Creating Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a gratifying experience when you follow these clear steps:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook Sweet Potatoes: In a large pot, add the cubed sweet potatoes and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Then drain.

3. Mash the Sweet Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth.

4. Combine Ingredients: Add maple syrup, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until fully combined.

5. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and pour the sweet potato mixture into it, smoothing the top with a spatula.

6. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the chopped pecans with a tablespoon of brown sugar and a drizzle of melted butter for the topping.

7. Add Topping: Sprinkle the pecan mixture over the sweet potato layer. If desired, add mini marshmallows on top as well.

8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

9. Cool Slightly: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.