Southern Maple Sweet Potatoes

This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole brings a cozy touch of nostalgia to the holiday table with sweet roasted potatoes, warm spices, a double hit of maple and brown sugar, juicy raisins, and gooey marshmallows tucked inside. The crunchy pecan-maple topping gives every scoop a celebratory finish. Whether you are making it for Thanksgiving or any family meal, this crowd-pleaser balances comfort and indulgence and is surprisingly easy to prepare ahead or adapt for vegan eaters.

Ever since I watched the marshmallows turn golden for the first time, my family expects this on every holiday table. My niece even tried to hide a scoop for breakfast the next day.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: These form the creamy base Choose ones that are firm with no soft spots or sprouts Look for orange flesh for the richest flavor
• Olive oil: Brings out roasted flavor while keeping things moist Use extra virgin for mellow taste or try coconut oil for another twist
• Milk: This makes the mash velvety Almond milk keeps things dairy free but any plant based or whole milk works Unsweetened is best to control sweetness
• Marshmallows: Classic Southern touch Large or mini ones are fine Just check ingredients for vegan needs
• Raisins: Sweet pops of flavor in every bite You can swap in golden raisins or leave out Select plump ones for the best texture
• Maple syrup: Deep natural sweetness Make sure to use pure maple not imitation
• Spices: Cinnamon nutmeg and allspice bring that warm cozy aroma Fresh or high quality ground spices give the most punch
• Butter: Unsalted is ideal for controlling salt Melt it so it stirs into the topping easily Vegan versions work too
• Pecans: For the crunchy topping Choose fresh pecans and chop them yourself for best flavor Toast them if you want extra nuttiness
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth Use pure vanilla for fuller taste Look for brands like Nielsen Massey or Simply Organic
• Flour: Needed for the crumble topping Use all purpose flour for structure
• Brown sugar: Gives that caramelized flavor Pick dark brown if you want richer molasses taste

Step by Step Instructions

Prep and Roast the Sweet Potatoes:

Peel four large sweet potatoes and chop them into medium cubes Spread onto a baking sheet toss with olive oil and roast at 400 degrees F for around 25 to 30 minutes Stir once halfway through You want the cubes fork tender and just starting to brown This brings out the natural sweetness and means no watery mash later

Mash and Mix the Filling:

Let the roasted sweet potatoes cool slightly then transfer to a large bowl Mash roughly with a fork or potato masher so you keep some texture Stir in almond milk maple syrup a handful of plump raisins warm spices and vanilla extract Add a pinch of salt Mash and mix until creamy but still chunky

Add Marshmallows and Assemble:

Fold in about half of your marshmallows into the mash along with the sweet potato mixture Spoon everything into a greased 9 by 13 baking dish Disperse more marshmallows and a sprinkle of extra raisins through the filling if you want every spoonful to be special

Make the Maple Pecan Topping:

In a small bowl combine flour brown sugar cinnamon and melted butter Stir in chopped pecans and a splash of pure maple syrup Mix until it forms a crumbly topping Sprinkle this evenly over the mashed filling

Bake the Casserole:

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake at 375 degrees F for 15 minutes Remove foil and add extra marshmallows on top Bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes The marshmallows should puff and the topping turns golden brown If you want extra browning broil for just a minute at the end

Cool and Serve:

Let the casserole rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so scoops hold together and the topping crisps up a little Serve warm and enjoy the celebration in every bite

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Storage Tips

If you have leftovers transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate They will stay fresh for up to four days To reheat place in a 375 degree oven until warmed through and add more marshmallows if you want that fresh gooey top again Freezing also works well Either freeze before baking or after just rewarm gently and fluff up the topping

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap golden raisins or even cranberries for the classic raisins for a pop of color and brightness Cannot have pecans Try toasted walnuts or hazelnuts No almond milk Use oat soy or even coconut milk For a grown up twist a splash of bourbon in the filling brings welcome heat

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is delicious alongside roasted turkey glazed ham or stuffed squash Sometimes I let it double as dessert for brunch by pairing with black coffee and fresh fruit Leftovers make a sneaky late night snack especially eaten cold right from the fridge

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Cultural and Historical Notes

Sweet potato casserole is a classic throughout the American South every family does their own twist My version was inspired both by Sunday dinners and festive Jamaican flavors from my upbringing but the love of raisins and pineapples came from my mother in law Like many Southern recipes the marshmallow topping is a 20th century addition originally a clever way to market marshmallows but it stuck because who can resist that golden gooey crown

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best way to cook sweet potatoes for this dish?

Roasting the sweet potatoes is preferred to keep their texture firm and avoid excess moisture, which helps maintain the dish's velvety consistency.

→ Can this dish be made vegan?

Yes, by substituting dairy milk with plant-based milk like almond milk and using vegan butter alternatives, this dish can be made entirely vegan without losing its rich flavor.

→ When should marshmallows be added for best results?

Adding marshmallows halfway through baking or toward the end helps them melt evenly without disappearing, maintaining a gooey texture throughout.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, and reheat in the oven at 375°F until warmed through, adding extra marshmallows if desired.

→ Can the topping be varied?

Absolutely! The maple-pecan crumble can be swapped with other nuts or added ingredients like crispy bacon, dried cranberries, or a bourbon splash for different flavor profiles.

→ Is this dish suitable for large gatherings?

Yes, the ingredients can be doubled or tripled to accommodate larger groups, making it a perfect option for holiday meals or entertaining.