Name: Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 4 large organic sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ cup almond milk (or whole milk or favorite plant-based milk); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed into small pieces; ⅓ cup organic brown sugar; ¼ cup pure maple syrup; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg; Pinch of ground allspice; 1 cup organic raisins, soaked and drained; 2 cups marshmallows; 1 ½ cups raw pecans; ¼ cup pure maple syrup

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There is something truly heartwarming about a dish that combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the rich, comforting flavors of maple and warming spices. This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is the perfect celebration of those tastes. With its luscious filling, crunchy pecan topping, and that irresistible maple syrup drizzle, it’s the side dish that turns every meal into a special occasion. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this casserole invites you in with its inviting aroma and leaves you smiling bite after bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four raw sweet potatoes with rough, pinkish skin lay scattered on a dark grey textured surface. Each sweet potato shows natural marks and small indentations on their uneven, elongated shapes, presenting a rustic and fresh look. The light highlights their slightly shiny, smooth skin with subtle variations in color from deep pink to light reddish patches. The background creates contrast, making the sweet potatoes stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe plays a vital role, coming together beautifully to create a dish that’s both simple and deeply satisfying. From the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes to the fragrant spices and crunchy pecans, each component enhances texture, flavor, and visual appeal.

4 large organic sweet potatoes, peeled + cubed: The star of the dish, offering natural sweetness and a creamy base.
2-3 Tbsps extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps roast the potatoes to tender perfection.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and aromatic depth, perfectly complementing the sweetness.
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides a nutty, slightly peppery note enhancing complexity.
½ cup Almond milk (or your favorite milk): Lightens the filling and adds creaminess without overpowering.
2 tsps vanilla extract: Brightens the filling with its sweet, fragrant undertones.
4 Tbsps unsalted butter, cubed: Brings luscious richness and silkiness to the mixture.
⅓ cup organic brown sugar: Boosts caramel-like sweetness and moistness.
¼ cup pure maple syrup: The signature ingredient, infusing authentic Southern flavor and a delightful sweetness.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Reinforces the warm spice character throughout the filling.
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds subtle spice depth for balance.
Pinch of ground allspice: Rounds out the spice profile with clove and pepper notes.
1 cup organic raisins, soaked + drained: Plump up for popping bursts of sweetness in every bite.
2 cups marshmallows: Melt into a gooey, sweet topping that kids and grown-ups love alike.
1 ½ cups raw pecans: Toasted for crunch and nuttiness to crown the casserole.
¼ cup pure maple syrup: Drizzled on top for a glossy, sticky finish that’s oh-so-southern.

How to Make Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven and spreading the peeled, cubed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Toss them in extra virgin olive oil, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg, coating every piece with that fragrant seasoning mix. Roast until they’re tender and caramelized around the edges — this roasting step is where the natural sugars concentrate and flavor blooms beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Next, soften a mix of unsalted butter and almond milk in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in your vanilla extract, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until everything melts into a smooth, fragrant sauce. When the roasted sweet potatoes are done, mash them gently and fold in the warm sauce along with the soaked and drained raisins, creating a luscious, richly flavored filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer this sweet potato mixture into a buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle the marshmallows evenly over the top, setting them up for that signature toasted, gooey layer. Scatter the raw pecans on top, giving a crunchy contrast to the soft filling and sweet marshmallows. To finish, drizzle the extra maple syrup generously over the pecans for that final touch of sweetness and shine.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the assembled dish into the oven and bake until the marshmallows puff up and turn golden brown, and the pecans toast slightly, releasing their nutty aroma. The heat melds all the flavors together while adding that irresistible texture contrast between creamy, sweet, and crunchy.

How to Serve Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

A clear bag of large white marshmallows sits near the center on a dark textured surface, surrounded by baking ingredients. To the left, a metal measuring cup filled with raw brown sugar and a small bowl of dark raisins are placed near the top. Below the marshmallows, a wooden bowl divided into two sections is filled with toasted brown pecans. On the right, a dark bottle of Madagascar bourbon vanilla extract stands upright, and in the bottom right corner, a white plate holds small cubes of white butter. The whole scene rests on a dark surface with a cozy, warm feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped pecans or a few whole toasted pecans on top right before serving amps up the crunch factor. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of extra maple syrup can enhance the look and flavor, making the casserole look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with rich, savory mains like glazed ham or roasted turkey. It also shines alongside collard greens or a fresh green bean almondine, balancing its sweetness with some earthy, crisp veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins to give each guest their own personal southern delight. Or layer the casserole in a clear glass dish to showcase the beautiful textures and colors. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for an elegant touch that elevates this humble southern classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it covered to preserve moisture and prevent the marshmallows from drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat gently.

Freezing

You can freeze this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe either before baking or after it is fully baked. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil to protect against freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option for busy holiday seasons.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then warm the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. This will revive the gooey marshmallows and toasty pecans, almost as delicious as freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

While fresh roasted sweet potatoes add the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just be sure to drain well and maybe reduce the added liquids slightly to keep the filling from becoming too wet.

What can I substitute for marshmallows?

If marshmallows aren’t your thing, try topping the casserole with a crunchy pecan streusel made from butter, brown sugar, and flour for a sweet and nutty crust instead.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

It can be adapted pretty easily! Use plant-based butter and choose a vegan-friendly marshmallow or skip the marshmallows altogether. The almond milk substitute means the filling can stay dairy-free and delicious.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely. All the ingredients in this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your marshmallows and any added toppings are certified gluten-free if needed.

How far in advance can I prepare this dish?

You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and keep it refrigerated, but add the marshmallows and pecans just before baking to maintain their best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe a try and let it become a beloved part of your table. The blend of warm spices, rich maple syrup, and that comforting sweet potato base is a combination that feels like a big southern hug on a plate. Whether for holidays or everyday dinners, this casserole is one you’ll want to make again and again.

Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need