Description
A deliciously hearty Savoury Sweet Potato Casserole featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes blended with parmesan and garlic, topped with a crunchy mixture of panko, parmesan, crispy sage, and golden bacon. Perfect as a comforting side dish for festive meals or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato Mash
- 1.75kg / 3.5lb sweet potato (3 large or 6 smaller ones)
- 1/2 cup (115g) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) parmesan, freshly grated
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Browned Butter & Crispy Sage
- 250g / 8oz salted butter, cut into 2cm/1″ cubes
- 15 sage leaves
Topping
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (50g) parmesan, finely grated
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 150g / 5oz streaky bacon, cooked until golden then finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into even-sized chunks. Place them in a large pot of boiling salted water and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, mash the drained sweet potatoes until smooth. Stir in the sour cream, freshly grated parmesan, finely minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined and creamy.
- Brown the Butter and Crisp the Sage: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter cubes and cook until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Add the sage leaves and cook until they turn crisp but not burnt. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Topping: In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked and finely chopped bacon and mix well. Pour in the browned butter along with the crispy sage leaves (reserve a few sage leaves for garnish) and mix until the topping is evenly coated and fragrant.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mashed sweet potato mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumb, bacon, and parmesan topping evenly over the mash.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the assembled casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with the reserved crispy sage leaves and serve warm as a sumptuous side dish.
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, use smoked bacon or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the mash.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and lower fat content.
- Ensure not to burn the browned butter as it will turn bitter; watch closely once it starts foaming.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and increase the amount of sage and parmesan in the topping.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead; assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Keywords: sweet potato casserole, savory casserole, baked sweet potatoes, crispy sage, bacon, comfort food, holiday side dish