Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a cozy, comforting side dish featuring sweet, creamy sweet potatoes paired with the rich flavor of maple syrup and a crunchy, buttery topping. It’s the perfect mix of soft and crisp, sweet and nutty, making it a real crowd-pleaser on any holiday table or family dinner.
I love how this casserole brings a little bit of the South right into my kitchen. Using real maple syrup instead of just sugar adds such a warm, natural sweetness that I think makes all the difference. Plus, topping it off with a crunchy pecan or streusel mix gives it that satisfyingly crisp bite that everyone keeps coming back for. It’s one of those dishes I always make ahead of time because it actually tastes even better the next day!
Whenever I serve this casserole, I like to warm it up just before dinner so the maple aroma fills the whole house, making everyone eager to dig in. It pairs beautifully with turkey or ham, but honestly, I find myself sneaking spoonfuls right out of the dish while cooking. Something about that sweet potato and maple combination hits just right for a cozy night at home. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and creamy texture. If you can’t find fresh ones, canned sweet potatoes can work in a pinch, but fresh really gives the best flavor.
Maple Syrup: Using pure maple syrup adds a warm, natural sweetness that you won’t get from plain sugar. If needed, honey or agave nectar make okay substitutes, but the flavor will be a bit different.
Pecans & Oats: These create the crunchy topping. I love the texture and nutty flavor pecans bring, but walnuts work well too. Rolled oats give a nice chewiness—don’t skip them even if nuts aren’t your thing!
Butter & Milk/Cream: Butter adds richness and helps bind the topping. You can swap dairy butter for vegan butter and use almond or oat milk to make this dish dairy-free.
How Do I Get a Perfectly Crisp Topping Without Burning?
The topping is a big part of what makes this casserole special, so here’s how I get it just right:
- Mix pecans, oats, brown sugar, and melted butter until crumbly but well combined.
- Spread it evenly over the sweet potato layer—this helps it cook evenly.
- Bake uncovered so moisture can escape, letting the topping get crisp without sogginess.
- Keep an eye on the last 5 minutes; if it’s browning too fast, you can loosely cover with foil.
These steps help ensure your topping is golden and crunchy, providing the perfect contrast to soft mashed sweet potatoes underneath.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the sweet potatoes; I like a bigger one to make it easier.
- Mixing bowl – to mash the sweet potatoes and mix ingredients; a sturdy one makes blending simple.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – the classic size for casseroles, easy to serve and fit in the oven.
- Small bowl – for mixing the pecan-oat topping; a medium-sized one works well.
- Measuring cups and spoons – so everything gets just the right amount for perfect flavor.
- Masher or fork – to mash the cooked sweet potatoes to your preferred texture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pecans for chopped walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different crunch or flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or ginger into the mashed sweet potatoes for a warm spice boost.
- Stir in mini marshmallows on top during the last 5 minutes for a gooey, sweet layer—perfect for a holiday twist.
- Use coconut sugar or darker brown sugar for a richer, deeper sweetness in the topping.
Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cubed
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: pinch of ground ginger or cloves for extra warm spice
For the Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and boil the sweet potatoes, then around 30-35 minutes baking time. In total, expect about 50-60 minutes from start to finish. It’s a straightforward recipe that gives you a comforting dish with minimal fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking or casserole dish to keep the casserole from sticking.
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
Put the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring it to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork—this usually takes about 15–20 minutes. Once done, drain off the water.
3. Mash and Mix the Sweet Potato Base:
Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a big bowl. Add the maple syrup, melted butter, milk or cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and any optional spices you like. Mash everything together using a fork or potato masher until smooth but with a few small chunks left for texture.
4. Spread and Add Topping:
Evenly spread the mashed sweet potato mixture into your prepared dish. In a separate small bowl, stir together the chopped pecans, rolled oats, brown sugar, and melted butter until crumbly and well mixed. Sprinkle this crunchy topping evenly over the mashed potatoes.
5. Bake and Serve:
Place the casserole in your oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. You’ll want the topping to turn golden brown and crispy while the sweet potatoes heat through. Once baked, let it sit a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy this delicious, comforting dish!
Can I Use Frozen Sweet Potatoes?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely before using. Drain any excess moisture well, then mash as you would fresh sweet potatoes.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use almond, oat, or soy milk instead of dairy. Maple syrup is already vegan, so no changes needed there!
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it on the day you want to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
