This cheesy sweet potato casserole is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying! It combines sweet potatoes with gooey cheese for a tasty twist on a classic dish.
Honestly, who can resist that cheesy goodness? I love serving this at family gatherings. It disappears faster than you can say “seconds, please!” 😋
The best part is that it’s really easy to make. Just mix, bake, and enjoy a comforting dish that everyone will be talking about long after the meal is over!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish. Their natural sweetness and creaminess provide a great base. You can use butternut squash if sweet potatoes aren’t available, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and tang. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you could substitute with coconut cream or cashew cream for a similar texture.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. If you want to mix things up, use mozzarella for a milder taste or a blend of cheeses to find your favorite combination!
Bacon or Sausage: Totally optional, but they add a nice savory crunch. Feel free to swap with cooked mushrooms for a vegetarian twist!
How Do I Get the Best Texture When Mashing Sweet Potatoes?
Mashing sweet potatoes may seem easy, but achieving the perfect texture needs some care. Here are my tips:
- Boil the sweet potatoes until fork-tender, ensuring they are soft enough to mash easily.
- Drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. This prevents the mash from being too watery.
- Use a potato masher or hand mixer for a smooth consistency. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make them gummy.
Follow these steps, and you’ll get a creamy, lump-free mash every time!
Cheesy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage (optional, for topping)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (plus sprigs for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cheesy sweet potato casserole will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, plus time for the sweet potatoes to boil, making for about an hour in total. A perfect and satisfying dish, especially for family gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Boil the Sweet Potatoes:
Next, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add in the cubed sweet potatoes and cook until they are fork-tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once done, drain them well.
3. Mash the Sweet Potatoes:
Now, add the drained sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Mash them until smooth using a potato masher or a hand mixer.
4. Mix in the Creamy Ingredients:
To the mashed sweet potatoes, stir in the sour cream, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, thyme or rosemary, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. If you decide to add the chopped onion, fold it in gently!
5. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
Now it’s time to transfer the sweet potato mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the dish and smooth the top.
6. Add Cheese and Toppings:
Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If you’re using bacon or sausage, go ahead and sprinkle that on top as well.
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You want to see the cheese melt, bubble, and turn golden brown on top.
8. Let it Rest:
Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool and set before serving.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish your casserole with fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, cheesy sweet potato casserole!
Dig in and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of this comforting dish that is perfect for all occasions!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is delicious, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Just keep the total cheese quantity in mind!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh on the day you plan to serve for best results, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for quick serving.
Is There a Vegan Version of This Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute sweet potatoes with mashed cauliflower for a lighter base. For creaminess, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of sour cream, and nutritional yeast can replace cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
