The Perfect Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole
There are few things as comforting as a warm, golden sweet potato casserole emerging from the oven, filling your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon, butter, and maple syrup. This version takes the classic holiday side dish to a whole new level with a buttery maple glaze that adds a glossy finish and deep, caramelized sweetness.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even Sunday dinners, this casserole strikes a beautiful balance between sweet and savory. The mashed sweet potatoes are whipped until creamy, kissed with cinnamon and nutmeg, then baked under a luscious drizzle of maple glaze that soaks into every bite.
It’s elegant enough for a festive dinner table, yet easy enough for any home cook to pull off. If you’re looking for a dish that captures the warmth and nostalgia of the holidays — this is it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Rich maple flavor – The glaze adds a luxurious sweetness that’s never overpowering.
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Creamy and light texture – Whipped sweet potatoes feel like velvet.
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Simple ingredients – All pantry staples with a few special touches.
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Make-ahead friendly – Prep the base and glaze a day before.
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Naturally gluten-free – Perfect for any guest list.
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Versatile – Works as both a side and a subtly sweet treat.
This dish fits beautifully next to roasted turkey, green beans, or stuffing — but don’t be surprised if guests sneak a second helping for dessert.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base
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4–5 large sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs), peeled and cubed
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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¼ cup pure maple syrup
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⅓ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
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½ cup milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
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2 large eggs, lightly beaten
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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¼ teaspoon salt
For the Maple Glaze
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¼ cup pure maple syrup
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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¼ teaspoon cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
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½ cup chopped pecans – for crunch and nutty richness
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Pinch of flaky sea salt – for contrast against the sweetness
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping the sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes. Add them to a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Drain well, then let them sit for a few minutes to release excess steam — this prevents a watery mash.
Step 2: Mash and Mix the Base
Transfer the sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Mash them until smooth using a potato masher or hand mixer.
Add melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until creamy and evenly blended.
Pro Tip: For an extra silky texture, use an electric mixer for 1–2 minutes. The whipped consistency makes the casserole feel lighter.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
If using, sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top before baking.
Step 4: Prepare the Maple Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Heat over medium-low until the butter melts and the mixture thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
The glaze should be glossy and pourable — not too thick. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Step 5: Add the Maple Glaze
Pour half of the warm glaze over the sweet potato mixture before baking. The remaining glaze will be reserved for serving.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are slightly caramelized and the center is hot.
When done, drizzle the rest of the warm glaze over the top, letting it seep into the casserole.
Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and extra pecans for a festive touch.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the glaze set slightly, forming a shiny, buttery finish that glistens on the table.
Each scoop should reveal creamy sweet potatoes infused with maple sweetness, balanced by nutty crunch and warm spice.
What Makes This Maple Glaze Special
Maple syrup is more than just a sweetener — it’s liquid gold that adds depth, aroma, and richness. Unlike traditional marshmallow toppings, this glaze caramelizes naturally, creating a silky layer that enhances rather than masks the flavor of the sweet potatoes.
The butter adds creaminess, while brown sugar deepens the sweetness and helps the glaze cling beautifully to the casserole. Together, they create a holiday-worthy finish that’s both rustic and elegant.
Flavor Variations
Maple-Pecan Crunch:
Mix ½ cup chopped pecans directly into the glaze for a crunchy topping.
Coconut Maple Twist:
Replace half the milk with coconut milk and sprinkle toasted coconut on top for a tropical spin.
Savory Maple Herb Blend:
Add a pinch of rosemary or thyme to the glaze for a unique, savory-sweet flavor.
Vegan Option:
Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and skip the eggs. The texture will remain creamy and delicious.
Low-Sugar Alternative:
Reduce brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and rely on the maple syrup for sweetness.
Make-Ahead Tips
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One-Day Ahead:
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Prepare the mashed sweet potato base and store it in the baking dish (covered) in the refrigerator.
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Reheat gently before adding the glaze and baking.
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Freezer-Friendly:
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Cool completely and wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap.
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Freeze up to 2 months.
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Thaw overnight in the fridge, add glaze, and bake before serving.
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Reheating:
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Reheat at 325°F for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through.
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Refresh with a drizzle of extra maple syrup or butter if needed.
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Storage
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Refrigerate: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
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Freeze: Up to 2 months without glaze.
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Reheat: In the oven or microwave — the flavors only get better!
Pairing Ideas
This maple-glazed sweet potato casserole pairs beautifully with:
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Roast turkey or chicken
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Green bean almondine
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Cranberry-orange relish
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Herbed stuffing
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Glazed carrots or roasted Brussels sprouts
It’s also wonderful alongside vegetarian mains like lentil loaf or mushroom Wellington.
Pro Tips for Success
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Use real maple syrup. It makes a world of difference in taste and aroma.
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Don’t overmix after adding eggs. This can make the casserole dense instead of fluffy.
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Let it rest before serving. The glaze thickens slightly, adding that perfect sticky-sweet coating.
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Add nuts just before baking. Keeps them from getting soggy.
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Balance sweetness with salt. A small sprinkle of flaky salt enhances every bite.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving – 10 Servings)
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Calories: ~260
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Carbohydrates: 40g
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Protein: 3g
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Fat: 10g
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Fiber: 3g
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Vitamin A: 350% DV
Rich in beta-carotene, potassium, and antioxidants, sweet potatoes are as nutritious as they are delicious. With maple syrup as a natural sweetener, you can enjoy this dish guilt-free.
Common Questions
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes! Just drain them well and reduce the baking time by 10 minutes.
Can I make this without eggs?
Absolutely. Skip the eggs or replace them with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed into the milk for binding.
What type of maple syrup works best?
Grade A dark or amber maple syrup has the richest flavor for baking.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
You can, but honey is sweeter and thicker. Reduce the amount slightly and thin with a tablespoon of milk.
Can I make it nut-free?
Yes — simply omit the pecans or use pumpkin seeds for crunch.
How do I prevent watery sweet potatoes?
Let them drain well and steam off moisture before mashing. Too much liquid will make the casserole loose.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger casserole dish (like 11×15) and add 10 minutes to the bake time.
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot at Your Holiday Table
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Maple Glaze isn’t just a side dish — it’s a showstopper. It bridges the gap between sweet and savory, comforting and elegant, nostalgic and modern.
The smooth, buttery base pairs beautifully with the glossy maple topping, and the aroma of cinnamon and caramelized syrup is simply irresistible. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug — perfect for holiday gatherings filled with laughter, family, and gratitude.
When you set this dish down at your Thanksgiving table, you’re not just serving food — you’re serving tradition, love, and the joy of sharing something made from scratch.
