Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Place the sweet potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and position it on the middle oven rack.
- Roast for 45–55 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool until comfortable to handle. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch (23 × 33 cm) baking dish with olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil spray. For a thicker casserole, use a 9 × 9-inch (23 × 23 cm) dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, milk, melted butter, kosher salt, black pepper, sage, marjoram, and nutmeg.
- Cut the roasted sweet potatoes in half and scoop the flesh directly into the mixing bowl.
- Stir with a wooden spoon until everything is combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, chopped walnuts, melted butter, Pecorino Romano, kosher salt, rosemary, and black pepper.
- Stir until evenly combined, then spread the topping over the sweet potato mixture.
- Place the casserole on the middle rack of the 350°F (175°C) oven.
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy!
Video
Notes
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Use a 9 × 13-inch dish for a thinner casserole or a 9 × 9-inch dish for a thicker one.
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The sweet potatoes are roasted rather than boiled, so there’s no need to peel them before cooking.
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The topping is savory, with walnuts, breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs rather than marshmallows or added sugar.
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A deeper 9 × 9-inch casserole may require additional baking time. Check that the center reaches 160°F (71°C), since the filling contains eggs.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!A Savory Twist on Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving favorite, but it doesn’t always have to be sweet!
In this recipe, I let the natural flavor of roasted sweet potatoes shine. Rather than adding brown sugar or marshmallows, I use savory herbs, a little nutmeg, and a crunchy walnut and breadcrumb topping.
The result is a comforting holiday side dish with a wonderful combination of flavors and textures.
Why I Roast the Sweet Potatoes First
Roasting sweet potatoes is one of my favorite ways to prepare them. As they cook, their natural sweetness develops, and the flesh becomes soft enough to scoop right out of the skins.
There’s no need to peel or chop the potatoes before roasting. Just wash them, pierce them with a fork, and let the oven do the work.
Once they’ve cooled enough to handle, they’re ready to mix with the other filling ingredients.
The Secret Is the Savory Topping
This is what really makes the casserole different!
Instead of a sweet topping, I combine plain panko breadcrumbs, chopped walnuts, melted butter, grated Pecorino Romano, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
The panko gives the topping a light, crispy texture. The walnuts add crunch, while the Pecorino Romano brings a delicious salty, savory flavor.
When the casserole comes out of the oven, the topping should be golden brown and the filling bubbly.
Choosing the Right Baking Dish
I used a 9 × 13-inch casserole dish for this recipe.
If you prefer a thicker casserole, you can use a 9 × 9-inch dish instead. Just keep in mind that the deeper filling may need a little more time in the oven.
Whichever dish you choose, spray it with olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil before adding the filling.
What to Serve with Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
This casserole makes a wonderful Thanksgiving side dish because it pairs so well with traditional holiday foods.
What to Serve with Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
This savory sweet potato casserole is a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. It pairs beautifully with so many holiday favorites!
If you’re planning your Thanksgiving menu, try serving it alongside our Instant Pot Boneless Turkey Breast with Gravy. It’s a great option when you’re preparing a smaller holiday meal.
For another easy side dish, our Corn Casserole is always a delicious addition to the table.
And don’t forget the cranberry sauce! Our Homemade Apple Cranberry Sauce combines fresh cranberries, Gala apples, orange, and warm spices for a wonderful holiday flavor.
If you’d like another cranberry sauce variation, try our Cranberry Sauce with Orange and Pomegranate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sweet potato casserole sweet?
The sweet potatoes have their own natural sweetness, but this recipe doesn’t contain added sugar or marshmallows. The herbs, cheese, and crunchy topping give it a distinctly savory flavor.
Can I use a 9 × 9-inch baking dish?
Yes! I used a 9 × 13-inch dish, but a 9 × 9-inch dish works if you prefer a thicker casserole. You may need to adjust the final baking time.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes before roasting?
No. Roast them with the skins on, then let them cool enough to handle. The soft flesh is easy to scoop out afterward.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Panko gives the topping its light, crispy texture. Regular breadcrumbs will produce a different, generally finer texture, so I prefer panko for this recipe.
Does this casserole have nuts?
Yes. The topping contains chopped walnuts, as well as dairy and wheat ingredients. The filling also contains eggs.
A Different Kind of Thanksgiving Favorite
I love finding new ways to prepare familiar ingredients, especially during the holidays. This savory sweet potato casserole is a great example of how a few herbs and a crunchy topping can completely change a traditional dish.
Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a family dinner, I hope you’ll give this savory version a try.
And if your family usually serves sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, I’d love to know what they think of this one!
Watch Dr. J Make Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
Want to see how everything comes together? Watch me roast the sweet potatoes, prepare the savory filling, and make that delicious crunchy walnut and panko topping. I’ll show you each step so you can make this casserole for your own holiday table!
