Name: Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 110 min
Ingredients: ROASTED SWEET POTATOES:; 4 large organic sweet potatoes (peeled + cubed); 2-3 Tbsps extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; FILLING:; ½ cup Almond milk (You can use whole milk or your fave plant-based milk); 2 tsps vanilla extract; 4 Tbsps 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 + drained (See Notes!)); 2 cups marshmallows; TOPPING:; 1 ½ cups raw pecans; ¼ cup pure maple syrup

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Introduction

Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a dish that brings everyone back for seconds—and for many homes across the South, that dish is Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole. Nestled between the turkey and cranberry sauce, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and indulgent. This casserole isn’t just a side—it’s a holiday tradition built on roasted sweet potatoes, buttery maple filling, and a pecan-marshmallow topping that practically steals the show. In this article, you’ll learn how to create a version that’s rich, textured, and just the right amount of nostalgic. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish, this one earns its place on the Thanksgiving table.

The Sweet Potato Casserole That Belongs on Your Thanksgiving Table

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The Flavorful Foundation

Thanksgiving is all about bold, comforting flavors—and roasted sweet potatoes set the tone perfectly. Instead of boiling them (which can leave your casserole thin or watery), roasting at 400°F draws out their natural sweetness, caramelizes the edges, and concentrates that earthy depth we crave during the holidays. With cinnamon and nutmeg added before they hit the oven, the house starts to smell like Thanksgiving before anything else is even cooked.

Roasting also gives you better texture. Some pieces mash easily, while others keep a little bite—so every scoop of your Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole has a bit of contrast. It’s rustic, warm, and layered—exactly how holiday sides should feel. This step is where the magic starts.

Maple Syrup: A Southern Touch That Feels Like Fall

Thanksgiving sides are at their best when they taste like the season—and nothing says fall like real maple syrup. More than just sweet, maple adds a warm, woodsy richness that plays perfectly with roasted sweet potatoes and cinnamon. It’s the kind of flavor that makes you slow down and savor.

In this casserole, maple syrup isn’t just mixed in—it’s the highlight. You’ll find it in both the creamy filling and the crunchy pecan topping, giving each layer a toasty, almost caramel-like finish. It’s what sets this recipe apart from ordinary versions. When baked into the edges and topping, it creates that golden glaze that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

There’s no better side dish on Thanksgiving than this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1 30

Total Time 1 50

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 187 kcal

Ingredients

ROASTED SWEET POTATOES:
4 large organic sweet potatoes peeled + cubed
2-3 Tbsps extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
FILLING:
½ cup Almond milk You can use whole milk or your fave plant-based milk
2 tsps vanilla extract
4 Tbsps 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 + drained (See Notes!)
2 cups marshmallows
TOPPING:
1 ½ cups raw pecans
¼ cup pure maple syrup

Instructions

TO ROAST THE SWEET POTATOES:
Begin by preheating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
In a bowl, add the cubed sweet potatoes along with the olive oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg, gently mixing everything together until sweet potatoes are fully coated.
Add the sweet potatoes unto the baking sheet (in a single layer) and and bake for 50-60 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender, charred, and golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
TO MAKE THE CASSEROLE FILLING:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a large 9×13 baking dish.
In a bowl, add the roasted sweet potatoes, milk, vanilla, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, raisins, and marshmallows, mixing everything together until combined. NOTE: It’s OK if some of the sweet potato starts to mash. You want a mixture of mashed + chunks.
Scoop the mixture into prepared baking dish, evenly spreading everything out. Add the pieces of butter in between parts of the casserole mixture. For a little extra goodness—–tuck in a few additional marshmallows into the sweet potato mixture, pressing them in gently all around.
TO MAKE THE TOPPING:
In a bowl, add the pecans and maple syrup, stirring until combined.
Generously add the topping over the sweet potato casserole mixture until fully covered. Cover with foil paper.
Bake the casserole with foil for approximately 15 minutes in the preheated oven and then remove foil and finish baking for the remaining 15 minutes or until top is golden brown and the marshmallows have melted.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving with your favorite sides and main dish.
Bon Appetit!

Notes

STORAGE: Leftovers can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, for optimal freshness.
MAKE AHEAD: You can prep and roast the sweet potatoes in advance, let cool completely, and store in an airtight container and refrigerated until the day of. Let it sit at room temp. for a few minutes and assemble per the recipe.
EQUIPMENT: Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole. Everything from my fave baking dishes, baking sheets, wooden spoons, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
CRUMBLE TOPPING OPTION: You can always keep things traditional with a pecan crumble topping. See post for details!
VEGAN OPTION: For the vegan option, see my Vegan Skillet Sweet Potato Casserole.
SOAKING OF RAISINS: To create more “plump” and tender raisins, simply add them to a bowl and cover with boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Then drain and add to recipe. For a bit of adult-friendly pizazz—-you can also soak the raisins in rum or bourbon.

A Sweet Potato Casserole Filling Made for Thanksgiving

A Filling That Marries Comfort and Celebration

The best Thanksgiving dishes feel like a hug warm, generous, and full of layers—and that’s exactly what this filling delivers. Once the sweet potatoes are roasted, they’re gently mixed with brown sugar, maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla, and warm spices. But here’s the twist: not everything is mashed. Keeping some of the chunks intact makes every serving feel more homemade, more comforting, and more personal.

