Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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This Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and sweet. It's a must-have side dish for any fall or holiday gathering, bringing warmth and comfort to your table with every bite.

Ingredients for Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potatoes are the creamy base of this dish, bringing natural sweetness and a rich, comforting texture. Maple syrup enhances the sweetness while adding a hint of caramel flavor. Unsalted butter contributes richness and helps with the smooth consistency. Milk ensures the potatoes are creamy without being too dense. Vanilla extract elevates the sweetness with a fragrant aroma. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth, making the dish feel cozy and festive. Eggs bind everything together, while pecans, brown sugar, and flour create a crunchy, sweet topping that’s irresistible. The extra butter in the topping helps it crisp up beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you're short on time, you can boil the sweet potatoes a day ahead and store them in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the casserole.
  • For a vegan version, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use almond milk, and substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture.
  • Chop the pecans to your preferred size — smaller pieces for a more even topping, larger for more crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like roasted turkey, ham, or pork loin. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a hearty quinoa salad or a rich mushroom stew. The sweetness of the casserole offers a delightful contrast to these savory flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it, but do so before baking for the best texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First, gather your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will give you a head start and make sure everything is ready to go when you need it. Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking later.

Peel and cube your sweet potatoes, then place them in a pot of boiling water. Cook them for about 20 minutes, or until they're tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly to avoid any excess water in your casserole.

In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Stir in the maple syrup, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This will create a beautifully aromatic and flavorful base for your casserole.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step is crucial for a cohesive, creamy texture that holds together well.

Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for even cooking.

For the topping, combine the pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter in a small bowl. Mix until you have a crumbly, even consistency. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes, covering the entire surface for a delightful crunch.

Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crunchy. It should smell heavenly by the time it's done!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A delightful combination of sweet and nutty flavors.
  • The crunchy pecan topping adds a satisfying texture contrast.
  • Incredibly easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
  • Perfect for making ahead and reheating — ideal for busy holiday schedules.
  • Gluten-free adaptable for those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients

3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup pecans, chopped
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp melted butter

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes, and then drain.
3. In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes and stir in maple syrup, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
5. Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
6. For the topping, combine pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter in a small bowl.
7. Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden and crunchy.

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