Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole for the Holidays

Hey there, it’s Mounia from SlowCookersRecipes.com— your kitchen side‑kick for effortless, delicious meals. If you’ve been on the hunt for a show‑stopping side dish that’s as warm and welcoming as a fuzzy blanket on a brisk November evening, let me introduce you to the Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole. This holiday (“holiday,” “Thanksgiving”) casserole hits all the notes—sweet, cozy, a little bit indulgent—but doesn’t demand hours of your time. It’s the kind of dish that practically welcomes you home.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

This isn’t your everyday sweet potato side—it’s deeply comforting, layered with textures (hello, marshmallows + maple‑pecan topping), and perfect for a holiday table. Whether you’re a mom juggling after‑school snacks, a professional managing work dinners, or simply someone who loves a great side without the stress—the primary keyword dish delivers.

Here’s what makes it a winner:

• Roasting the sweet potatoes first (instead of boiling) gives deeper flavor and less watery texture—an upgrade over typical casseroles.
• The combination of brown sugar, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice) gives it that comforting “celebration” feeling.
• Raisins for little bursts of sweet‑chewy texture, marshmallows for fun and nostalgia, and pecans for crunch.
• Make‑ahead friendly: you can prep parts of it ahead so that on the big day you’re not sweating.
• Fits right into a “holiday” or “Thanksgiving” menu: it feels festive without being fussy.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

• 4 large organic sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2‑3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

Filling

• ½ cup almond milk (or whole milk / your favorite plant‑based milk)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, cubed into small pieces
• ⅓ cup organic brown sugar
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of ground allspice
• 1 cup organic raisins, soaked and drained (see notes)
• 2 cups marshmallows

Topping

• 1 ½ cups raw pecans
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup

How to Make Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole (Step-by-Step)

1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes

• Preheat your oven to 400 °F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated.
• Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for ~50‑60 minutes or until they’re tender and golden with a few charred edges. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

2. Make the Casserole Filling

• Preheat the oven to 375 °F and grease a large 9×13‑inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, soaked raisins, and marshmallows. It’s okay—and actually desirable—if you end up with a mix of mashed portions and chunks of sweet potato.
• Scoop the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Distribute the small cubes of butter throughout. For extra marshmallow fun, tuck in a few additional marshmallows around the casserole mixture, pressing gently.

3. Make the Topping & Bake

• In another bowl, stir together the raw pecans and maple syrup until the nuts are well coated.
• Generously sprinkle the pecan‑maple mixture over the top of the sweet potato filling until fully covered.
• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for ~15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes (or until the top is golden brown and the marshmallows have melted and are gently toasted).
• Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Tips (Because we’re in this together)

• If your potato cubes are varying sizes: aim for uniform so they cook evenly—smaller cubes may overcook and become too mushy.
• Don’t stress if the filling looks slightly liquid when it goes in: it will set during baking.
• If the top isn’t browning enough: switch to broil for the final 1‑2 minutes—but watch carefully so the marshmallows don’t burn.
• Want a vegan version? Use plant‑based butter and milk. Many of the flavors (maple, cinnamon, nutmeg) are already vegan‑friendly.
• Make‑ahead idea: Roast the sweet potatoes a day ahead, let them cool and refrigerate. On the big day, assemble and bake. Reduces your holiday stress.
• Raisin tip: Soaking your raisins in boiling water for 5‑10 minutes (or if you like, a little rum or bourbon for grown‑up flair) makes them plumper and more fun when you bite into them.

A Little Kitchen Story

Last Thanksgiving felt like a million‑piece puzzle: work emails, siblings coming in from out of town, a dog who decided the sofa was her space. I pulled this sweet potato casserole together while helping my niece with her homework and chatting with my sister about best dessert choices. The oven caught the aroma of the roasted sweet potatoes and maple syrup and within minutes a few guests wandered by, curious. One bite and they declared “this must be the new tradition.” That made me grin—because a great side dish should feel effortless yet memorable, just like that evening turned out to be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bonus tip: If you’re into browsing multiple takes before deciding, check out this version of Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole from Chicken Magic Recipes for more delicious inspiration.

Let’s Bring It All Home

Here’s to the holidays, to gathering around the table, to little traditions that feel big in the heart. This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a “side dish”—it’s a moment of cozy, maple‑sweet joy that pairs perfectly with your main dish, conversation, laughter, and even those inevitable “just one more” servings.

So whether you’re prepping for a full‑on Thanksgiving feast, a quiet holiday dinner, or a weeknight meal where you want something a little extra—I hope you’ll give this dish a spot. After all, one hearty scoop of sweet potatoes, marshmallows, maple syrup and pecans says: “You’re home. Relax.”

Enjoy the warmth and flavor, friend. Your house is about to smell like a comforting hug—and we all need that.

More Holiday-Worthy Recipes You’ll Love

If this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole made your holiday table shine, here are a few more recipes from the blog that pair beautifully or carry that same cozy, festive flavor:

• Balance out the sweetness with a crisp and tangy bite from this Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad—perfect for a refreshing contrast on your Thanksgiving spread.
• Add a savory touch with these crowd-pleasing Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Meatballs—a hands-off appetizer or main that your guests will love nibbling on.
• Looking for another sweet and stunning side? These Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are packed with maple flavor and super kid-friendly too.
• Keep the fall vibes going strong with our buttery, flaky Cranberry and Brie Holiday Pull-Apart Bread—a party-ready option that looks as good as it tastes.

Explore even more seasonal comfort food and slow cooker favorites at SlowCookersRecipes.com—your go-to spot for cozy, effortless cooking.

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