Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe – The Bossy Kitchen (2024)

Published by: Gabriela · Last modified: November 17, 2023 1 Comment

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This Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is a comforting Thanksgiving side, blending sweet potatoes with savory ham and melted cheese. Infused with aromatic thyme and marjoram, this casserole is not only a highlight at the Thanksgiving table but a warm, festive addition to your holiday spread.

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe – The Bossy Kitchen (1)
Jump to:
  • 👏Why do I love this casserole version?
  • 📝 Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients:
  • 🔄Variations of the recipe:
  • 🧑‍🍳 How to make this Savory Sweet Potato Casserole:
  • 🙋‍♀️ Recipe faqs:
  • 🍽️ What to serve next to this dish:
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

The holiday buzz begins with Thanksgiving prep, which can be stressful without a plan. I ease this by planning ahead, from grocery shopping to menu setting.

I have many ideas to get inspired from, so check out my collection of Thanksgiving recipes. If you like what you see, dive into my other recipes for the holiday table, like this Thanksgiving Sausage And Cranberry Stuffing or thisEasy No-Boil Mac And Cheese. My collection of 25 Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes is a great way to start planning your Thanksgiving dinner.

Check out my30 Cooking and Baking Tools For The Holidays(affiliate links), and see if you have everything you need.

👏Why do I love this casserole version?

  1. Healthier Choice: This savory twist on the traditional sweet potato casserole cuts down on sugar, aligning with health-conscious eating during Thanksgiving meals.
  2. Versatile: This recipe invites experimentation with herbs and toppings, letting you tweak the flavor profile to suit your Thanksgiving theme or personal taste preferences.
  3. Fresh Ingredient Focus: Utilizes fresh sweet potatoes for a wholesome taste.
  4. Leftover-Friendly: A practical choice post-holidays, turn leftover mashed potatoes into your next best sweet potato casserole.

Check out my article:Cold Turkey: Freezing Your Way Through Thanksgiving Leftovers.

📝 Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients:

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe – The Bossy Kitchen (2)

Sweet Potatoes: The star of the dish, sweet potatoes bring a unique blend of savory sweetness. Opt for large ones, and you can either bake or boil them based on your preference.

Ham: Chopped small, the ham adds a savory, smoky touch. You could swap it with bacon for a crispier texture.

Oil: The recipe requires a tablespoon of oil for sautéing ham and onion. Sunflower or olive oil are good options, but any mild-flavored cooking oil works.

Onion: A thinly sliced large onion provides a subtly sweet, aromatic base. Green onions work well for adding more color to the dish.

Herbs: Dried thyme and marjoram provide an earthy, aromatic flavor complementing the sweet potatoes. Fresh herbs can be used; triple the amount when substituting for dried.

Butter: Melted unsalted butter lends richness and helps to meld the flavors together.

Cheese: A shredded Swiss and Gruyere mix offers a mild, nutty flavor with a nice melt. You can also try other melty cheeses like mozzarella or fontina.

Heavy Whipping Cream: This ingredient contributes to the creamy, luxurious casserole texture.

Egg: A large egg helps to bind the ingredients together, ensuring the casserole holds its shape.

Seasoning: Salt and ground black pepper are essential for enhancing the flavors and adding that finishing touch.

🔄Variations of the recipe:

Herb Variations: Swap out the marjoram for sage, or rosemary for a different aromatic profile.

Seasoning Variations: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to bring a warm, spiced undertone to the casserole.

Other Variations: For a crunchier texture, consider adding a topping of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts before baking.

🧑‍🍳 How to make this Savory Sweet Potato Casserole:

Step 1. Preheat the oven and butter a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside for later.

Step 2. Peel and cook potatoes: If boiling, chop into large cubes and cook in salted water until soft, or microwave on high per your microwave's baked potato instructions.

Step 3. Transfer the cooked potatoes to a large bowl. Employ a potato masher to mash them up thoroughly before setting them aside.

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe – The Bossy Kitchen (3)
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe – The Bossy Kitchen (4)

Step 4. In a large skillet, heat oil, add chopped ham, cook for 4-5 minutes, add onion and cook, stirring often, until golden brown (about 10 minutes). Stir in thyme and marjoram, then remove from heat.

