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- 4 large sweet potatoes - 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative) - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1/2 cup brown sugar - Ground spices and seasoning (cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, pepper) - Cheeses (sharp cheddar and Parmesan) - 1 cup pecans, chopped - 1/2 cup rolled oats The sweet potato casserole needs simple ingredients that blend well. Sweet potatoes are the base. They add natural sweetness and creaminess. For extra creaminess, use milk or a dairy-free option. I love unsweetened almond milk for a lighter touch. Unsalted butter adds richness. Brown sugar enhances the sweetness. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg give warmth and depth. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. Cheddar and Parmesan bring a savory kick. They melt beautifully and add a nice texture. Chopped pecans add crunch. Rolled oats add a hearty element to the topping. You can find the Full Recipe at the end for more details. 1. Preheat oven and prepare sweet potatoes Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for baking your casserole evenly. Next, take 4 large sweet potatoes, peel them, and cut them into 1-inch cubes. 2. Boil and mash sweet potatoes Place the sweet potato cubes in a large pot. Cover them with water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, mash them in the pot until smooth and creamy. 3. Mix sweet potato mixture ingredients In a large bowl, combine your mashed sweet potatoes with 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything well until it’s creamy. Finally, fold in 3/4 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, saving 1/4 cup for later. 1. Transfer to baking dish and prepare topping Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula. In another bowl, combine 1 cup of finely chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of rolled oats, and the reserved cheddar cheese. Mix it well and sprinkle this topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. 2. Bake and check for doneness Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. You want the top to look golden brown and crispy. After baking, take it out and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help it set a little more. For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section. To make the best savory sweet potato casserole, focus on mashing technique. Use a potato masher for smoothness. Avoid using a blender; it makes the potatoes gummy. Mash until creamy, but leave a few chunks for texture. Adjust cooking time based on your sweet potatoes. They should be fork-tender after 15-20 minutes of boiling. If they’re larger, cook them a bit longer. Always check for doneness by piercing with a fork. When serving, choose a decorative dish to elevate the look. This dish deserves a warm and inviting presentation. Drizzle honey on top for a sweet touch. It pairs perfectly with the savory flavors. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh parsley over the casserole. This adds a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a few extra pecans on top for crunch. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. Enjoy your savory sweet potato casserole! {{image_4}} You can easily make swaps in this recipe. For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy. If you want to add more flavor, think about spices and herbs. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add heat. Fresh thyme or rosemary gives a nice earthy taste. This casserole pairs well with many proteins. Try serving it alongside roasted chicken or grilled salmon. It adds a great balance to your meal. For meal prep, this dish stores well in the fridge. You can make it ahead and reheat when ready to eat. Simply cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To keep your savory sweet potato casserole fresh, you can store it in the fridge or freezer. - Refrigeration tips: Let the casserole cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay good for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. - Freezing instructions: If you want to freeze it, place the cooled casserole in an airtight container. You can also use a freezer-safe dish. It will last for about 2 to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating your casserole properly ensures it stays delicious. - Best methods for reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also use a microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally. - Maintaining texture and flavor: To keep the top crispy, uncover the casserole in the last 10 minutes of reheating. This method helps revive the crunchy topping while warming the creamy base. Enjoy your tasty dish again! Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Make the casserole and store it in the fridge. Cover it well to keep it fresh. Bake it the next day for a warm meal. What can I substitute for sweet potatoes? You can use butternut squash or regular potatoes. Both can offer a nice taste. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces before cooking. Is there a vegan version of this casserole? Absolutely! Use almond milk instead of regular milk. Swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. You can also skip the cheese or choose a plant-based cheese. How long does the casserole last in the fridge? This casserole lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. Reheat it well before serving. For the full recipe, check the detailed steps above! This blog post shared a delicious sweet potato casserole recipe. We covered the key ingredients, like sweet potatoes and cheese, and walked through easy preparation steps. You learned tips for perfecting the dish and creative serving ideas. Variations let you customize flavors and make it your own. Proper storage and reheating techniques ensure your casserole stays fresh. Try this recipe for a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. Happy cooking!

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Discover the ultimate Savory Sweet Potato Casserole recipe that combines creamy sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping! Perfect for any gathering or cozy dinner, this dish blends rich flavors with delightful textures. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, it's a must-try for comfort food lovers. Click to explore simple steps and tips to elevate your culinary experience with this delicious recipe!
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Ingredients
  

4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

1 cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free option)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve 1/4 cup for topping)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup pecans, finely chopped

1/2 cup rolled oats

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it is at the perfect temperature for baking your casserole.

    In a large pot, combine the cubed sweet potatoes and cover them with enough water to submerge them. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Cook the sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly in the pot.

      In a large mixing bowl, transfer the cooled sweet potatoes and mash them vigorously with a potato masher until they reach a smooth, creamy consistency.

        Stir into the mashed sweet potatoes the milk, softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are beautifully incorporated and creamy.

          Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, making sure to set aside 1/4 cup to sprinkle on top later.

            Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, leveling it out into an even layer with a spatula for uniform baking.

              In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, rolled oats, and the reserved cheddar cheese. Mix until evenly distributed. Sprinkle this nutty topping mix evenly over the sweet potato layer, ensuring it covers the surface.

                Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You're looking for the top to become golden brown and crispy, a delicious contrast to the creamy sweet potato base.

                  Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set up a bit.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole warm in a decorative dish. For an extra flourish, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and drizzle a touch of honey over the top for a hint of sweetness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.