Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole: 5 Easy Holiday Tips

Name: Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; ½ cup almond milk (or other plant-based milk); 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup maple syrup; ½ tsp each cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice; ½ cup raisins, soaked in hot water; 1 cup marshmallows; 1 cup raw pecans, roughly chopped; 2 tbsp maple syrup (for topping)

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If there’s one dish that instantly takes me back to family gatherings in my grandma’s kitchen—it’s sweet potato casserole. Not just any version though, I’m talking about Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole. That warm, cinnamon-laced aroma, the bubbling marshmallows, and the sweet crunch of pecans? Yeah, that one.

In both Southern and Jamaican households, sweet potato casseroles are more than a side dish. They’re a tradition, a comfort, and a staple of every big family meal—especially during the holidays. Add this Sweet Potato Casserole for Thanksgiving and your guests will thank you later (with an empty dish and full bellies).

Want to build out your menu? There’s a full Southern Holiday Casserole Recipe roundup waiting for you at the bottom.

Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Flavor & Features

Flavor Profile of Sweet Potato Casserole with Maple Syrup

Velvety texture from roasted sweet potatoes
Deep sweetness from maple syrup and brown sugar
Crunch from pecans
Pops of chewiness from raisins
Toasty marshmallow top for gooey drama

Features of This Southern Sweet Potato Side Dish

Vegan & make-ahead options
Kid-approved and family-friendly
A Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with a maple twist

Ingredients for Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

A. Roasted Sweet Potatoes for Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg

B. Filling for Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole

½ cup almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup maple syrup
½ tsp each cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice
½ cup raisins, soaked in hot water
1 cup marshmallows

C. Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Topping

1 cup raw pecans, roughly chopped
2 tbsp maple syrup

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Maple Syrup

Baked Southern sweet potato casserole with maple pecans and marshmallows

Step 1: Roast Sweet Potatoes for Southern Casserole

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness—boiling just adds water. Peel, cube, and toss with olive oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Roast at 400°F for 30-40 minutes until soft and caramelized.

Chef tip: “Don’t crowd your pan—they need space to get that golden crust.”

Step 2: Make the Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Filling

Mash the roasted potatoes. Fold in almond milk, vanilla, melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, spices, raisins, and half the marshmallows.

“This is where it goes from mashed potatoes to magic.”

Step 3: Prepare the Topping for Sweet Potato Casserole

Mix pecans with maple syrup. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon if you’re fancy.

Optional: Add a crumble topping with flour, butter, and sugar for more texture.

Step 4: Bake the Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Spread the filling into a greased 9×13 dish. Top with remaining marshmallows and pecan mix. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

“Let it sit 10 minutes after baking—trust me, the flavor settles and the top gets crusty perfection.”

Tips and Customizations for Southern Holiday Casserole Recipe

Ingredient Substitutions for Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Almond milk → oat milk or coconut milk
Brown sugar → coconut sugar or date syrup
Butter → vegan margarine

Add-Ins for Sweet Potato Casserole with Maple Syrup

Crushed pineapple
A splash of bourbon
Tart cranberries
Crumbled bacon
Walnuts or hazelnuts

Topping Ideas for Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole

Classic pecan crumble (butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon)
Streusel topping

Southern maple sweet potato casserole topped with toasted marshmallows and pecans

FAQ: Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

How many sweet potatoes do I need?

Around 4 large sweet potatoes for a 9×13 dish. Serves 8.

How long can it sit out?

No more than 2 hours at room temp. After that, refrigerate.

When should I add marshmallows?

Add half early and the rest in the last 10 minutes for that toasted top. Otherwise, they melt into the filling.

Make-Ahead Tips for Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Roast and mash sweet potatoes a day ahead. Store in fridge and assemble when ready.

Storage Tips for Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Keeps 4 days in the fridge
Reheat at 375°F for 15-20 minutes
Add more marshmallows if reheating gets dry

Nutrition & Health Benefits of Southern Sweet Potato Side Dish

High fiber from sweet potatoes and raisins
Immune-boosting (hello, beta-carotene and vitamin C)
Great for digestion and stomach ulcers
Anti-inflammatory thanks to cinnamon and sweet potatoes

Conclusion

If you want a dish that bridges tradition with a flavorful twist, Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is it. It’s sweet, comforting, and exactly what your Thanksgiving table needs. Whether you’re going all-out Southern or blending in some Jamaican flair, this is the Southern Sweet Potato Side Dish that brings it all together.

Looking for more cozy bites? Follow me on Pinterest and don’t miss out on more soul-warming recipes.