The Dreamiest Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes Recipe Ever Made

Creamy maple pecan sweet potatoes bring a warm, comforting twist to classic side dishes that spark joy at any dinner table.

Nutty pecans add delightful crunch against smooth, velvety potato textures.

Regional farmers carefully select the richest sweet potatoes for maximum flavor.

Seasonal ingredients make this recipe special and memorable.

Simple preparation means you can focus on enjoying delicious moments with loved ones.

Each forkful promises a rich blend of sweet and savory notes that dance across your palate.

Fall comfort comes alive in this irresistible side that will make everyone ask for seconds.

Helpful Tips for Making Sweet Maple Potato Bake Extra Special

• Brown butter thoroughly to develop a rich, nutty taste that enhances the overall sweetness of the dish.
• Whisk maple sauce ingredients carefully and cook on low heat to avoid scorching and maintain smooth consistency.
• Arrange potato slices in uniform, overlapping layers to ensure consistent cooking and maximum sauce absorption.
• Allow candied pecans to cool completely on parchment paper for a crunchy, caramelized texture that adds delightful contrast.
• Test potato tenderness by piercing with a fork before removing from oven, ensuring perfectly cooked, soft slices.

Sweet Maple Potato Bake: Creative Ways to Switch Up the Flavor

• Vegan Sweet Potato Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil, use maple syrup instead of extract, and swap caramel for cashew cream.
• Herb-Infused Potato Bake: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage to the sauce for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Gluten-Free Maple Potato Casserole: Use certified gluten-free ingredients and replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a clean, allergen-friendly option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower slices and reduce sauce quantity to create a keto-friendly version of the original recipe.

How to Serve Sweet Maple Potato Bake for Family or Guests

• Festive Family Feast: Perfect for holiday gatherings, this sweet maple potato bake brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table.
• Elegant Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or grilled chicken for a sophisticated culinary experience that elevates your main course.
• Brunch Brilliance: Offer as a decadent breakfast side with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or as part of a weekend brunch spread that will impress guests.
• Gourmet Garnish: Sprinkle extra sea salt and freshly chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary on top to add a gourmet touch and enhance the maple flavor profile.

Smart Tips for Keeping Sweet Maple Potato Bake Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping sauce and potatoes intact.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty foil, lasting 2-3 months without losing flavor quality.
• Warm at 350F covered with foil for 15-20 minutes, adding splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals until warm throughout.

FAQs

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well during baking, creating perfect layers in the dish.

• Can I substitute maple extract if I don't have it?

Yes, you can use pure maple syrup instead of maple extract. This will provide a similar sweet maple flavor and maintain the recipe’s signature taste.

• How do I prevent the pecans from burning during candying?

Stir the pecans constantly and watch the heat carefully. Use medium-low heat and remove from stove as soon as they become golden and fragrant to prevent burning.

Sweet Maple Potato Bake: Why You’ll Love This Comfort Classic

• Savor Simplicity: This recipe offers an uncomplicated cooking experience with straightforward steps that even novice cooks can master confidently.
• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform ordinary potatoes into a gourmet side dish with rich maple and brown butter flavors that will impress family and guests.
• Versatile Occasion Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or potluck events, this dish brings a touch of elegance to any meal without complex preparation.
• Textural Delight: Combine soft, tender potatoes with crunchy candied pecans for a mouthwatering contrast that delights taste buds and adds exciting layers of flavor.

Gathering Everything You Need for Sweet Maple Potato Bake

• Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that form the base of this sweet and comforting dish.
• Maple Extract: Provides a rich, sweet maple flavor throughout the recipe.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add texture and nutty flavor to the final dish.

• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the sauce.
• Maple Syrup: Creates a rich, sweet coating for the pecans and enhances the overall flavor.
• Butter: Provides a rich, nutty base for the sauce and helps create brown butter.

• Spices: Blend of warm spices that complement the sweet maple flavor.
• Sea Salt: Provides a final touch of seasoning and enhances the dish's overall flavor.
• Water: Helps to create the right consistency for the sauce.
• Caramel: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Guide for the Best Sweet Maple Potato Bake

Step 1: Create Golden Brown Butter

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling gently until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown color with a nutty aroma.

Watch carefully to prevent burning, stirring occasionally.

The process takes about 4-5 minutes until the butter turns a deep amber shade.

Step 2: Craft Luxurious Maple Sauce

Immediately remove the brown butter from heat.

• Maple extract
• Water
• Brown sugar
• Warm spices (like cinnamon and nutmeg)
• Caramel sauce

Simmer the mixture on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 3: Prepare Potato Foundation

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Generously grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Arrange thinly sliced potatoes in overlapping layers, creating a beautiful potato landscape.

Step 4: Drench Potatoes in Maple Goodness

Pour the warm maple butter sauce evenly over the potato layers, ensuring each slice gets coated.

Cover the dish completely with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the covered dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for 50-60 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender and edges start turning golden brown.

Step 6: Create Crunchy Candied Pecans

In a skillet, combine maple syrup and sugar.

Heat until the mixture starts bubbling and becomes slightly thickened.

Add pecans and cook, stirring constantly, for 7-8 minutes until they’re glazed and crispy.

Step 7: Cool Pecan Topping

Spread the candied pecans on parchment paper.

Allow them to cool and solidify, creating a crunchy, sweet coating.

Step 8: Final Touches

Remove potatoes from the oven.

Sprinkle the candied pecans over the top.

Finish with a light dusting of flaky sea salt.

Serve immediately while warm and fragrant.

Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet potato magic emerges with maple pecan sweet potatoes, a comforting side dish blending caramelized roots and rich nutty crunch. Southern charm meets seasonal warmth, inviting you to savor each delectable forkful of this irresistible holiday classic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/2 inch thick
• 1 cup pecans
• 1/2 cup salted butter

Sweeteners and Sauces:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
• 1 teaspoon maple extract

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons water

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, approximately 4 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and whisk in maple extract, water, brown sugar, warming spices, and caramel sauce. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish with non-stick spray. Arrange potato slices in overlapping layers to create an even, compact base.
4. Gently cascade the infused maple butter sauce over the layered potatoes, ensuring complete and uniform coverage. Shield the dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until potatoes become fork-tender and edges turn slightly crisp.
6. While potatoes are baking, create candied pecans by heating maple syrup and granulated sugar until they transform into a bubbling, amber-colored mixture.
7. Fold pecans into the caramelized syrup, continuously stirring for 8 minutes to achieve a glossy, crisp coating.
8. Transfer pecans to parchment paper, allowing them to cool and solidify into a crunchy topping.
9. Once potatoes are done, garnish with the candied pecans and a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Notes

• Opt for unsalted butter to control salt levels and prevent overly salty sauce.
• Brown butter slowly and watch carefully to avoid burning, stirring consistently for even caramelization.
• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for best texture and absorption of maple sauce.
• Customize recipe for dietary needs by substituting dairy butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives.
• Create make-ahead option by preparing candied pecans and sauce one day prior to reduce day-of cooking stress.
• Consider adding fresh thyme or rosemary for extra herbal complexity in the maple sauce.
• Use pure maple syrup for richer, more authentic flavor compared to artificial maple-flavored syrups.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 397 kcal
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 244 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 24 mg