Southern Maple Sweet Potato Holiday Casserole Recipe

Adam

Southern Maple Sweet Potato Holiday Casserole Recipe

This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Holiday Casserole is a warm, cozy, and irresistibly sweet festive side dish that brings true Southern comfort to your Christmas or Thanksgiving table. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are blended with maple syrup, butter, almond milk, and warm spices—then topped with crunchy pecans and gooey marshmallows for the perfect holiday finish. It’s rich, fragrant, nostalgic, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday dinner or bringing a dish to a winter gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to impress.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Base

4 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
½ cup almond milk
½ cup pure maple syrup
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp ground cinnamon
⅝ tsp ground nutmeg
1 pinch allspice
⅓ cup organic brown sugar
1 cup organic raisins
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Salt to taste

Topping

1½ cups raw pecans
2 cups marshmallows

Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Potato masher
Whisk
Oven
Knife & cutting board

Method

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then place them into a large pot.

Step 3: Cover with water and boil for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Step 4: Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a mixing bowl.

Step 5: Add almond milk, butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.

Step 6: Mash the mixture until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Stir in the raisins and mix well.

Step 8: Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the greased baking dish.

Step 9: Sprinkle pecans evenly across the top.

Step 10: Add marshmallows on top in an even layer.

Step 11: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden and slightly toasted.

Step 12: Let cool slightly before serving warm.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator

Up to 3 days, covered tightly.

Freezer

Freeze base only (without toppings) for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Oven: 325°F for 12–15 minutes

Microwave: 45–60 seconds per portion

🥄 Variations
⭐ Crunchy Oat Topping

Add rolled oats to the pecan layer.

⭐ Maple Pecan Crumble

Mix pecans with 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp maple syrup.

⭐ Marshmallow-Free

Top with only pecans for a classic Southern finish.

⭐ Extra Creamy

Add ¼ cup Greek yogurt or extra butter.

⭐ Spiced Holiday Version

Add cloves or ginger for deeper winter warmth.

❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Yes — whole or low-fat milk both work.

2. Can I remove the raisins?

Yes, or substitute dried cranberries.

3. Can I prepare it the day before?

Yes — assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving.

4. Do marshmallows melt too much?

Bake uncovered and keep an eye on them.

5. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Fresh is best, but canned works in a pinch.

6. Can I make it nut-free?

Replace pecans with pumpkin seeds or omit.

7. Can I use maple-flavored syrup?

Pure maple syrup tastes much better.

8. Why use allspice?

It adds depth and warm holiday aroma.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes — use a larger baking dish.

10. Can I reduce the sweetness?

Reduce sugar or skip marshmallows.

🏁 Conclusion

This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Holiday Casserole is warm, sweet, creamy, and full of festive flavor. With its buttery sweet potatoes, fragrant spices, crunchy pecans, and toasted marshmallows, it’s a comforting dish that instantly brings holiday joy to the table. Perfect for Christmas dinner, Thanksgiving, or any cozy winter celebration.