This Cheesy Sweet Potato Casserole is a warm hug in a dish! Creamy sweet potatoes meet gooey cheese for a truly comforting experience that’s hard to resist.
It’s so good, I sometimes skip the fork and just scoop it with a spoon! Who’s with me on that? 😋 I love to serve it as a side for holidays or cozy dinners—it always warms everyone’s hearts.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Make sure to choose firm, smooth sweet potatoes. If you’re short on time, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Just ensure to drain them well!
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and a slight tang. If you need a substitute, Greek yogurt works well. It’s thick like sour cream and adds similar flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal, allowing you to control the saltiness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using olive oil or coconut oil.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a bold flavor. You can switch it with mozzarella for a milder taste, or a mix of gouda and cheddar for something different.
Pecans or Walnuts: They add a nice crunch! If nuts aren’t your thing, you can skip them entirely or replace them with crispy fried onions for a different crunch.
Bacon: For added flavor, crispy bacon gives a smoky touch. For a vegetarian option, try using smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
How Do I Get My Sweet Potatoes Extra Creamy?
A key to creamy sweet potato casserole is how you mash the sweet potatoes. Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- After boiling the sweet potatoes, make sure to drain them well so you don’t end up with extra water in your mix.
- Use a potato masher or even a hand mixer for a super smooth consistency.
- Incorporate wet ingredients like sour cream and melted butter when mashing. This helps everything blend smoothly.
For an even creamier result, you can also add an extra splash of milk if needed. Just mix until everything is evenly combined and creamy!
Cheesy Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For Topping:
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves (for garnish, optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped (optional for topping)
- Additional shredded cheddar cheese for topping (about 1/2 cup)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to bake. So, you’d spend about 35 minutes total before you’re ready to enjoy a warm and cheesy dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your favorite baking dish—either a medium oval or an 8×8-inch one—and give it a light grease with some cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
Take your peeled and cubed sweet potatoes and toss them into a large pot. Cover them with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Let them boil until they’re fork-tender, which should take about 15 minutes. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside.
3. Mash the Potatoes:
In a big bowl, take the drained sweet potatoes and mash them until they’re smooth. You can use a potato masher or a fork—it’s all up to you and what tools you have handy!
4. Mix in the Creamy Goodness:
To the smooth sweet potatoes, stir in sour cream, melted butter, 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if you want that extra flavor. Keep mixing until everything is well combined and creamy. Yum!
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Now, scoop the sweet potato mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top so it looks inviting.
6. Add Cheese and Toppings:
Sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar cheese over the top to make it cheesy and delicious. Then, mix together the chopped pecans and cooked bacon (if using) and sprinkle that mixture over the cheese layer.
7. Bake:
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top has a lovely golden-brown color.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh or dried thyme leaves on top for added flavor and a pop of color if you’d like. Let it cool for about 5 minutes to set a bit before serving. Enjoy the comforting, cheesy, nutty flavors of this casserole, and watch it be the hit of the meal!
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes! Just make sure to drain them well before mashing to avoid excess moisture that could make the casserole too watery. Aim for about 3 cups of mashed canned sweet potatoes.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! After cooling completely, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt is a great substitute! It has a similar texture and tanginess. You could also use cream cheese for a richer flavor; just make sure it’s softened before mixing in.
