Savory Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful dish that brings out the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes while balancing it with herbs and spices. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners, especially during the fall and winter seasons. Whether you are serving it for a holiday feast or a weekday meal, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to whip up Savory Sweet Potato Casserole. First, it is a healthy option packed with nutrients from sweet potatoes, which are high in vitamins and minerals. Second, it offers a wonderful blend of flavors thanks to the fresh herbs and garlic, making it a tasty addition to any meal. Finally, it’s an easy dish to prepare that can be baked while you focus on other recipes or tasks, saving you time in the kitchen.
How to Make Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
Making Savory Sweet Potato Casserole is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Follow these simple steps to create this savory dish.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes, about 3 medium potatoes)
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 1 ½ cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (minced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ⅔ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (minced)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Directions:
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pour the cubed sweet potatoes into the prepared baking dish in an even layer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, chicken stock, thyme, oregano, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Briskly whisk in the flour, ensuring there are no clumps.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and olive oil. Make sure to mix well.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the potatoes in the baking dish. Top with the crispy mixture, evenly distributing it over the casserole.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the topping is golden brown. Check the casserole after 30 minutes and cover with foil if the topping is getting too browned.
How to Serve Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
Serve Savory Sweet Potato Casserole warm as a side dish to accompany your favorite protein. It goes great with roasted chicken, turkey, or grilled meats. You can also enjoy it on its own as a hearty vegetarian meal. Don’t forget to garnish with extra fresh parsley for a pop of color.
How to Store Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
To store any leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. The casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
- Make sure to cut the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or basil for a unique flavor twist.
- If you prefer a creamier casserole, you can mix in some cream or sour cream into the liquid mixture before pouring it over the potatoes.
Variation
For a twist, add cooked bacon or sausage to the potato mixture for added flavor. You can also substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, but fresh sweet potatoes offer better texture and flavor. If using canned, make sure to drain and rinse them to remove excess sugar and syrup.
2. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate until you are ready to bake it the next day. You may need to add some extra baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.
3. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the sweet potatoes are tender and the topping is golden brown. You can check tenderness by inserting a fork or knife into the sweet potatoes.
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 medium potatoes) Cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted Use unsalted butter if preferred.
- 1 ½ cups chicken stock Can substitute with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced Plus extra for garnish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ⅔ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pour the cubed sweet potatoes into the prepared baking dish in an even layer.
Mixing Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, chicken stock, thyme, oregano, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Briskly whisk in the flour, ensuring there are no clumps.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and olive oil. Make sure to mix well.
Assembly
- Pour the liquid mixture over the potatoes in the baking dish.
- Top with the crispy panko mixture, evenly distributing it over the casserole.
Baking
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the topping is golden brown. Check after 30 minutes and cover with foil if the topping is getting too browned.
