This Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole Bake is a delightful twist on a classic holiday dish. With its rich flavors of sweet potatoes, earthy pecans, and the warm essence of maple syrup, this casserole not only pleases the palate but also creates a cozy atmosphere in your kitchen. Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a special family dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite that brings everyone to the table.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 220
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
Why Make This Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole Bake
This casserole embodies the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Sweet potatoes provide a soft and creamy base, while the topping of pecans, brown sugar, and flour gives a satisfying crunch. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg fills your kitchen, enhancing the welcoming feel of any meal. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, inviting both seasoned chefs and novice cooks to try their hand at this comforting dish.
How to Make Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole Bake
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Place them in a pot of boiling water and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes and mash them until smooth.
Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Cooking
Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. In another bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. Sprinkle this topping mixture generously over the sweet potato layer.
Step 4: Finishing
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm for the best experience.
How to Serve Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole Bake
This casserole can be served as a side dish with roasted meats, such as turkey or ham, making it a perfect accompaniment to holiday feasts. It can also be enjoyed as a sweet dish at brunch alongside pancakes or waffles. Don’t forget to serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a special touch!
How to Store Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole Bake
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze the casserole (without the pecan topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Expert Tips for Perfect Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole Bake
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sweet potato mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Nut Alternatives: If you’re allergic to pecans, walnuts or hazelnuts can be a delicious substitute.
- Vegan Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil, milk with almond or soy milk, and use a flax egg or applesauce in place of the egg, if needed.
- Spice it Up: For a twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sweet potato mixture for a hint of heat.
Delicious Variations
- Marshmallow Topping: For a sweeter treat, add mini marshmallows on top of the pecans in the last 5 minutes of baking to create a gooey finish.
- Fruit Inclusion: Mix in some chopped apples or cranberries with the sweet potatoes for added texture and flavor.
- Savory Twist: For a savory dish, consider mixing in some cooked and crumbled sausage with the sweet potato base.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes, just drain and mash them well before mixing with the other ingredients. Be aware that canned varieties may contain added sugars. - Is this casserole gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. - Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure you use a larger baking dish and possibly adjust the cooking time slightly if it’s thicker. - What can I serve this casserole with?
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, green salads, or as part of a holiday potluck. - How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the edges are bubbly, the topping is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Conclusion
The Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole Bake is not just a side dish; it’s a warm embrace at your table that combines sweet, savory, and delightful textures. Its ease of preparation and comforting flavors make it an essential dish for gatherings and family dinners. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the smiles it brings; you might just find it a new tradition!
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Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on a classic holiday dish featuring sweet potatoes, pecans, and maple syrup, perfect for Thanksgiving or any family gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place sweet potatoes in boiling water and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash.
- In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes with maple syrup, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Pour sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, and flour.
- Sprinkle topping over the sweet potato layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve as a side dish for roasted meats or as a sweet dish at brunch. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
