This tasty Cheesy Sweet Potato Casserole brings together creamy sweet potatoes and gooey cheese for a match made in comfort food heaven. It’s a perfect dish for cozy gatherings!
Honestly, who can resist that cheesy topping? I love serving this casserole with roasted chicken or as a festive holiday side. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! If you can’t find sweet potatoes, butternut squash is a great alternative. It has a similar sweetness and texture when cooked.
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: I love the combo for its creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using part-skim mozzarella. For a dairy-free version, nut-based cheeses or nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor.
Bacon: Bacon adds a crispy, salty touch to the casserole. If you want a vegetarian option, consider using crumbled tempeh or mushrooms sautéed in a bit of olive oil as a substitute.
Garlic Powder: This ingredient boosts flavor! If you prefer fresh, you could use minced garlic instead, about 1-2 cloves depending on your taste.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Casserole?
Getting the right texture for your sweet potato casserole is key to making it creamy and delicious. Here are some tips:
- Boil the sweet potatoes until they’re fork-tender, but not overly soft. This keeps them from becoming watery.
- Drain well and let them sit for a few minutes to release excess steam before mashing.
- When mashing, blend in the butter and milk gradually to control creaminess. Start with less milk, adding more until the desired texture is reached.
By paying attention to these small details, your casserole will come out perfectly creamy every time!
Cheesy Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
- Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cheesy sweet potato casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in total, plan for around 40-45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a baking dish that’s about 2 quarts. This will prevent the casserole from sticking.
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
Take your peeled and cubed sweet potatoes and place them in a large pot. Cover them with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Let them cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. After cooking, drain them well!
3. Mash the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, use a potato masher or fork to mash the sweet potatoes until they are nice and smooth. Add in the butter and mix until fully melted and incorporated.
4. Mix in the Flavor:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is creamy and well combined.
5. Add the Cheeses:
Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese into the sweet potato mixture. This will make the casserole cheesy and delicious!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, making sure it’s well-covered.
7. Top with Bacon:
Now, scatter your crumbled bacon on top of the cheese layer. This will give a savory crunch to your dish.
8. Bake it:
Pop the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you like, garnish it with a fresh sprig of rosemary before serving.
Enjoy this warm, creamy, cheesy sweet potato casserole that pairs perfectly with your favorite main dishes! It’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes, while sweet potatoes are key to this recipe, you can substitute them with regular potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a different flavor. Just note that this will change the taste and the sweetness of the dish.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just allow it to come to room temperature before topping with cheese and baking as directed.
What Can I Use Instead of Bacon?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon entirely or use crispy cooked tempeh or mushrooms for a similar umami flavor without the meat.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm gently in the microwave or in a preheated oven until heated through.
