Introduction
Get ready to dive into the cozy, sweet world of Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole! This soul-warming dish is a must-have at any family gathering and is sure to sweeten up your table with its rich and flavorful notes.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
For the Topping:
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together those dreamy mashed sweet potatoes with butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, spices, vanilla, sea salt, and eggs. Stir until that mixture is smooth and oh-so-creamy.
3. Spoon the sweet potato goodness into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Smooth it out like a zen garden.
4. Now for the crunchy topping! In a separate bowl, combine pecans, flour, melted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Mix until clumpy and scatter this heavenly topping all over your sweet potatoes.
5. Slide your casserole into the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbling deliciously and the pecan topping is golden.
6. Let it cool just a bit before digging into this sweet, nutty masterpiece.
Nutritional Information
Each serving offers a slice of southern comfort with an indulgent sweet flavor. Remember, it’s a treat! Enjoy the heartwarming comfort of this sweet potato delight and watch it become a hit dish every time! 🥰🍠✨
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes with the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, vanilla extract, sea salt, and lightly beaten eggs. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Smooth it out evenly.
4. Make the Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, all-purpose flour, melted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Mix until the mixture becomes clumpy and then scatter this topping over the sweet potatoes.
5. Bake the Casserole
Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbling and the pecan topping is golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to enjoy this sweet, nutty dish.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted meats and can be a star dish at holiday gatherings.
Storage
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Serving Size
Consider serving this dish as a side for family gatherings, with each serving offering a comforting sweet flavor.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with different nuts or add marshmallows to the topping for a different twist.
Cook Techniques
Preparing Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting the sweet potatoes into manageable pieces. Boil them in water until fork-tender, then drain and mash them until smooth.
Achieving Creaminess
Incorporate melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and spices into the mashed sweet potatoes to create a creamy texture. Ensure all ingredients are well blended for a uniform flavor.
Creating a Crunchy Topping
Combine chopped pecans, flour, melted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup to form a clumpy mixture. This will provide a delightful crunch once baked.
Baking the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling. This ensures an evenly baked and deliciously finished dish.
Cooling Before Serving
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle and make serving easier.
FAQ
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Just ensure to drain them well before mashing.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup?
You can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute, keeping in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.
What can I use instead of pecans?
You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer or if you have a nut allergy.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, you can replace eggs with flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce and use vegan butter to make it vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
Enjoy the heartwarming comfort of this sweet potato delight and watch it become a hit dish every time!
