Description
This Savory Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic sweet potato dish, combining creamy mashed yams with a savory blend of spices and a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping. Perfect as a comforting side dish for any meal, it’s packed with flavor from paprika, garlic, and fresh thyme, and finished with a cheesy panko crust for added texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or use non stick cooking spray)
- 40 ounces canned cut yams or sweet potatoes
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried sage
Toppings
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese (shredded Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are a great alternative)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature for the casserole.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Use a pastry brush to evenly coat an 8"x8" or 9"x9" baking dish with avocado oil or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set it aside.
- Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Drain the canned yams thoroughly, then place them in a large bowl. Add the heavy cream, eggs, paprika, coarse kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried sage. Using a mixer on medium speed, blend the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. If a mixer is not available, use a potato masher to mash the yams until smooth.
- Transfer Mixture to Baking Dish: Pour the smooth yam mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs, seasoned breadcrumbs, and shredded parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the yam mixture.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving to add a burst of fresh herb flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute half and half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Using canned yams or sweet potatoes saves time and effort compared to cooking fresh sweet potatoes.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for panko and seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Make sure to drain the canned yams well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or can be served as a vegetarian main when excluding any meat side.
