Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. Its rich flavors and sweet aroma are bound to make your home feel inviting. Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making this casserole a healthy choice for family dinners. The combination of maple syrup, almonds, and pecans elevates the dish, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or a casual family meal, this casserole is sure to be a hit!

How to Make Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Making this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is straightforward and enjoyable. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that will impress everyone around the table. Let’s break down the process into manageable sections.

Ingredients

• 4 large organic sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk you prefer, or whole milk)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed into small pieces
• 1/3 cup organic brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for filling)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for filling)
• Pinch of ground allspice
• 1 cup organic raisins (soaked and drained; see notes)
• 2 cups marshmallows
• 1 1/2 cups raw pecans
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (for topping)

Directions

To Roast the Sweet Potatoes:

1. Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the sweet potatoes.

2. Chop: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into medium-sized cubes. This helps them to cook evenly.

3. Season: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Make sure each piece is coated well.

4. Roast: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes evenly on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown. Stir once or twice during cooking to ensure everything roasts evenly.

To Make the Casserole Filling:

1. Mix Ingredients: Once the sweet potatoes are roasted and slightly cooled, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

2. Mash: Using a fork or potato masher, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.

3. Add Milk & Vanilla: Pour in the almond milk and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine.

4. Sweeten: Add the cubed butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and drained raisins to the mixture. Mix everything until all ingredients are evenly blended.

5. Pour into Dish: Transfer the filling to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

To Make the Topping:

1. Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the raw pecans and marshmallows. Gently fold them together.

2. Add Topping: Spoon the pecan and marshmallow mixture on top of the sweet potato filling.

3. Drizzle: Finally, drizzle the additional 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup over the topping.

4. Bake Again: Place the casserole back into the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

How to Serve Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Once your Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best served warm, allowing the flavors to blend harmoniously. You can serve it as a side dish alongside your favorite main courses, like roasted chicken or turkey. It also pairs well with salads for a lighter meal option.

For an extra touch, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon or finely chopped pecans before serving. This adds a nice visual appeal and enhances the flavor experience. Enjoy it with family and friends, and watch as it quickly becomes a favorite on your table!

How to Store Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

If you have leftovers, you can store the casserole for later enjoyment. Here’s how to do it properly:

1. Cool Down: Allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature.

2. Cover: Once cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can transfer it to an airtight container.

3. Refrigerate: Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

4. Freezing: If you want to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. You can reheat it directly from the freezer by baking it in the oven until heated through.

Tips to Make Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for organic sweet potatoes whenever possible for the best flavor and nutrition.

2. Optional Soaking: Soak the raisins in warm water for about 15 minutes before using them. This makes them plump and juicy, adding sweetness and texture to the casserole.

3. Sweetness Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup based on your sweetness preference. If you’re aiming for a lower sugar version, you can reduce the amounts or substitute with a sugar alternative.

4. Test for Doneness: When roasting sweet potatoes, you can test their doneness by piercing them with a fork. They should be soft and tender.

5. Experiment with Nuts: If you don’t have pecans, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds. Each nut brings its unique flavor and crunch.

Variation

There are plenty of ways to customize your Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole:

• Add a Crunch: Consider adding crushed graham crackers or a crumble topping made with oats and brown sugar for an extra crunchy texture.
• Fruit Add-Ins: Use dried cranberries or chopped apples as an alternative to raisins for a fruity twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or paprika to the sweet potato filling for a slight spicy kick.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes to save time. Drain and mash them before adding the other ingredients. However, fresh sweet potatoes have a richer flavor and texture.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato filling and topping in advance. Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly, then refrigerate it. Bake just before serving.

3. What if I don’t like marshmallows?
If marshmallows are not to your liking, you can skip them or replace them with a nut crumble topping or additional pecans for a different texture.

4. Can I turn this dish into a main course?
While it’s traditionally a side dish, you can boost the protein content by adding cooked chicken or turkey to the filling. This transforms it into a heartier main dish.

Enjoy making and sharing this comforting Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole with your friends and family! It’s a beautiful way to celebrate the flavors of the season while nourishing your loved ones.

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