Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole: 7 Cozy Bites

If there’s one dish that can bring comfort, nostalgia, and just a touch of indulgence to your table, it’s this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole. Imagine the creamy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, kissed with cinnamon and maple syrup, and topped with gooey marshmallows and crunchy pecans. Oh yes, friend—it’s as dreamy as it sounds.

This casserole is the heart of Southern holiday tables, but it’s way too good to save just for Thanksgiving. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy Sunday dinner, a potluck with friends, or your next family gathering, this dish promises to turn heads and fill hearts (and bellies!).

Why You’ll Love This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

There’s something magical about the sweet, earthy flavor of sweet potatoes paired with the rich warmth of maple syrup—it’s Southern comfort in a single bite.

Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this casserole:

• It’s versatile. Perfect for holidays, brunches, or even as a side dish for roasted chicken or ham.
• It’s naturally sweetened. That pure maple syrup adds depth without being cloying.
• It’s crowd-pleasing. From picky toddlers to grandparents with a sweet tooth—everyone asks for seconds.
• It smells heavenly. The mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted pecans fills your kitchen with cozy autumn vibes.

And let’s be real—who can resist a golden, marshmallow-topped casserole bubbling away in the oven? Certainly not me (or anyone within smelling distance).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this velvety Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole:

For the Filling:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled, chopped, and roasted
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or grapeseed/coconut oil)
• ½ cup almond milk (unsweetened—feel free to swap in whole or oat milk)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp allspice
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• ½ cup raisins (optional, but I love the pop of sweetness)
• 1 cup large marshmallows (or mini, if that’s what you’ve got!)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed

For the Topping:

• 1 cup pecans, whole or chopped
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup

How to Make Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Roast Those Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, toss your cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything’s coated in that warm, fragrant goodness. Spread them out in a single layer and roast for 50–60 minutes, or until they’re tender, golden, and just a little charred at the edges.

Let them cool slightly—try not to eat too many straight off the pan (I dare you not to).

Step 2: Build the Filling

Reduce your oven temperature to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, almond milk, vanilla, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, raisins, and marshmallows. It’s perfectly fine if some of the sweet potatoes get a bit mashed—you want a dreamy mix of creamy and chunky textures.

Spread the mixture evenly in your baking dish, tucking in a few extra marshmallows if you’re feeling adventurous (I always am). Dot the top with cubed butter.

Step 3: Add the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the pecans with maple syrup until they’re fully coated. Generously sprinkle them over the casserole.

Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, until the top is golden brown, and those marshmallows are gloriously gooey.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This step is key—letting it rest helps the flavors settle and gives you that perfect creamy bite.

Serve it warm alongside your favorite mains—like roast chicken, glazed ham, or turkey. Or heck, grab a spoon and call it dinner. No judgment here.

Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole Ever

• Roasting beats boiling. It keeps your sweet potatoes rich and caramelized without getting watery.
• Use real maple syrup. Pancake syrup just won’t do justice here—you want that deep, woodsy flavor.
• Add texture. Mixing some mashed and some chunky sweet potatoes gives a more interesting mouthfeel.
• Make ahead! You can assemble this casserole a day in advance—just refrigerate it covered and bake when ready.

Pro tip: Don’t worry if your marshmallows puff up unevenly. It’s not a flaw—it’s character!

A Little Story From My Kitchen

The first time I made this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole, my kids thought it was dessert. And honestly, who could blame them? Once that marshmallow topping came out golden and bubbly, it was pure magic.

Now it’s a non-negotiable part of our family gatherings. My mom insists it tastes like “Southern sunshine,” and my husband—who swore he wasn’t a “sweet potato person”—asks for leftovers every time. That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper.

FAQs About Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Bringing It All Together

There’s something deeply comforting about this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole—it’s sweet, warm, and full of heart, just like every Southern kitchen should be. Whether you serve it for the holidays or a random Tuesday night, it’s bound to bring smiles to your table and that “mmm” moment everyone loves.

So grab those sweet potatoes and that bottle of maple syrup—it’s time to make some magic happen in your kitchen.

From my kitchen to yours—happy cooking, friend!

More Cozy Fall Recipes You’ll Love

If you adored this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole, you’re going to fall in love with these other warm and comforting dishes that celebrate autumn flavors. Each one pairs beautifully with this casserole or stands on its own as a seasonal favorite:

• For the perfect holiday main course, try this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast — a sweet-tart showstopper that complements your casserole’s maple notes like a dream.
• Add even more cozy comfort to your spread with Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs — crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and downright irresistible.
• Want something savory and soul-soothing? My Smothered Chicken Thighs with Gravy bring classic Southern comfort straight to your table.
• For another sweet-meets-savory fall favorite, you’ll love these Sheet Pan Sausage and Sweet Potatoes — an easy one-pan wonder that makes weeknights feel special.

Each of these recipes brings its own bit of seasonal magic, making them perfect partners for your next family dinner or festive feast.

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