Prepare to be swept off your feet by the irresistible combination of maple, bourbon, and sweet potatoes in this cozy, craveable casserole. With a golden, crunchy topping and a velvety smooth filling, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that will have your taste buds singing with joy.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bourbon Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Topping
This festive and indulgent casserole is the perfect addition to your holiday table or any seasonal feast. The rich, smoky-sweet flavors of maple and bourbon perfectly complement the bright, lush sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes, creating a truly satisfying and memorable dish. The crunchy, zesty topping adds a delightful textural contrast, making every bite a delicious adventure.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a simple yet flavorful lineup of ingredients, including creamy sweet potatoes, pure maple syrup, bold bourbon, fragrant spices, and a crispy, buttery topping. The combination of these elements results in a warm, hearty, and comforting dish that will delight your senses.
- 3 lbs – peeled and diced sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup – pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup – bourbon
- 1/4 cup – brown sugar
- 1 tsp – ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bourbon: apple cider or orange juice (still provides a warm, festive flavor)
- All-purpose flour: gluten-free flour blend (for a dietary-friendly version)
How to Make Maple Bourbon Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Topping
Begin by preparing the sweet potatoes, then create a rich, flavorful glaze on the stovetop. Assemble the casserole, top it with a crunchy pecan mixture, and bake until golden and irresistible.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Peel, dice, and toss the sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Roast the sweet potatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and caramelized.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a saucepan, whisk together the maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Add the roasted sweet potatoes and gently toss to coat them evenly in the maple bourbon glaze.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Transfer the maple bourbon-glazed sweet potatoes to a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (cubed), 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1 cup of chopped pecans. Sprinkle this crunchy topping mixture over the sweet potato filling.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy. Allow the dish to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- More Indulgence: Add a layer of melty marshmallows or a sprinkle of chopped, toasted pecans to the topping for an extra touch of decadence.
- Healthier Twist: Use a combination of sweet potatoes and butternut squash, or swap the bourbon for apple cider for a lighter version.
- Maple Bourbon Sweet Potato Bake: Instead of a casserole, spread the maple bourbon-glazed sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble: Replace the crunchy topping with a simple pecan crumble made with flour, brown sugar, and butter.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sweet potato filling and the crunchy topping separately, then assemble and bake the casserole just before serving.
Nutrition Information
This comforting casserole is a nutrient-dense dish that’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the sweet potatoes. While it does contain some indulgent ingredients like maple syrup and bourbon, the overall nutritional profile is still quite impressive, making it a satisfying and wholesome addition to your seasonal menu.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbs: 58 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato filling and the topping separately, then assemble and bake the casserole just before serving.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh sweet potatoes will yield the best texture and flavor, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just be sure to drain and mash them before incorporating them into the recipe.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the bourbon and use a plant-based butter or oil in the topping to make this casserole vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
How can I make this dish less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup or brown sugar in the filling and topping.
Can I add any extra ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! Consider stirring in chopped pecans, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato filling for an extra burst of flavor.
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- creamy sweet potato casserole with pecan topping
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Maple Bourbon Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Topping
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: 🎉 Festive & Seasonal Feasts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously sweet and savory casserole made with sweet potatoes, maple syrup, and bourbon, topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar topping. Perfect for festive gatherings!
Ingredients
4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup bourbon
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oats
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup melted butter for topping
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. Boil sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. 3. Drain and mash sweet potatoes in a large bowl.
4. 4. Stir in maple syrup, bourbon, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
5. 5. Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. 6. In another bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, oats, flour, and melted butter for the topping.
7. 7. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
8. 8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden and crispy.
9. 9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For a non-alcoholic version, omit the bourbon and replace it with additional maple syrup or apple juice.
Add mini marshmallows on top for extra sweetness if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: sweet potato, casserole, festive, maple, bourbon