Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Recipes: A Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Side Dish

Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole

Looking for delicious sweet potato recipes that will impress your family this holiday season? This Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a rich buttery maple glaze that caramelizes to perfection during baking.

Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Recipes

Sweet potatoes are nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This recipe transforms them into a delightful side dish that balances their natural sweetness with rich buttery flavor. The maple glaze creates a caramelized coating that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Perfect For Any Occasion

While this dish shines on holiday tables alongside turkey and stuffing, it’s versatile enough for Sunday family dinners or special occasions year-round. The beautiful orange color and glossy glaze make for a stunning presentation that elevates any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 6 medium sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds total)
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans

Kitchen Tools Required

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Vegetable peeler
• Sharp knife
• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil

How to Make Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Peel and cut them into 1-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices in the prepared baking dish.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the maple-butter mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes, making sure each piece gets coated.
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Remove the foil, baste the sweet potatoes with the glaze from the bottom of the dish, and continue baking uncovered for 30-45 minutes. Baste again halfway through this cooking time.
7. The dish is ready when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and the glaze has thickened and caramelized. If using pecans, sprinkle them over the top during the last 15 minutes of baking.
8. Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the glaze thicken slightly.

Expert Tips for Perfect Sweet Potatoes

• Choose the right potatoes: Look for sweet potatoes with smooth, firm skin without cracks or soft spots. Medium-sized potatoes tend to cook more evenly.
• Uniform cutting: Try to cut your sweet potato slices to a similar thickness so they cook at the same rate.
• Glaze consistency: If your glaze seems too thin after baking, you can transfer it to a small saucepan and reduce it on the stovetop before pouring it back over the potatoes.
• Make ahead: You can prepare this dish up to 2 days ahead. Reheat, covered with foil, at 325°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

Variations to Try

• Spiced version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger to the glaze for a warming kick.
• Citrus twist: Add orange zest and a tablespoon of orange juice to the glaze mixture.
• Coconut edition: Substitute coconut oil for half the butter and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes before serving.
• Marshmallow topping: For a classic twist, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Nutrition Information

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

These maple glazed sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with:

• Roasted turkey or chicken
• Glazed ham
• Pork tenderloin
• Green vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
• Cranberry sauce for a sweet-tart contrast

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Recipes

Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?

While often confused, yams and sweet potatoes are different vegetables. True yams are starchier and drier. For this recipe, stick with orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this dish up to 2 days in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate, then reheat covered with foil in a 325°F oven for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Can I freeze this sweet potato casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 325°F oven until heated through.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes have natural sweetness, so you can reduce the brown sugar or maple syrup to suit your taste preferences. Consider starting with half the amount and adjusting from there.

Why Sweet Potato Recipes Are Perfect Year-Round

Sweet potatoes aren’t just for holiday tables! These nutritious root vegetables are versatile enough to enjoy throughout the year. From sweet casseroles to savory roasts, sweet potato recipes offer endless possibilities to enjoy their natural goodness and vibrant flavor in any season.

Recipe inspired by Classic Candied Sweet Potatoes