Get ready to discover the ultimate Maple Sweet Potato Casserole, a dish that will instantly become the star of your holiday table. This isn’t just another sweet potato recipe; it’s a perfectly balanced, incredibly creamy, and flavor-packed side dish that bridges the gap between savory and sweet. We combine tenderly baked sweet potatoes with the rich, warm flavor of pure maple syrup and a hint of spice, then top it with a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel. It’s the show-stopping side your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner has been waiting for.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying your hand at a holiday meal for the first time, this recipe is designed for success. Say goodbye to overly sweet or watery casseroles. We’re here to guide you to a perfect result every single time.
Why This is the Best Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
This recipe stands out for its perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The filling is velvety smooth, thanks to a simple technique that guarantees a creamy consistency. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes is enhanced—not overpowered—by pure maple syrup, creating a deep, caramelized flavor. Topping it all off is a crunchy pecan streusel that provides a delightful textural contrast to the smooth filling.
Key Features:
- Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: We use pure maple syrup and a touch of brown sugar for a rich, complex sweetness that isn’t cloying.
- Incredibly Creamy Filling: Follow our tips to achieve a luscious, velvety texture without any wateriness.
- Crunchy Pecan Topping: A buttery, brown sugar and pecan streusel adds the perfect crunch in every bite.
- Holiday Staple: This is a must-have for any Thanksgiving or Christmas spread, and it pairs beautifully with everything from turkey to ham. You might also like this delicious Slow Cooker Pot Roast for a full holiday meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Maple Sweet Potato Casserole, we’ll break down the ingredients into two simple parts: the creamy filling and the crunchy topping.
For the Sweet Potato Filling:
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes (about 4-5 medium), scrubbed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect holiday side dish.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until they are very tender and easily pierced with a knife.
- Prepare the Filling: Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, scoop the flesh out of the skins and into a large mixing bowl. Discard the skins. Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
- Mix the Casserole Base: To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix with an electric mixer or a whisk until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Bake the Casserole: Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato filling. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up properly.
Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Casserole
A few simple tips can elevate your casserole from good to unforgettable.
Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes
For the best flavor and color, choose sweet potatoes with deep orange flesh, such as Jewel or Garnet varieties. Ensure they are firm and free of soft spots or wrinkles.
How to Avoid Watery Casserole
The number one culprit for a watery casserole is boiling the sweet potatoes. Baking them concentrates their flavor and natural sweetness while keeping excess moisture out. Stick to the baking method in the instructions for a perfectly dense and creamy result.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish, which is perfect for freeing up oven space on a busy holiday.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sweet potato filling and the topping separately up to two days in advance. Store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the topping in a separate airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature. When ready to bake, spread the filling in your baking dish, sprinkle with the topping, and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time if the filling is very cold.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftover casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
What to Serve with Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
This casserole is a classic holiday side that pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, and other festive dishes. For another easy side, try these amazing Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots. If you’re looking for another comforting casserole, this Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole is a crowd-pleaser.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato filling and the pecan topping up to two days in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
While fresh sweet potatoes provide the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potato puree in a pinch. Be sure to buy pure puree, not sweet potato pie filling, and drain any excess liquid very well before mixing.
The casserole is done when the filling is heated through and slightly puffed around the edges, and the pecan topping is a deep golden brown and fragrant. This typically takes about 30-35 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
The best way to prevent a watery casserole is to bake the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. Baking concentrates their flavor and removes excess moisture, resulting in a much creamier and more flavorful filling.
If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different flavor, you can make a streusel topping with rolled oats and a bit of extra flour. Another classic option is to top the casserole with mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Enjoy This Holiday Favorite!
We hope this Maple Sweet Potato Casserole becomes a cherished part of your holiday traditions. It’s a dish made with simple ingredients that comes together to create something truly special. If you make this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or share a picture of your creation on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Maple Sweet Potato Casserole (The Ultimate Holiday Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until they are very tender.
- Prepare the Filling: Once cool enough to handle, scoop the flesh out of the skins and into a large mixing bowl. Mash until smooth.
- Mix the Casserole Base: To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Bake the Casserole: Sprinkle the topping over the filling. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Tip 2: The casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Store the filling and topping separately, then assemble and bake just before serving.
