Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

This savory sweet potato casserole recipe doesn't have marshmallows but is loaded with bacon, onion, herbs, cream and butter. I mean my mouth is drooling just talking about all of the ingredients. Trust me when I say it blows the old school recipe out of the water.

When it comes to the holidays, let's be honest when we say the sides are the best part - from old fashioned bread stuffing to truffle mashed potatoes to maple roasted carrots.

And one of the old standbys is sweet potato casserole. But I'll be honest when I say I was never a fan of the original. To me it is just too sweet for a side. I mean you already have sweetness from the sweet potatoes and then you add on top of that sugar and marshmallows. It is just sweetness overload.

I'm more of a savory person, especially when it comes to sides. Desserts is another matter. So I wanted to take this old recipe and update it.

By adding some bacon, onion, garlic, browned butter and herbs, you get a ton of wonderful flavors in the dish. But then thrown in some cream, Parmesan and top with crusty bread.

It is one of those dishes that hits all of the flavors. It has a little sweetness, saltiness, freshness, richness and savoriness all in one bite. This savory sweet potato casserole will be on the yearly rotation from now on for me.

Why This Recipe Works

• Flavorful - It strikes a balance between the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the savory, umami flavors of ingredients like aromatics, cheese, herbs and bread.
• Textural contrast - The creaminess of mashed sweet potatoes is complemented by the crunchiness of the breadcrumb topping.
• Holiday friendly - It is a crowd-pleaser, as it bridges the gap between those who prefer savory dishes and those who enjoy sweeter options. It's a versatile side dish that can be a hit at holiday gatherings, potlucks or family dinners. And if you're craving another sweet potato side, you can't go wrong with these scalloped sweet potatoes.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Ingredient Notes
• Ingredient Swaps
• Step-by-Step Photos
• FAQs
• Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
• Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
• Similar Side Dish Recipes
• Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredient Notes

• Sweet potatoes - Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. You can boil, steam, or roast them until they're tender, then peel and mash them.
• Bacon - Adds some smokiness, protein and texture. Can be omitted if you prefer.
• Aromatics - Fresh onions and garlic add depth of flavor to the casserole. You can use sweet or yellow onions and adjust the garlic to your preference.
• Unsalted butter - Butter adds richness and flavor to the casserole. You can use even browned butter for a deeper, nuttier taste.
• Herbs - The combination of sage and thyme gives the casserole that fall flavor.
• Heavy cream - Adds richness and helps cream the potatoes.
• Parmesan - Adds some saltiness and a slightly nutty flavor to the dish.
• Eggs - Eggs help bind the sweet potato mixture and provide structure. They also add a creamy texture.
• Salt and pepper - Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the savory elements are well-balanced.
• Bread - Diced up and baked on top so it adds some texture.

Ingredient Swaps

Like any recipe, you can mix up some of the ingredients. Some variations include:

• While it is a sweet potato dish, you could sub the sweet potatoes with butternut squash or pumpkin.
• I'm a fan of bacon for the flavor, but pancetta or ham are good substitutes.
• Depending on dietary preferences, you can use vegan butter instead of butter or a dairy-free alternative like olive oil for sautéing and added richness.
• I always like fresh herbs, but you can use dried herbs. Just use ⅓rd of the amount as they are more potent.
• If you want the dish to be a little lighter, you can replace the heavy cream with whole milk. You can try non-dairy options like almond milk, coconut milk or cashew cream if you're lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.
• Opt for dairy-free cheese instead of Parmesan to make the casserole vegan or lactose-free, or use a different type of cheese that suits your taste.
• Replace diced bread with crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts for a different texture.

Step-by-Step Photos

Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.

Cut the sweet potatoes in half and bake at 400°F for 50-60 minutes or until tender. While baking the sweet potatoes, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove and drain all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat.

Add 4 tablespoon butter to the skillet and cook the onions for about 5 minutes before adding the garlic and half of the herbs.

Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Scoop out the sweet potatoes from the skin and place in a large bowl with the onion/cream mixture, cheese, eggs, bacon, salt and pepper.

Mash until desired consistency. Set aside and brown butter with remaining herbs in a small skillet for 5 minutes before stirring in the cubed bread.

Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a baking dish and top with the breadcrumbs. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

FAQs

Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are super popular these days and there is good reason for it. Some of the health benefits of sweet potatoes include:

• Great source of fiber, vitamins and minerals.
• Promotes gut health.
• Regulates blood pressure and sugar levels.
• Helps with keeping healthy vision.
• May improve brain function.

Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

• If you want to save time, you can microwave the sweet potatoes instead of roasting. Just prick a few times with a fork and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
• You know the sweet potatoes are done when you can easily stick a fork or knife through the center of the potatoes. The skin should easily come off.
• If you don't want to use a pan, you can place bacon on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
• You can skip the bacon if you want it to be vegetarian.
• If using dried herbs, use ⅓rd of the amount as they are more potent.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese as it just tastes better.
• Buy the bread a few days ahead of time and let it sit out so it is stale, making it more crunchy when baked.

Similar Side Dish Recipes

If you’ve tried this savory sweet potato casserole recipe or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.