Then come the add-ins that take this from everyday side to holiday favorite. Plump, soaked raisins bring subtle sweetness and softness, while pockets of butter melt right into the dish as it bakes. Every spoonful feels rich without being too heavy—a careful balance that makes this casserole pair beautifully with roasted turkey, green beans, or even stuffing.

Marshmallows & Raisins: A Southern Holiday Staple

Some casseroles stop at sugar and spice but this one goes further with a nostalgic mix of gooey marshmallows and tender raisins. On Thanksgiving, that touch of playfulness matters. The marshmallows don’t just sit on top—they melt into the filling, hiding in pockets throughout the casserole like little holiday surprises. It’s the kind of detail that makes your guests pause mid-bite, smile, and ask for the recipe.

And then there are the raisins soaked first to plump them up, then folded in for soft bursts of sweetness. If you’re feeling festive, a splash of bourbon or spiced rum adds an adult-friendly twist. It’s that mix of tradition and a little southern fun that turns this casserole from simple to unforgettable.

The Ultimate Pecan Topping for a Show-Stopping Thanksgiving Side

Maple-Glazed Pecans: Sweet, Crunchy, Southern

A good Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole needs a topping that does more than just sit there—it should crackle slightly with every spoonful, offer a bit of chew, and finish sweet. That’s exactly what you get with maple-glazed pecans. They bring nuttiness, texture, and a glossy finish that feels festive without being fussy.

Making the topping couldn’t be easier: raw pecans get tossed with pure maple syrup until coated, then spread generously over the filling. As the casserole bakes, the syrup begins to caramelize, wrapping each pecan in a golden sheen. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully browned and smells like roasted sugar and toasted nuts.

The contrast between the gooey marshmallow-studded filling and the crisp pecan crust is what makes this dish feel complete. It’s layered. It’s seasonal. It’s exactly what a Thanksgiving table should taste like.

Foil & Finish: How to Get the Perfect Golden Top

Timing and temperature matter when you’re aiming for that picture-perfect finish. The casserole starts covered with foil—this keeps the interior soft, allows the marshmallows to melt, and prevents the pecans from burning. After 15 minutes, the foil comes off, and the casserole bakes uncovered for another 15 minutes to toast the topping.

You’ll see the marshmallows puff and caramelize, the pecans deepen in color, and the maple syrup bubble at the edges. This two-step bake is essential. It gives you that soft middle and crisp top that defines a great Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole—especially on Thanksgiving.

Let the casserole cool slightly before serving so it sets just enough to hold its shape on the plate next to turkey, stuffing, or cranberry sauce.

Serving Tips, Storage, and Make-Ahead Magic

How to Keep Your Sweet Potato Casserole from Being Runny

Thanksgiving is not the day for culinary surprises—especially not a watery casserole. One of the most common issues with sweet potato casseroles is extra moisture that turns the dish soupy or flat. The solution? It all comes down to roasting and proper ratios.

Roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them helps evaporate excess moisture and concentrates the flavor. It also gives your filling more body from the start. Be sure not to overdo the liquid ingredients, especially milk and syrup. This recipe uses just enough almond milk to bind, not drown. The result is a thick, spoonable texture that sets beautifully after baking—especially if you let it cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.

If you’re using a glass or ceramic dish, you’ll also get that golden edge around the sides—a sign your casserole has cooked through just right.

Make-Ahead and Leftovers: Stress-Free Thanksgiving Prep

Thanksgiving is a balancing act. You want the feast, but not the frenzy. That’s why this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is perfect for prepping ahead.

You can roast the sweet potatoes up to two days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge, then let them sit at room temperature before mixing with the filling ingredients. Assemble the entire casserole the night before if you like—just hold off on the topping. Add the pecans and marshmallows right before baking so they stay crisp and fluffy.

Leftovers? They reheat beautifully. Store any extras in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Rewarm in the oven to preserve the texture, or microwave for a quick single serving. Either way, the flavors deepen overnight—making that second-day scoop possibly even better than the first.

FAQ: Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole

Is it better to boil or bake sweet potatoes for casserole?
Baking or roasting is better. Roasting enhances natural sweetness, improves texture, and prevents the casserole from becoming watery.

What goes in sweet potato casserole?
The base includes roasted sweet potatoes, maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, milk, and spices. Add-ins like raisins and marshmallows boost flavor, and the topping typically includes pecans and more maple.

What is the most delicious way to cook sweet potatoes?
Roasting with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a flavorful, caramelized edge while keeping the inside tender perfect for holiday casseroles.

How to keep sweet potato casserole from being runny?
Avoid boiling the sweet potatoes. Roast them to reduce water content, and measure your liquid ingredients carefully. Allow it to cool before serving to help it set.

Conclusion

Whether it’s your first time hosting or your tenth Thanksgiving in the kitchen, this Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole brings warmth, texture, and just the right amount of indulgence to the table. With roasted sweet potatoes, buttery maple filling, a touch of spice, and that golden pecan topping, it’s the dish that reminds everyone what the holidays are really about: comfort, tradition, and sharing food made with love.

Ready to bring this classic to your holiday lineup? Preheat the oven it’s casserole time.