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When making Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole, you need a few key items. Here’s what you’ll gather for this tasty dish: - Sweet potatoes: You’ll need 4 large sweet potatoes. Peel and cube them for easy cooking. - Maple syrup and other liquids: Use 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1/2 cup of milk. You can choose non-dairy milk if you prefer. - Spices and seasonings: Grab 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and some salt to taste. These will add depth to your flavor. - Topping ingredients: For the crunchy topping, you will need 1 cup of chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Each ingredient plays an important role in making your casserole a hit. The sweet potatoes provide a creamy base, while the maple syrup adds sweetness. The spices bring warmth, and the pecans give a delightful crunch. When combined, these ingredients create a cozy dish perfect for any gathering. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to prep the sweet potatoes. Take four large sweet potatoes and peel them. Then, cut them into cubes. This helps them cook faster and evenly. Next, boil and mash the sweet potatoes. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with water and bring it to a boil. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are soft. Once done, drain the water and return the sweet potatoes to the pot. Use a masher to mash them until smooth. Now, it’s time to mix the wet and dry ingredients. Add 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1/2 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the mashed sweet potatoes. Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well combined. For layering in the baking dish, grab a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the dish and spread it evenly across the bottom. Next, prepare the pecan topping. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Make sure the pecans are coated well with the mixture. Now it’s time for baking. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden topping and make sure the casserole is heated through. To get smooth mashed sweet potatoes, start by boiling them until they are soft. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Once they are soft, drain the water and mash them well. A potato masher works great for this. If you want to make it extra smooth, use a hand mixer. This makes the sweet potatoes creamy. To avoid sogginess in your casserole, don’t add too much liquid when mixing in the milk and syrup. Just enough will keep it moist but not runny. Also, make sure to bake it long enough to let the top get crispy. For extra flavor, consider adding more spices. A pinch of ginger or allspice can liven up the dish. You can also try a splash of maple extract for a stronger maple taste. This makes the dish even more delightful. Balancing sweetness is key. If your maple syrup is very sweet, reduce the brown sugar in the topping. This will help keep the dish from being overly sweet. Use a 9x13 inch baking dish for this recipe. It fits the amount perfectly and allows for even cooking. Glass or ceramic dishes work best, as they heat evenly. For mashing, a sturdy potato masher is best. A hand mixer can help if you want a smoother texture. Make sure to have measuring cups and spoons ready for accuracy. Using the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun! Pro Tips Choosing Sweet Potatoes: Opt for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor in your casserole. Maple Syrup Substitutes: If you don't have maple syrup, you can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute, but adjust the sweetness to your preference. Pecan Topping Crunch: For an extra crunch, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the topping. Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the topping and bake before serving. {{image_2}} You can make this casserole fit many diets. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk. This keeps the creamy texture while making it safe for those with dairy issues. You can also skip the butter and use coconut oil for a vegan twist. If nuts are a concern, swap out the pecans for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. These options give a nice crunch without the allergy worries. Just be sure to check for any cross-contamination if you're serving someone with nut allergies. Maple syrup is the star of this dish, but you can try other natural sweeteners. Honey or agave syrup can work well too. Just keep in mind that these may change the flavor slightly. If you want to reduce sugar, use less maple syrup and add a bit of mashed banana. This keeps the sweetness without the full sugar load. Feel free to get creative with flavors. Adding chopped apples or pears brings a fruity twist. You could also mix in dried cranberries for a pop of color and taste. For nut lovers, try walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. If you want to go savory, reduce the maple syrup and add garlic or herbs. This gives the casserole a whole new vibe, perfect for a unique side dish. Mixing sweet and savory can surprise your guests in the best way. After you enjoy your Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole, you can refrigerate any leftovers. Place the casserole in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, use the oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave, but the oven gives a better texture. To keep the casserole longer, freezing is a great option. Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge. After it’s thawed, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes. This helps restore its creamy texture. In the fridge, the casserole will stay good for about four days. If you freeze it, aim to use it within three months for the best taste. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. This ensures you enjoy the dish at its best! Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step. Cover and store it in the fridge. When you're ready, bake it straight from the fridge. This makes it easy for holiday meals. What is the best way to serve the casserole? Serve the casserole warm. Scoop it onto plates or serve family-style from the baking dish. It pairs well with roasted meats or as a holiday side dish. Add a sprinkle of extra pecans on top for a nice touch. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead? Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Drain and mash them before mixing. Adjust the syrup based on the sweetness of the canned potatoes. This saves time but may change the texture slightly. Overview of calories and macronutrients This casserole serves about eight people. Each serving has roughly 250 calories. It contains 5 grams of protein, 10 grams of fat, and 40 grams of carbs. The healthy fats come from pecans, while sweet potatoes provide fiber and vitamins. Health benefits of sweet potatoes and pecans Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A, good for your eyes. They also provide fiber, which helps digestion. Pecans are rich in healthy fats and antioxidants. They can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Suggested side dishes Pair this casserole with green beans or a fresh salad. These sides add color and crunch to your meal. You can also serve it with cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart balance. Pairing with main courses This dish goes great with glazed ham or roasted turkey. The sweetness of the casserole complements savory flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any festive occasion. Enjoy the harmony of flavors on your plate! This blog post covered how to make a delicious sweet potato casserole from scratch. We discussed ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and baking instructions. You learned tips to enhance flavors and perfect texture, plus dietary options and storage info. Sweet potatoes are healthy, tasty, and versatile. Now, you have the tools to create a dish that impresses everyone. Enjoy making and sharing it for any occasion!

Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole

A deliciously sweet and nutty casserole made with mashed sweet potatoes and topped with a crunchy pecan mixture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 0.5 cup maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.5 cup milk (or any non-dairy milk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
  • to taste salt
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large pot, add the cubed sweet potatoes and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until soft, about 15-20 minutes.
  • Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them until smooth.
  • Stir in the maple syrup, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until well combined.
  • Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
  • In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Mix until the pecans are coated.
  • Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden and the casserole is heated through.
  • Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving for better slicing.
Keyword casserole, maple, pecan, sweet potato