This Spiced Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect balance of comforting and flavorful, ideal for cozy gatherings or a special holiday feast. The combination of warm spices and crunchy pecan topping makes it a standout dish you'll want to serve again and again.
Sweet potatoes are the star of this dish, providing a naturally sweet and creamy base. Maple syrup enhances the sweetness while adding a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices. Unsalted butter brings a silky texture to the mash, and a touch of vanilla extract adds depth. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger offer warmth and complexity, while milk helps achieve the desired creaminess. A bit of salt and black pepper balances the sweetness. For the topping, pecan halves provide a crunchy contrast, and a mix of brown sugar and flour ties it all together with a caramelized finish.
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey or ham. It's also a great side for a vegetarian feast alongside dishes such as a hearty lentil loaf or a savory mushroom risotto. For a festive touch, consider serving it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish. This ensures that the casserole won't stick while baking, making clean-up a breeze. Next, peel and cube the sweet potatoes; aim for even pieces so they cook uniformly. Boil them in a large pot of water until they are fork-tender, which should take about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.
Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large bowl and mash them until smooth. Add in the maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mash is smooth and creamy.
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. You want a consistent layer so it cooks evenly and looks appealing when served. In a separate bowl, combine the pecans, brown sugar, and flour. This mixture should resemble coarse crumbs. Sprinkle it evenly over the sweet potato layer to create that delightful crunchy topping.
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the topping to set.
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