Step 5. In the large bowl with mashed sweet potatoes, add the ham and onion mixture, melted butter, 1 cup cheese, heavy cream, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 6. Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared baking dish and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until it melts and slightly bubbles.

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe – The Bossy Kitchen (5)
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe – The Bossy Kitchen (6)

Serve this savory casserole dish warm as a comforting side to your Thanksgiving table.

🙋‍♀️ Recipe faqs:

Can I make this sweet potato casserole ahead of time?

Yes, it is a great side dish to bake a day before the Thanksgiving meal. You could skip the last step of adding the cheese on top of the dish until the day you are actually going to serve it.

How do I store the sweet potato casserole leftovers?

Cover the casserole dish or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Can I freeze this savory sweet potato recipe?

I recommend freezing the mashed potatoes without cheese. Defrost in the fridge overnight, then add the remaining ingredients before baking. Properly stored mashed potatoes can last in the freezer for 10-12 months.

🍽️ What to serve next to this dish:

These are some of the dishes l make for the holidays:

Easy Baked Pumpkin Mac And Cheese

Baked Brandied Cranberry Sauce

Traditional Cheesy Potatoes

Sausage Pumpkin Pinwheels Appetizer

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe – The Bossy Kitchen (7)

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Thanksgiving Desserts To Enjoy:

  • Whiskey Flavored Pumpkin Pie
  • Cranberry Custard Pie With Cream Cheese Crust
  • 26 Best Thanksgiving Pies And Tarts
  • 43 Best Cheesecake Recipes

Craving more? Subscribe to The Bossy Kitchen to get new recipes and a newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! Stay in touch on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for all of the latest updates. Don't forget to use the star rating and leave a review.

📖 Recipe

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe – The Bossy Kitchen (12)

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Are you looking for a Savory Sweet Potato Casserole? Look no more! This is a recipe of a delicious side dish that could be served for the holidays.

5 from 47 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side dishes

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 224kcal

Author: Gabriela

Ingredients

  • 4 large sweet potatoes uncooked or 6 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes
  • 4-5 slices of ham chopped small
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon marjoram
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese mixture of Swiss and Gruyere works well
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F.

  • Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

  • To cook the potatoes: either peel and cube them, then boil in salted water until soft; or peel, place in the microwave, and cook on high per your microwave's baked potato instructions.

  • Once the potatoes are cooked, mash them and transfer to a large bowl.

  • In a large skillet, warm the oil and toss in the chopped ham, cooking for 4-5 minutes. Add the onion, continuing to cook. Stir often until they turn golden brown, which should take around 10 minutes. Mix in the thyme and marjoram, then take the skillet off the heat.

  • Add the cooked ham and onion mixture, melted butter, 1 cup of cheese, heavy cream, beaten egg, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the potatoes. Stir all the ingredients together well.

  • Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

  • Bake until heated through, for about 30 minutes. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese and bake until melted, approximately 5 minutes or more.

  • Serve warm as a side dish.

Notes

  1. Potato Preparation: Ensure the potatoes are cooked thoroughly before mashing. They should be easily pierced with a fork.
  2. Cheese Selection: Swiss and Gruyere are recommended for a nutty flavor, but feel free to substitute with other melty cheeses like mozzarella or fontina.
  3. Herb Alternatives: If marjoram is unavailable, oregano is a good substitute.
  4. Mixing: Ensure all ingredients are well combined in the large bowl before transferring to the baking dish.
  5. Serving: This casserole pairs well with various meats and makes a hearty side for any holiday meal.
  6. Storage: Leftovers can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
  7. Make-Ahead: Prepare the potato mixture a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 224kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 537mg | Potassium: 323mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 11071IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 129mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @thebossykitchen or tag #thebossykitchen!

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe – The Bossy Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

Why put egg in sweet potato casserole? ›

The egg is the all-important binder in a sweet potato casserole: it enriches and stiffens the mixture without making it heavy. Make sure to cool the mash slightly before adding the egg so it doesn't scramble, and to stir well so there are no streaks of cooked egg white in the finished dish.

