Sweet Potato Maple Casserole with Raisins and Pecan Topping Recipe
Sweet Potato Maple Casserole with Raisins and Pecan Topping Recipe is a delightful, comforting dish that shines during the fall and winter months. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the rich flavors of maple syrup, cinnamon, and pecans. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want to enjoy a cozy night in, this casserole is both simple and tasty, making it perfect for busy days or special occasions.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 53g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 160mg
Why Make Sweet Potato Maple Casserole with Raisins and Pecan Topping Recipe
Sweet Potato Maple Casserole with Raisins and Pecan Topping Recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The addition of raisins and pecans provides extra health benefits while also enhancing flavor and texture. This casserole is incredibly versatile; you can adjust it to suit dietary preferences by using different kinds of milk or adding your favorite spices. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals while satisfying your sweet tooth.
How to Make Sweet Potato Maple Casserole with Raisins and Pecan Topping Recipe Step by Step
Ingredients
4 large organic sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ cup almond milk (or whole milk / plant-based milk of choice)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed into small pieces
⅓ cup organic brown sugar
¼ cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of ground allspice
1 cup organic raisins, soaked and drained
2 cups marshmallows
1 ½ cups raw pecans
¼ cup pure maple syrup
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg ensuring they are well coated. Spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 50-60 minutes until tender, golden, and slightly charred. Remove and let cool slightly.
Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes with almond milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, soaked raisins, and marshmallows. Mix gently, allowing some potatoes to mash for texture. Transfer this mixture to the baking dish, spreading evenly. Dot the mixture with cubed butter and tuck in extra marshmallows for added indulgence.
In a separate bowl, stir together the raw pecans and maple syrup until the pecans are well coated. Spread this topping generously over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish, ensuring full coverage.
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated 375°F oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the marshmallows have melted and browned slightly.
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving alongside your favorite sides or main dishes. Enjoy this classic Southern-inspired casserole warm.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Maple Casserole with Raisins and Pecan Topping Recipe
Serve this Sweet Potato Maple Casserole with Raisins and Pecan Topping Recipe as a side dish alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a festive vegetarian main course. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, creating a perfect balance of flavors. You could also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist.
How to Store Sweet Potato Maple Casserole with Raisins and Pecan Topping Recipe
To store leftovers, place the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. For longer storage, the casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above.
Expert Tips for Cooking Sweet Potato Maple Casserole with Raisins and Pecan Topping Recipe
- Use fresh, organic sweet potatoes for the best flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on your sweetness preference; you can reduce it if you prefer a less sweet dish.
- If you’re short on time, you can boil the sweet potatoes instead of roasting them.
- For a crunchier topping, add more pecans or even mix in some oats.
- Experiment with spices like ginger or cloves for an extra layer of flavor.
Delicious Variations of Sweet Potato Maple Casserole with Raisins and Pecan Topping Recipe
For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sweet potato mixture. Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a herbed version that gives an aromatic experience. For a citrusy take, add the zest of an orange or lemon to brighten the flavors while keeping it vegetarian.
Sweet Potato Maple Casserole with Raisins and Pecan Topping Recipe is a must-try for its rich flavors and comforting texture. It’s not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser that leaves you wanting seconds. Enjoy the delightful blend of sweet and savory in this versatile dish that is sure to become a favorite!
Sweet Potato Maple Casserole with Raisins and Pecan Topping
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg ensuring they are well coated.
- Spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 50-60 minutes until tender, golden, and slightly charred. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes with almond milk, vanilla extract, brown sugar, maple syrup, additional cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, soaked raisins, and marshmallows. Mix gently, allowing some potatoes to mash for texture.
- Transfer this mixture to the baking dish, spreading evenly. Dot the mixture with cubed butter and tuck in extra marshmallows for added indulgence.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the raw pecans and maple syrup until the pecans are well coated. Spread this topping generously over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated 375°F oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the marshmallows have melted and browned slightly.
- Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
