Thanksgiving is truly a magical time of year when the air is crisp, family gathers around the table, and delicious aromas waft through the kitchen. Imagine diving into a warm dish of Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole that’s sweet, creamy, and just a little nutty, topped with crunchy pecans that make your taste buds dance. creamy baked mac and cheese You can practically hear the angels singing as you take that first bite, right?
This casserole isn’t just food; it’s an experience! It captures the essence of Thanksgiving with its vibrant colors and rich flavors. Every spoonful brings back memories of cozy family gatherings filled with laughter and love. butternut squash galette This dish is perfect for those festive dinners or even as a comforting side on a chilly afternoon.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is easy to whip up and sure to impress your guests
- The combination of sweet maple syrup and savory spices creates a mouthwatering flavor profile
- Its stunning orange hue adds visual appeal to your holiday spread
- This versatile dish works well as a side for any meal or even a holiday dessert
I remember the first time I made this casserole; my family’s eyes widened in delight as they took their first bites during Thanksgiving dinner.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
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Maple Syrup: Opt for pure maple syrup for an authentic sweetness that can’t be beaten.
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Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for depth and caramel notes in every bite.
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Butter: Unsalted butter works best; it lets you control the saltiness of the dish.
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Pecans: Toasted pecans add crunch; chop them coarsely for varied texture throughout.
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Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices enhance the sweetness while adding cozy holiday vibes.
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Milk or Cream: Whole milk gives creaminess, but feel free to use heavy cream for richness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Start by peeling and chopping about 3-4 medium-sized sweet potatoes into small chunks. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, usually about 15-20 minutes.
Mash with Love: Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash until smooth, then mix in butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Add Creaminess: Gradually pour in milk or cream while mixing to achieve a creamy consistency. Adjust sweetness if desired by adding more maple syrup or brown sugar.
Prepare Your Topping: In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans with melted butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar. This will create that irresistible crunchy topping.
Assemble & Bake!: Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish evenly. Sprinkle the pecan topping generously over it. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve & Enjoy!: Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. Get ready to watch your loved ones savor every bite of this delightful Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole! pumpkin whipped feta dip. pumpkin sugar cookies.
Now go ahead; gather your ingredients and enjoy creating this unforgettable holiday dish!
You Must Know
- Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures
- The sweet potatoes become creamy while the topping adds a satisfying crunch
- This dish balances sweetness with a hint of salt, making it irresistible for your holiday feast
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, mash them, and mix in maple syrup and spices before transferring to a baking dish. Top with a crunchy pecan streusel for added texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap maple syrup for honey or brown sugar if you prefer. Add some chopped apples or cranberries for unexpected bursts of flavor, or sprinkle in some cinnamon for extra warmth and spice. For more inspiration, check out this Hot Honey Flatbread Pizza recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring that the topping stays crispy and delicious. For more inspiration, check out this Crispy Broccoli Cheddar Poppers recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To get the perfect texture, use freshly mashed sweet potatoes instead of canned ones
- Keep an eye on the topping while baking to prevent burning
- Don’t skip letting the casserole cool slightly before serving; it helps set the flavors beautifully
Sharing this casserole recipe reminds me of last Thanksgiving when my cousin declared it “the best thing ever.” We almost had to wrestle over the last scoop!
FAQ
Can I make Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it a day ahead and bake just before serving for optimal freshness.
What can I substitute for maple syrup?
Honey or agave syrup works well as alternatives for that sweet flavor.
How do I achieve a crunchy topping?
Ensure to use cold butter when making the streusel topping for extra crispiness.
Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Thanksgiving Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a festive delight that combines sweet, creamy sweet potatoes with the warm flavors of maple syrup and spices, all topped with crunchy pecans. This comforting dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners, bringing warmth and joy to your table. With its vibrant orange hue and mouthwatering aroma, this casserole will become a beloved staple at your Thanksgiving feast.
Ingredients
- 3–4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and chop sweet potatoes into small chunks. Boil in salted water until fork-tender (15-20 minutes).
- Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them in a pot. Stir in butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Gradually mix in milk to achieve a creamy consistency, adjusting sweetness as desired.
- In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans with melted butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar for the topping.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture in a greased baking dish and sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over it. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving and enjoy this delightful casserole with your loved ones!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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