Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes

This Maple Pecan Sweet Potato recipe may be new here but I have been making it for over 35 years, however now I make it Paleo! Tender sweet potatoes in a ghee and maple syrup sauce with crunchy pecans all topped with a sprinkle of maple sugar. This dish is perfect for the holidays too as it can be made ahead of time and baked off the day of! This is my husband's favorite dish on Thanksgiving! You may also enjoy this Sweet Potato Salad which can be served warm or chilled!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This maple pecan sweet potato side dish is so delightfully sweetened with maple syrup and maple sugar that you will love knowing your family is getting a sweet treat that is actually healthy! Also, having only 6 ingredients how can you go wrong?

Ingredients You Will Need

Sweet potatoes: have a naturally sweet flavor and starchy texture. They are perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.

Ghee: incorporating ghee into this sauce adds a rich, nutty flavor. I love Fourth and Heart ghee and you can use Pennysprimal15 to save 15%.

Maple syrup: is a deliciously sweet, natural form of sweetener that has nutritional advantages over refined white sugar.

Maple sugar: is a natural sweetener made by boiling maple syrup until the water evaporates, leaving behind granulated sugar crystals with a distinct maple flavor.

Salt: elevates the overall flavor of any dish. Always salt in moderation in accordance with your dietary preferences.

Pecans: are a species of hickory native to the Southern United States. Pecans have a distinctly sweet and buttery flavor.

Instructions

Par boil: the sweet potatoes until they are fork tender but not over done, then drain.

Pour: them into a large bowl.

Add: pecans, ghee, maple syrup, salt and toss gently using a rubber spatula.

Move the mixture: to an ovenproof casserole dish.

Sprinkle: with maple sugar and garnish with pecans. Skip this step if you plan to make this a day ahead and add it when you are ready to bake.

Bake: in a 350˚ oven for 45 minutes or until heated through.

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Cut the sweet potatoes: in large, uniform chunks to ensure they will cook evenly both while par boiling and baking.

When making this ahead of time: be sure not to add the maple sugar and whole pecans as the sugar will melt into the warm dish and will not create that little bit of crunchy coating.

Recipe Variations

Walnuts: make a perfect substitute for the pecans.

Coconut sugar: can be used instead of maple sugar.

Butter: is an option if you are not concerned about keeping this dish dairy free.

Storage Tips

You can store this maple sweet potato casserole in the refrigerator for 7 days when placed in an airtight glass container. It also freezes well for up to 6 months.

FAQs About Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes

What kind of sweet potatoes should be used?

I use standard orange-fleshed sweet potatoes but any sweet potato can be used. The orange variety is the most common and provides the classic flavor and color.

Can maple pecan sweet potatoes be made vegan?

Yes, this dish can easily be made vegan by using a plant-based butter and insure your maple syrup is pure.

What is the best color maple syrup for baking?

Grade A very dark has the most intense maple flavor however any grade can be used in this recipe.