkey, ham, or chicken for a full holiday spread.
- Add a side of green beans or Brussels sprouts for color and freshness.
- Drizzle with extra maple syrup before serving for a touch of sweetness.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
FAQ – Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but drain them well and reduce added sugar, since they’re already sweet.
What’s the difference between sweet potatoes and yams?
In the U.S., most “yams” are actually sweet potatoes. Stick with orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for this recipe.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sweet potato base, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add the topping just before baking.
Is it possible to make it dairy-free?
Yes—use coconut milk or almond milk in place of whole milk, and dairy-free butter substitute.
Can I serve it as a dessert?
Definitely! The sweet flavors make it double as a dessert casserole, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole brings sweetness, warmth, and crunch to any meal. It’s a recipe that works for Thanksgiving recipes, Christmas dinners, or even as a cozy side for a family dinner any night of the week.
From its creamy filling to the buttery pecan topping, every spoonful tastes like holiday tradition and Southern comfort.
Holiday Favorite Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- – 4–5 medium sweet potatoes about 3 lbs, peeled and steamed
- – 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- – 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- – 2 large eggs beaten
- – 1/2 cup whole milk
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract
- – 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- – 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- – Pinch of salt
For the Pecan Topping:
- – 1 cup chopped pecans
- – 1/2 cup brown sugar
- – 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- – 1/3 cup melted butter
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- 2. Steam or boil sweet potatoes until fork tender. Drain and mash until smooth.
- 3. Mix mashed sweet potatoes with butter, maple syrup, eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until creamy.
- 4. Spread mixture evenly into prepared dish.
- 5. In a separate bowl, combine pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter until crumbly.
- 6. Sprinkle topping over sweet potato mixture.
- 7. Bake 30–35 minutes or until topping is golden and crisp.
- 8. Cool slightly and serve warm.
