Thanksgiving is a time for family, laughter, and of course, food that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Imagine a fluffy layer of sweet potato goodness topped with a crunchy maple pecan crust that fills your home with an aroma so inviting that even the turkey will be jealous. Thanksgiving Pumpkin Cupcakes This Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate that brings everyone together.
Every bite of this casserole is like diving face-first into autumn. With its vibrant orange hue and sweet maple drizzle, it’s not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Whether you’re hosting the family gathering or bringing a dish to share, this recipe will surely make you the star of the Thanksgiving table. Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy cooks. The flavor profile combines sweet and nutty notes, pleasing everyone at the table. Its stunning presentation adds visual appeal to any holiday spread. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed throughout the fall season.[/info_box]
This casserole has become a family favorite since my cousin tried to impress her new boyfriend with it last year—spoiler alert: he was impressed!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, vibrant oranges; they should be free from blemishes for the best flavor.
Maple Syrup: Choose pure maple syrup for an authentic sweetness that elevates the dish.
Pecans: Use chopped pecans; they add crunch and richness to balance the soft texture of sweet potatoes.
Butter: Unsalted butter works best as it allows better control over saltiness in the recipe. For more inspiration, check out this Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots recipe.
Cinnamon: A staple spice here; use ground cinnamon for warmth and depth in flavor.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar will enhance sweetness and provide caramel notes.
Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract—it adds an aromatic touch that complements all other flavors beautifully.
Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything together while adding richness; ensure they’re at room temperature before using.
Salt: Just a pinch balances sweetness and brings out all those wonderful flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and chop about 3-4 medium sweet potatoes into even chunks, ensuring they cook uniformly.
Boil Until Tender: Place sweet potatoes in a pot of salted water. Boil them until fork-tender, typically around 15 minutes; they should break apart easily when prodded.
Mash Like A Pro: Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them until smooth—no lumps allowed! Add butter and stir until melted for added creaminess.
Add Flavor Magic: Mix in maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Taste-test this luscious mixture because trust me—you’ll want to savor every spoonful.
Incorporate Eggs Gently: Beat in two large eggs until fully combined. This step adds structure to your casserole without losing any fluffiness.
Create Your Topping**: In another bowl, combine chopped pecans with a splash of maple syrup and a sprinkle of brown sugar. This crunchy topping adds delightful texture on baked layers.
Bake It Up**: Pour your sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle your pecan topping evenly across the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Now you’re ready to serve up some smiles alongside your Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole! For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavor and warmth. The sweet aroma fills your kitchen, making everyone eagerly anticipate the feast. Topped with crunchy pecans, each bite is an inviting blend of sweetness and texture. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them while warm for a creamy texture. Mix in maple syrup and spices before transferring to a baking dish for the perfect bake.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this casserole by adding some orange zest for citrusy brightness or swapping pecans with walnuts for a different crunch. Pear and Walnut Bread
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] To achieve the best flavor, use real maple syrup instead of imitation. Ensure your sweet potatoes are fully cooked for easy mashing. Add a pinch of salt to enhance sweetness and balance flavors perfectly. [/info_box]
The first time I made this casserole, my family devoured it so quickly that I barely got a taste! Their smiles were worth every effort in the kitchen.
FAQ
Can I make Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
What can I substitute for maple syrup?
Honey or brown sugar can be used as alternatives, but adjust sweetness accordingly.
Is this casserole suitable for vegans?
Yes! Use plant-based butter and ensure all ingredients are vegan-friendly for delicious results.
Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate side dish that combines creamy sweet potatoes with a crunchy maple pecan topping. This delightful casserole is not only a feast for the eyes with its vibrant orange color but also a comforting addition to your holiday table. Easy to prepare, this dish will impress your family and friends, making it a must-have during the fall season.
Ingredients
- 3–4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel and chop sweet potatoes into even chunks. Boil in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.
- Stir in melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well.
- Beat in eggs until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix chopped pecans with a splash of maple syrup and brown sugar for the topping.
- Pour sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the pecan mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
