Nothing says Thanksgiving like a steaming dish of Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole. Imagine a creamy, buttery sweet potato base topped with a crunchy, pecan-laden streusel. savory sweet potato bagel chips The aroma wafts through the house, beckoning everyone to the table. buttery breakfast biscuits This dish is like a warm hug from your grandma, bringing comfort and joy to your holiday gatherings.
Growing up, my family had a tradition of competing over who could make the best casserole. Spoiler alert: I never won, but this Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole was my secret weapon that left everyone coming back for seconds. zucchini ricotta melts It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you want to indulge in something both delicious and hearty.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday feast
- The flavor profile is sweet and nutty, creating a delightful harmony that excites the palate
- Its vibrant colors make it visually stunning on any table setting
- Versatile enough for potlucks or holiday dinners, it’s bound to impress everyone
Sharing this dish at last year’s Thanksgiving left my family raving about it for weeks.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm and smooth sweet potatoes; they should be free from blemishes and soft spots. For more inspiration, check out this crispy potato pancakes recipe.
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Maple Syrup: Choose pure maple syrup for the best flavor; avoid imitation syrup like it’s an ex from high school.
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Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness; trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
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Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds depth; feel free to use dark if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Pecans: Opt for chopped pecans; they add crunch and nuttiness that perfectly complements sweet potatoes.
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Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon enhances warmth; sprinkle generously unless you’re allergic or living on the wild side.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract elevates flavor; skip the imitation stuff—it’s just sad.
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Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together beautifully; farm-fresh eggs always yield better results.
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 350°F (175°C). Peel and chop 3-4 medium-sized sweet potatoes into cubes. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Blend It Up!: Drain the sweet potatoes and transfer them into a mixing bowl. Add in melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and eggs. creamy potato gratin Use a hand mixer or potato masher until smooth and creamy.
Make Your Streusel Topping: In another bowl, combine chopped pecans with flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Mix until crumbly—this topping is what dreams are made of. For more inspiration, check out this green beans with bacon recipe.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Then sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the top—it should look like a cozy blanket of deliciousness.
Bake to Perfection!: Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells like pure heaven!
Serve warm as an unforgettable side dish that will steal the spotlight at any holiday gathering! Enjoy every bite while basking in compliments from your friends and family—you’ve earned it!
You Must Know
- Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, with a creamy texture that makes you want to dive in
- The warm aroma fills your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for family gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the sweet potatoes until tender. Then mash them smoothly before mixing in maple syrup and spices, ensuring even flavor distribution.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding toasted pecans or marshmallows on top for extra crunch and sweetness. A dash of cinnamon can elevate the flavor beautifully as well.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to retain its creamy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To prevent your casserole from becoming too runny, ensure you drain any excess water from the sweet potatoes
- Using fresh ingredients will enhance flavors significantly
- Finally, let it cool slightly before serving for easier slicing and serving
The first time I made Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole, my family couldn’t stop asking for seconds! Their smiles and compliments made my kitchen feel like a cozy celebration.
FAQ
What can I substitute for maple syrup?
You can use honey or agave syrup as alternatives to maple syrup.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Is Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate holiday comfort dish, featuring a creamy sweet potato base topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. This delightful casserole combines sweet and nutty flavors, creating a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen and brings family together. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, ensuring you can focus on making memories with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 3–4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into cubes. Boil in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and transfer sweet potatoes to a mixing bowl. Add melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mash until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix chopped pecans with flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until crumbly.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and top with the streusel mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (190g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
