Elevate your holiday table with this Festive Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole, a delightful blend of creamy, sweet potatoes, a decadent maple glaze, and a delicate, crunchy topping. Crafted with the finest ingredients and a touch of Chef Crenn’s culinary expertise, this dish promises to delight the senses and warm the heart.
Why You’ll Love This Festive Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Festive Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole. The rich, velvety texture of the sweet potatoes, combined with the elegant maple glaze and the delicate, crunchy topping, creates a harmonious symphony of flavors that will leave your guests in awe. This dish is a true celebration of the cozy and joyful spirit of the holiday season, perfect for gathering family and friends around the table.
Ingredients
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey with the finest, handpicked ingredients. This Festive Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole features a blend of sweet potatoes, butter, heavy cream, maple syrup, brown sugar, and a variety of spices, all working in perfect harmony to create a truly gourmet dish.
- 3 lbs – sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup – unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup – heavy cream
- 1/2 cup – pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup – brown sugar
- 1 tsp – ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp – ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp – ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp – ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp – kosher salt
Ingredient Substitutions
- Heavy Cream: coconut milk or almond milk — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Brown Sugar: maple syrup or honey — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Festive Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole
Unlock the secrets to creating this decadent Festive Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole. From the meticulous preparation of the sweet potatoes to the carefully crafted maple glaze and the final assembly, each step is designed to elevate the flavors and textures, resulting in a dish that is both elegant and comforting.
Step 1 — Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2 — Make the Maple Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the melted butter, heavy cream, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and salt. Whisk the mixture together and bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, and the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3 — Assemble the Casserole
Pour the warm maple glaze over the cooked sweet potatoes and gently fold the mixture together until the potatoes are evenly coated. Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the edges are bubbly.
Step 4 — Finish with a Flourish
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve the Festive Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole warm, with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for an extra touch of elegance and crunch.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Citrus Twist: Add a bright and zesty note by stirring in the zest of one orange or lemon to the maple glaze.
- Crunchy Topping: For a delightful texture contrast, top the casserole with a crumble made from chopped pecans, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon before baking.
- Maple Pecan Variation: Replace the brown sugar in the maple glaze with an equal amount of maple syrup and top the casserole with a generous handful of toasted pecans before serving.
- Spicy Sweet Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the maple glaze for a subtle, yet delightful, spicy-sweet balance.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted pecans, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup.
Storage: Store the cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, the casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Make-Ahead: This Festive Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake and serve.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the rich, satisfying flavors of this Festive Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole without sacrificing your health. This dish is a wonderful source of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a wholesome and nutritious addition to your holiday spread.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 361 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbs: 47 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 155 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole up to 2 days in advance. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake and serve.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh sweet potatoes are preferred for the best texture and flavor, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Drain and mash the canned sweet potatoes before adding them to the recipe.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this casserole dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk, and use non-dairy butter or a plant-based butter alternative.
Can I add nuts to the topping?
Absolutely! Toasted pecans or walnuts would make a delightful addition to the casserole topping, adding a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
How long will the leftovers keep?
The Festive Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer-term storage, the casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Try These Next
- Honey Bourbon Glazed Brisket With Roasted Sweet Potato Mash
- Seasonal Holiday Comfort
- Bourbon Maple Bacon Bombs With Sticky Sweet Heat
Festive Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Festive Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole is a refined comfort dish that brings elegance to your holiday table. The creamy sweet potatoes are topped with a crunchy pecan and maple syrup glaze, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
4 large sweet potatoes
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then boil them in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
3. 3. Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them in a large bowl.
4. 4. Stir in maple syrup, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
5. 5. Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish.
6. 6. In a separate bowl, mix chopped pecans with mini marshmallows and sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.
7. 7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle additional maple syrup over the top before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Seasonal & Holiday Comfort
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg