Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Fall is the season of comfort food, and nothing says comfort like a warm, hearty casserole. This Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the rich flavors of maple syrup and crunchy pecans. It’s a perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving feast or any autumn gathering. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome addition to your fall menu.
Ingredients For Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free option)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Topping:
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Mash until smooth.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Mixture
- Add the maple syrup, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and ground cinnamon. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is crumbly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Step 5: Serve
- Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet and crunchy flavors.
History of Sweet Potato Casseroles
Sweet potato casseroles have a rich history in American cuisine, particularly in the South. Sweet potatoes, native to Central and South America, were introduced to Europe and later to North America by early explorers. They quickly became a staple in Southern cooking due to their versatility and nutritional value. The sweet potato casserole, often topped with marshmallows or pecans, became a popular dish in the early 20th century, especially during the holiday season. The addition of maple syrup and pecans in this recipe adds a modern twist to this classic dish, enhancing its natural sweetness and providing a delightful crunch.
Variations of the Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
While this Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole is delicious as is, there are several variations you can try to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:
- Marshmallow Topping: For a more traditional twist, replace the pecan topping with mini marshmallows. Simply sprinkle them over the sweet potato mixture and bake until golden and gooey.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) instead of regular eggs.
- Nut-Free Version: If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the pecans and use a streusel topping made with oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder to the sweet potato mixture for a subtle kick of heat.
Serving Suggestions
This Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes and sides. Here are some serving suggestions to complete your fall meal:
- Roast Turkey or Chicken: The savory flavors of roast poultry complement the sweetness of the casserole perfectly.
- Green Bean Almondine: A light and crunchy side dish that balances the richness of the casserole.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce provides a nice contrast to the sweet and creamy casserole.
- Stuffing: Traditional stuffing with herbs and spices adds depth to your meal and pairs well with the sweet potato casserole.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 3g
.. And In Short…
This Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful addition to any fall meal. The creamy, sweet potato base paired with the crunchy, sweet pecan topping creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a dish that will impress your guests and become a staple in your fall recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or enjoying it as a weeknight side dish, this casserole is sure to bring warmth and comfort to your table.
Enjoy the rich flavors of fall with this Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole. Happy cooking!
Also Try and Read: The Best Sweet Potato Recipes
Or Try: Ruth’s Chris Bread Pudding
Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 4 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup milk or almond milk for a dairy-free option
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Topping:
- 1 cup pecans chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Mash until smooth.
Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Mixture
- Add the maple syrup, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and ground cinnamon. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is crumbly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Step 5: Serve
- Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet and crunchy flavors.
- History of Sweet Potato Casseroles
- sweet potatoes -Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole
- Sweet potato casseroles have a rich history in American cuisine, particularly in the South. Sweet potatoes, native to Central and South America, were introduced to Europe and later to North America by early explorers. They quickly became a staple in Southern cooking due to their versatility and nutritional value. The sweet potato casserole, often topped with marshmallows or pecans, became a popular dish in the early 20th century, especially during the holiday season. The addition of maple syrup and pecans in this recipe adds a modern twist to this classic dish, enhancing its natural sweetness and providing a delightful crunch.