Irresistible Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole for a Cozy Thanksgiving

Name: Irresistible Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole for a Cozy Thanksgiving
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-490419H36M31S
Total time: PT-490419H36M31S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 1/2 to 4 pounds), peeled and chopped; 1/2 cup pure maple syrup; 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk (or whole milk); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (or regular flour); 1/3 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Posted on December 3, 2025 ·

By Lyndy

maple sweet potato casserole with cream cheese and pecans

Breakfast

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for the perfect blend of sweet, comforting, and festive, this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is the Thanksgiving side dish you didn’t know you needed. With its velvety base, a hint of warm spices, and a maple-kissed pecan crumble topping, this dish balances rich Southern tradition with modern-day ease. Whether it’s part of your Friendsgiving recipes or a classic Thanksgiving table, this sweet potato dish will steal the show.

Why This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole Is a Must for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is about gathering loved ones and sharing hearty, memorable meals. Among the many potato recipes for Thanksgiving, this one stands out with its use of real maple syrup and creamy coconut milk. Unlike the overly sweet marshmallow casseroles, this version brings balanced sweetness and real texture, making it one of the best Thanksgiving sweet potato sides to serve alongside savory mains.

This comforting dish is also an ideal partner to holiday classics like these flavorful baked chicken legs or stuffed acorn squash.

Who Will Love This Recipe (And When to Make It)

This recipe is for anyone who loves the flavors of fall, appreciates comforting sides, or needs an easy, prep-ahead casserole. It’s a great fit for:

Traditional Thanksgiving dinners
Casual Friendsgiving potlucks
Christmas meals
Fall dinner parties

Looking to prep a full Thanksgiving meal? Try pairing this casserole with sides like honey glazed carrots and green beans or scalloped potatoes for a complete spread.

Ingredients for Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Here’s everything you need to bring this sweet potato masterpiece to life.

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 ½ to 4 pounds), peeled and chopped
½ cup pure maple syrup
½ cup full-fat coconut milk (or whole milk)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon sea salt

For the Pecan Topping:

1 cup chopped pecans
½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (or regular flour)
⅓ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon

This recipe easily fits into your collection of easy sweet potato recipes for Thanksgiving or holiday sides.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this dish efficiently, gather the following kitchen tools:

Large pot for boiling
Potato masher or hand mixer
Large mixing bowls
9×13-inch baking dish
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Oven mitts

This equipment also comes in handy if you’re trying other hearty fall casseroles like this cheesy root vegetable gratin.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish.

2. Boil the Sweet Potatoes

In a large pot, add sweet potatoes and enough water to cover. Boil for 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain thoroughly.

3. Mash the Potatoes

Transfer to a bowl and mash until smooth. For extra creaminess, use a hand mixer.

4. Mix in Sweeteners and Spices

Add maple syrup, coconut milk, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Mix well.

5. Assemble in Baking Dish

Spread the mashed mixture evenly into the baking dish.

6. Make the Pecan Topping

In a bowl, mix pecans, flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon until crumbly.

7. Add the Topping

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato base.

8. Bake and Serve

Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Looking for a similar warm, seasonal treat? Check out this delicious pumpkin twists recipe — it’s a great sweet addition to a fall dinner table.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Use fresh sweet potatoes, not canned, for better flavor and texture.
Real maple syrup is key — avoid artificial versions.
Don’t over-mash the potatoes; a few chunks add lovely texture.
Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for deeper spice.
Make ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for optimal crunch.

If you love savory-sweet dishes, you might also enjoy this creative pumpkin chicken chili.

Serving and Presentation Ideas for Sweet Potato Sides

Serve this casserole in a white ceramic baking dish to highlight its rich orange and golden tones. Garnish with extra pecans or a drizzle of warm maple syrup. For a full holiday spread, serve it alongside:

For dessert, balance this savory-sweet dish with a fall favorite like apple crisp with oatmeal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

Let cool completely.
Cover with foil or store in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

Reheat covered at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
Microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes.

You can also freeze leftovers for up to one month. Thaw overnight and bake to refresh the texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overboiling the sweet potatoes makes them watery.
Skipping the spices can leave the casserole bland.
Using imitation syrup sacrifices flavor.
Skipping the crumble topping removes the crunch factor.

For another cozy casserole that’s packed with flavor, try this crack breakfast casserole — great for holiday mornings!

Easy Variations and Recipe Swaps

Add ½ cup pumpkin puree for a sweet potato pumpkin casserole variation.
Use crushed graham crackers or oats for a nut-free topping.
Make it vegan by using dairy-free butter and milk.
Add dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of fruity sweetness.

Love experimenting with pumpkin? Don’t miss these pumpkin cheesecake truffles for a post-dinner indulgence.

What to Serve with Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Here are a few ideas for what pairs perfectly with this casserole:

Main Dishes:

Drinks:

Lavender lemonade
Warm cinnamon apple cider
Sparkling cranberry juice

Looking for a breakfast spin on sweet potatoes? Try this chocolate chip pumpkin pancake recipe.

Perfect for Friendsgiving: Creative Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas

This casserole is a Friendsgiving favorite. It’s easy to transport, reheat, and customize. It also pairs well with:

Need something sweet to bring along too? Make a batch of pumpkin fluff dip or gluten-free pumpkin donuts.

FAQs About Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but drain well and expect a slightly different texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, up to 48 hours in advance. Just bake right before serving.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat from thawed.

Can I make it vegan?
Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives. The rest is naturally dairy-free.

Is this gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free flour in the topping.

Final Thoughts + Call to Action

This Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole blends nostalgia, flavor, and ease into one stunning dish. It’s perfect for any fall gathering, holiday celebration, or family dinner. With its creamy base and buttery topping, this casserole transforms sweet potatoes into the highlight of the meal.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with family and friends, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more delicious seasonal favorites.

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