This Cheesy Sweet Potato Casserole is a cozy mix of sweet potatoes and creamy, cheesy goodness. Topped with a crispy layer, it’s a warm dish perfect for sharing!
Don’t be surprised if you polish off the whole thing; it’s that tasty! I love serving it at family gatherings—it always gets everyone smiling and going back for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! They have a natural sweetness and a lovely creamy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap them with butternut squash for a similar flavor.
Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor paired with the gooeyness of mozzarella. If you’re looking for lower-fat options, try reduced-fat versions of these cheeses, or use a dairy-free cheese for a plant-based dish.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess, but Greek yogurt or even cottage cheese can work as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. I sometimes mix in a bit of cream cheese for extra richness!
Garlic Powder: A great flavor addition! If you prefer, fresh minced garlic can be used instead for a stronger taste. Just sauté it briefly for a milder flavor.
How Can I Make the Perfect Creamy Casserole?
The key to a lovely texture is in the way you combine and mash the sweet potatoes. After boiling until tender, make sure to mash them until smooth and free of lumps. Here’s how:
- Drain the sweet potatoes fully to avoid excess water.
- Use a potato masher or a ricer for a fluffy consistency; avoid a blender, which can make them gluey.
When mixing in the creamy ingredients, do so gently to retain that smooth texture. Lastly, don’t skimp on baking until bubbly and golden; this adds a delightful crunch!
Cheesy Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
- Optional crispy bacon pieces for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake, totaling around 45 minutes. Perfect for a weekday family dinner or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a medium-sized casserole dish so the casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large pot, combine the cubed sweet potatoes and cover them with water. Bring the pot to a boil and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. After cooking, drain the sweet potatoes well.
3. Mash It Up:
Transfer the drained sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher to mash them until they are nice and smooth. It’s okay if they still have a few tiny lumps for texture!
4. Mix in the Good Stuff:
Add the melted butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to the mashed sweet potatoes. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and creamy.
5. Cheese It Up:
Gently fold in half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the sweet potato mixture, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Pour the creamy sweet potato mixture into your greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the rest of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Time to Bake:
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly—just the way we love it!
8. Add Some Crunch:
If you like, sprinkle some crispy bacon pieces over the hot casserole right before serving for a tasty crunch!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Garnish with freshly chopped thyme or parsley to add a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!
Can I Use Mashed Sweet Potatoes from a Store?
Yes, you can! If you find pre-made mashed sweet potatoes, just make sure they don’t contain too many added ingredients. Adjust the amounts of butter, sour cream, and cheese in the recipe based on the taste of the store-bought mixture.
What If I Don’t Have Sour Cream?
No problem! You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture, or use cream cheese for a richer flavor. Just beat it until smooth before mixing it into the casserole!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian-Friendly?
Good news! The recipe is already vegetarian. To keep it vegetarian and add some protein, consider adding black beans or cooked lentils into the sweet potato mixture before baking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You might want to add a splash of milk to keep it creamy!