This Cheesy Sweet Potato Casserole is a warm and cozy dish that combines creamy sweet potatoes with gooey cheese on top. Everyone will love its rich flavor!
It’s the perfect side for any meal, or you could just eat it all by itself (not that I’ve ever done that! 😄). I enjoy making it because it’s so easy and always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! You can use any variety of sweet potatoes, but I find orange-fleshed ones give the best sweetness. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, you could try butternut squash for a similar texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a wonderful flavor, but you can switch it up. Monterey Jack or a combo of mozzarella and cheddar works great too. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan cheese alternatives!
Pecans: Pecans give a nice crunch, but walnuts are a great substitute if you prefer them. For a nut-free version, you can omit them or replace them with crispy fried onions for crunch.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness to the topping. If you want a healthier option, coconut sugar or maple syrup can replace it, though it may change the texture slightly.
How Do I Make the Sweet Potatoes Creamy?
Getting that perfect creamy texture is all about how you mash the sweet potatoes. Here’s a quick guide to help you:
- Boil the sweet potatoes until fork-tender, but don’t overcook them. This keeps their natural sweetness.
- After draining, let them sit for a minute in the pot to release steam before mashing, which prevents excess moisture.
- Add milk and butter while mashing to help create that smooth consistency.
Mix gently until just combined; over-mashing can lead to a gummy texture, which is something to avoid!
Cheesy Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for savory note)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (to sprinkle on top)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you should plan for around 45-50 minutes to have this delicious Cheesy Sweet Potato Casserole ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready when your casserole is prepared.
2. Boil the Sweet Potatoes:
Take the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes and put them in a large pot. Fill the pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until fork-tender. You want them soft enough to mash easily!
3. Drain and Mash:
After the sweet potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them back to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Add in the milk, 4 tablespoons of butter, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if you’re using it. Mash everything together until it’s nice and smooth and creamy.
4. Add Cheese:
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it’s fully mixed into the sweet potato mash. This will give your casserole that lovely cheesy flavor.
5. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×13 inch (or a similar-sized oval baking dish) with some butter or cooking spray. Spoon the cheesy sweet potato mixture into the dish and spread it evenly for baking.
6. Make the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and the melted butter. Mix this all together to create a crumbly topping.
7. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over your sweet potato mixture in the baking dish. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese layer underneath is bubbly. Just the sight of it will have everyone eager to dig in!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, serve it warm as a delightful side dish! Enjoy your comforting Cheesy Sweet Potato Casserole with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can substitute it with Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a milder flavor. Just remember to adjust the amount to your taste!
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake it as directed—just add a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
Can I Make It Dairy-Free?
Yes! Use plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk and substitute dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free version. Just ensure the plant-based cheese melts well for the best texture!
