Description
Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting and sophisticated side dish that blends creamy mashed sweet potatoes with the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup and a crunchy nut topping. Perfect for holidays or any occasion, it offers a rich, velvety texture and warm, layered flavors with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato Base
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut sweet potatoes into even chunks for uniform cooking. Boil in salted water for about 20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
- Mash and Mix: While still warm, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Stir in melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined, creating a silky and flavorful base.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix chopped nuts with brown sugar and all-purpose flour. Add melted butter just enough to bind the mixture, forming the crunchy, caramelized topping.
- Assemble and Bake: Grease a casserole dish and spoon the sweet potato mixture into it evenly. Sprinkle the nut topping over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping is golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes to let the flavors settle and the topping firm up for perfect slices before serving.
Notes
- Choose firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for ideal sweetness and texture.
- Mash thoroughly to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Watch the casserole during baking to avoid burning the topping while ensuring it crisps nicely.
- Use pure maple syrup for authentic flavor; avoid imitation syrups.
- Lightly toast nuts beforehand to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 casserole
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg