When it comes to holiday side dishes, the maple garlic casserole is a standout. This recipe combines the creamy texture of sweet potatoes with the savory richness of garlic and the sweetness of maple syrup. The addition of a crunchy bacon streusel topping adds a delightful contrast, making this dish the perfect choice for any holiday table. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or enjoying a cozy evening at home, this casserole will impress your guests with its flavor and texture.
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Why You’ll Love Maple Garlic Casserole
- Simple to Prepare: This dish is easy enough for beginners but sophisticated enough to wow your guests.
- Sweet and Savory Balance: The unique combination of maple syrup and garlic creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.
- Ideal for Holidays: Pair it with roast turkey, ham, or any other holiday dish to complete your meal.
Ingredients for Maple Garlic Casserole
- Sweet Potatoes: Fresh, firm sweet potatoes are the base of this dish. They provide the perfect creamy texture once mashed.
- Garlic and Brown Butter: Sautéing garlic in brown butter adds savory depth to the dish.
- Maple Syrup: The star of this dish, maple syrup brings natural sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
- Heavy Cream and Vanilla: These ingredients create a luxurious, smooth filling that’s rich and satisfying.
- Bacon and Smoked Paprika: These add a smoky, salty element that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the potatoes.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans add texture and a nutty flavor to the topping.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Maple Garlic Casserole
Step 1: Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
Start by washing and drying the sweet potatoes. Pierce each one with a fork and microwave or boil them until fork-tender. Once cooked, scoop out the flesh and mash it until smooth.
Step 2: Making the Maple Garlic Mixture
In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Combine this garlic butter with the mashed sweet potatoes and add heavy cream, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
Step 3: Preparing the Streusel Topping
Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it. In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and chopped pecans. Stir in the crumbled bacon and fresh sage for extra flavor.
Step 4: Assembling and Baking
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased casserole dish. Top with the streusel and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free flour for the streusel topping.
- Sweet Potato Alternatives: Try using pumpkin or butternut squash for a different twist.
- Nuts: You can use walnuts instead of pecans for a slightly different flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Maple Garlic Casserole
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy topping. You can also use the microwave, though the topping may lose some crunch.
FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the day before, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it.
While maple syrup is the ideal sweetener, you can use honey or brown sugar as alternatives.
Related recipes
- Homemade Lasagna Recipe – For a hearty meal, pair this sweet potato casserole with homemade lasagna.
- Crispy Breakfast Potatoes – If you’re looking for another delicious side dish to pair with your casserole, try these crispy breakfast potatoes.
- Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipes – Looking for more breakfast ideas? Check out these crescent roll breakfast recipes.
Maple Garlic Sweet Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A maple garlic sweet potato casserole is the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal side dish for any holiday feast. This casserole combines creamy, velvety mashed sweet potatoes with the rich sweetness of maple syrup and the savory goodness of garlic. Topped with a crunchy, buttery streusel of bacon and pecans, it adds a delightful texture that will leave your guests coming back for more.
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes: Fresh, firm sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Garlic and Brown Butter: Adds savory depth that complements the maple syrup’s sweetness.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup for natural sweetness (adjust to your taste).
- Heavy Cream and Vanilla: Creates a smooth, rich filling.
- Fresh Sage and Rosemary: These herbs balance the dish with an earthy, aromatic flavor.
- Bacon and Smoked Paprika: Adds smokiness and savory flavor.
- Pecans: Provides a crunchy texture for the streusel topping.
Instructions
- Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Pierce with a fork and microwave or boil until fork-tender. Scoop out the flesh and mash until smooth, keeping it velvety.
- Melt butter in a skillet, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, and then mix it with the mashed sweet potatoes. Add maple syrup, cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cook bacon until crispy and crumble it. In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and chopped pecans. Stir in the bacon crumbles, fresh sage, rosemary, and bacon drippings for added flavor.
- Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased baking dish. Top with the streusel mixture and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free flour for the streusel topping. You can also adjust the sweetness by altering the maple syrup or brown sugar to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Final thoughts
The maple garlic casserole is a dish that combines the best of both worlds: sweet and savory. Its creamy sweet potato base, rich garlic butter, and crunchy streusel topping make it a perfect side dish for any occasion. Whether it’s for a festive holiday gathering or a simple family dinner, this casserole is sure to impress with its irresistible flavors.
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