How does Ina Garten bake sweet potatoes? ›

directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425*F.
  2. Cut sweet potatoes in wedges or like french fries.
  3. Place wedges on large baking pan or cookie sheet. ...
  4. Now sprinkle over brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. ...
  5. Spread out in a single layer. ...
  6. Place back in oven and bake another 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Why is my sweet potato casserole so runny? ›

Add more potato and no liquid also you could use potato flakes to thicken them to the texture you like. Either with plain(all purpose) flour or cornflour mixed in milk to disolve first themn poured in ( not too much liquid just enough to disolve the powder).

Why do Americans put marshmallows on sweet potato casserole? ›

Most people point to a 1917 pamphlet by the Angelus Marshmallow Company as the first time sweet potatoes and marshmallows came together. This company is believed to be the first to commercially-produce and sell the squishy white marshmallows we know, roast, and snack on today.

Why do you soak sweet potatoes before baking? ›

The cold water bath helps rinse the starch off the sweet potatoes so they're a bit more crispy. That said, if you do not have the time, you can still get crispy baked sweet potato fries by using high heat and a little drizzle of olive oil.

Can I leave eggs out of sweet potato casserole? ›

Eggs (or not!)

– I've made this sweet potato casserole with and without eggs, both ways are delicious. The eggs act as a binder and gives the casserole a light and fluffy texture. Without eggs, the casserole doesn't have as much structure but it still silky smooth and tastes delicious.

How to cook sweet potatoes Martha Stewart? ›

Scrub and pat potatoes dry. Pierce potatoes all over with the tines of a fork and bake in oven, directly on rack, until soft and caramelizing, 1 1/2 hours. Slash the tops of potatoes open with the tip of a sharp knife and push ends of each potato toward each other to open.

Is it better to peel sweet potatoes before baking? ›

Recipe Tips

Personally, I like the flavor and texture of sweet potato skin, but there's no harm in removing it. The only thing you'll lose are some added nutrients and fiber. Flavor them.

Do sweet potatoes cook at the same time as regular potatoes? ›

However, as a general guideline, sweet potatoes typically take about 45 minutes to 1 hour to bake at 400°F (200°C), whereas regular potatoes may take closer to 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes to bake at the same temperature.

How do you make a sweet potato casserole not stringy? ›

I do two steps to reduce stringiness:
  1. Peel more of the sweet potato than just the outer skin. There's a layer of lighter orange flesh between the skin; keep peeling until you reach the darker orange.
  2. I mash with a Kitchen Aid stand mixer paddle. Don't scrape down the paddle when you're done.
Nov 24, 2023

How do you make a sweet potato casserole less watery? ›

Maple syrup, a dash of cinnamon, brown sugar and vanilla all make an appearance for an incredible flavor. It's hearty and satisfying. Eggs and cream help stabilize the dish and prevent it from becoming too runny (a common complaint with many sweet potato casserole recipes).

How do you know when sweet potato casserole is done? ›

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture, then pop it into the oven and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You will know it's done when the topping is lightly browned and the center of your casserole is set and firm.

Why do African Americans eat sweet potato pie? ›

After emancipation, when African American cooks gained more access to their own equipment and refined ingredients, they continued the tradition of baking with yams and sweet potatoes — especially the pie. These deep roots became the foundation of a strong tradition in African American food culture.

What culture eats the most sweet potatoes? ›

China is the world's biggest producer and consumer of sweetpotato, where it is used for food, animal feed, and processing (as food, starch, and other products).

Are candied yams and sweet potato casserole the same thing? ›

Spoiler: They're not the same vegetable.

That's because sweet potatoes and yams are in fact very different vegetables that we've come to refer to interchangeably for a number of reasons over the years. While a dish may arrive at your table calling itself "candied yams," it may well have been made with sweet potatoes.

How do you make a sweet potato casserole not runny? ›

Eggs and cream help stabilize the dish and prevent it from becoming too runny (a common complaint with many sweet potato casserole recipes). Make it as smooth or chunky as you like!

Does egg thicken casserole? ›

Their ability to hold up to four times their weight in moisture makes eggs a good thickener for sauces, custards and curds. The proteins in eggs coagulate or set at different temperatures.

What is the purpose of eggs in a baked goods recipe? ›

Eggs play an important role in everything from cakes and cookies to meringues and pastry cream — they create structure and stability within a batter, they help thicken and emulsify sauces and custards, they add moisture to cakes and other baked goods, and can even act as glue or glaze.

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