Save to Pinterest This Maple Bourbon Brown Butter Sweet Potato Casserole is pure cold-weather comfort with showstopping flavor. Velvety sweet potatoes blend with browned butter and maple syrup, while just enough bourbon gives subtle warmth. Everything is blanketed in a buttery pecan crunch for the perfect holiday table centerpiece or a cozy autumn meal.
After making this for my first Thanksgiving as host I knew it had to return every year my husband actually asked for seconds before the table was set
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: Bring natural sweetness and silkiness Choose deep orange-fleshed tubers that feel firm and heavy for their size
- Unsalted butter: Used for browning and topping essential for richness Look for European-style or high-butterfat brands for a flavor boost
- Pure maple syrup: Adds complex caramel notes and balances earthy flavors Grade A dark is my favorite for baking
- Bourbon: Layers in depth with oaky vanilla notes Choose a bourbon you would enjoy sipping
- Whole milk or plant-based milk: Provides creamy texture and helps blend the mash Use fresh and cold milk for best taste
- Large eggs: Lend structure and create a custard-like base Go for pasture-raised eggs when possible
- Vanilla extract: Brings roundness to the finished dish Pure vanilla is worth it here
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Add warming spice Check labels for freshness
- Fine sea salt: Sharpens all flavors A high mineral-content salt makes a difference
- Pecan halves: Make a toasty and buttery topping Choose fresh, plump nuts for maximum crunch
- Light brown sugar: Sweetens and deepens the topping Try to use a moist, tightly packed sugar
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Bring texture to the topping Certified gluten-free if needed
- All-purpose flour or gluten-free blend: Helps crisp the top Look for the finest texture to avoid grittiness
- Melted unsalted butter: Binds the topping and adds richness
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
- Set your oven to a steady 350°F or 175°C Grease your 9x13-inch baking dish right away so you can transfer the sweet potatoes without sticking
- Boil and Drain Sweet Potatoes:
- Peel and chop all sweet potatoes into even chunks Place them in a pot and cover completely with cold water Begin heating and bring to a boil then lower to a simmer Cook for about 15 to 18 minutes until a fork slides in easily Drain well in a colander to remove all excess moisture
- Brown the Butter for Big Flavor:
- Place 6 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan on medium heat Let it melt then swirl often as foam rises and butter starts to darken Watch for a toasty aroma and a deep golden color which takes about 4 minutes Remove from heat but keep an eye not to burn it
- Mash and Mix the Sweet Potato Base:
- Add drained sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl Mash until silky smooth with a potato masher or mixer Add browned butter maple syrup bourbon milk eggs vanilla cinnamon nutmeg and salt Beat everything together until very creamy and well combined
- Spread in Baking Dish:
- Pour and smooth out the sweet potato mash evenly into your greased dish Press gently to level but do not pack it down too firmly
- Mix the Pecan Crunch Topping:
- Combine chopped pecans light brown sugar rolled oats flour cinnamon and salt in a separate bowl Pour melted butter over the mixture and use a fork to mix until crumbly but not wet
- Add the Crunchy Top:
- Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly all over the sweet potato layer Cover right to the corners so every bite gets crunch
- Bake and Rest:
- Slide the casserole into the center rack of your oven Bake for around 30 to 35 minutes until you see a golden bubbling top The interior should be set but still soft Cool at least 10 minutes before serving so the topping crisps up beautifully
Save to Pinterest Brown butter is always my favorite part You can actually smell that toasty aroma across the whole kitchen The first time I made this my niece licked the spoon clean from the bowl before I could even get the topping on
Storage Tips
Cover leftovers with plastic wrap or foil and chill in the fridge for up to four days The casserole reheats well at 300°F just cover with foil for the first twenty minutes to keep the topping from burning then finish uncovered for extra crunch Freezing is simple too Slice into portions and wrap tightly with parchment between layers Thaw overnight before gently reheating
Ingredient Substitutions
For nut allergies toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds work beautifully in place of pecans To keep it dairy free swap butter for a plant-based version and use oat or almond milk To skip the bourbon just add extra maple syrup and a touch of vanilla for roundness Gluten-free flour blends create a topping just as crisp as wheat flour
Serving Suggestions
A showstopper for Thanksgiving or Christmas tables This casserole shines alongside roasted turkey glazed ham or mushroom wellington Leftovers make a decadent breakfast with Greek yogurt or a drizzle more maple syrup Try baking it in individual ramekins for a dinner party twist
Cultural and Historical Context
Sweet potato casserole with a crunchy top is a beloved classic in American holiday tradition Brown butter and bourbon are newer upgrades that reflect Southern influences and a love for deepened flavors This dish represents celebration comfort and communal joy perfect for passing at big reunions
Save to Pinterest This dish brings warmth and celebration to any table Make it ahead for holidays or as a comforting treat for cool nights
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture.
- → Is it possible to make this without bourbon?
Absolutely. Omit the bourbon and add an extra two tablespoons of maple syrup for a non-alcoholic version.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free oats and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free dish.
- → What are good substitutes for pecans?
Walnuts can replace pecans, or for a nut-free option, use pumpkin or sunflower seeds in the topping.
- → Can plant-based milk be used?
Yes, any unsweetened plant-based milk works well in place of whole milk; choose your favorite variety.
- → How do I achieve perfectly browned butter?
Cook butter over medium heat, swirling until it foams and smells nutty with golden-brown bits on the bottom.