Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Active Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs 55 mins

Servings:

8

This holiday season, skip the usual marshmallow-topped casserole, and serve this savory sweet potato casserole for a nice change of pace.

Here, the natural sweetness of the potatoes is well-balanced by a savory Parmesan-herb streusel topping. While the topping is made with day-old sourdough bread, you can use another type of stale white bread such as country white in its place. Parmesan adds a nutty richness, while butter binds the streusel together for a crisp, browned topping that contrasts the silkiness of the sweet potato filling.

The filling itself is simple as can be. Sweet potatoes are roasted, mashed, and mixed with shallot, milk, eggs, sage, nutmeg, butter, salt, and pepper. The hints of sage and nutmeg add deep layers of flavor, highlighting the innate sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

Learn how to make this classic savory sweet potato casserole. We promise, no one will miss the marshmallows.

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole - Southern Living — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Ingredients for Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

To make this casserole, you'll need:

Sweet potatoes: Roasted and mashed for the traditional base of this sweet potato casserole.
Shallot: Grated for a mild, oniony flavor.
Whole milk: Lightens the sweet potato mixture while adding creaminess.
Large eggs: Binds and helps the filling set for an airy texture when baked.
Fresh sage: Adds a strong, earthy flavor.
Ground nutmeg: A hint of spice to bridge the sweet and savory notes.
Unsalted butter: Melted into the filling and topping. If using salted butter, cut back on the additional salt called for.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Enhances the flavor of the casserole.
Pecan halves: For a crisp, nutty addition to the streusel topping.
Sourdough breadcrumbs: The base of the topping. The breadcrumbs can be made from other types of bread if preferred, including French, Italian, or country loaves.
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese: For a punch of cheesy flavor, and tons of umami flavor.
Flat-leaf parsley: For a bright freshness.

How To Make Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Bake sweet potatoes until tender, about 1 1⁄2 hours. Cool, then peel.
Step 2. Stir together mashed sweet potatoes, shallot, milk, eggs, sage, nutmeg, some of the melted butter, salt, and pepper. Pour into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
Step 3. Combine pecans, breadcrumbs, cheese, and remaining butter, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Sprinkle over potato mixture.
Step 4. Bake until topping is golden brown, 28 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley.

What Does Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Taste Like?

It's a battle that will rage on forever: Some people are sweet people, and some love more savory dishes.

There's no right answer when it comes to how to serve up sweet potato, but we think this savory casserole is a nice way to surprise your guests. While they might be expecting a marshmallow-topped confection, they'll be delighted with this hearty, savory mix of flavors and textures. This holiday casserole still brings sweetness from the mashed sweet potato filling, while also balancing it with savory notes from sage and shallot, and the light spice of nutmeg.

It's everything you love about a classic sweet potato casserole, with a savory twist. It is guaranteed to be a hit.

Can Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Be Made Ahead?

To make this casserole ahead, prepare through Step 3, then cover and chill overnight. When ready to bake, let the baking dish sit at room temperature while the oven preheats. Proceed with the recipe as directed in Step 4, increasing the bake time to about 45 minutes.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Wrap and refrigerate any leftover savory sweet potato casserole for up to three days. Bring to room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes, then bake at 350°F until hot throughout before serving.

More Savory Sweet Potato Side Dishes You'll Love

Sweet potato shines in these recipes, without any marshmallows in sight.

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

5 lbs. sweet potatoes (5 to 6 large potatoes)
1 large (1 1/2 oz.) shallot, grated (1 1/2 Tbsp.)
1/3 cup whole milk
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh sage
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 cup unsalted butter, melted, divided
2 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
1 1/4 tsp. black pepper, divided
1 1/2 cups pecan halves, roughly chopped
1 1/2 cups coarsely ground day-old sourdough breadcrumbs (2 1/2 oz.)
2 oz. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
1 tsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions

Bake sweet potatoes:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place potatoes on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until very tender when pierced with a knife, about 1 1/2 hours. Cool 30 minutes. Peel and discard potato skins.
Make casserole filling:

Stir together potatoes, shallot, milk, eggs, sage, nutmeg, 1/2 cup of the melted butter, 2 teaspoons of the salt, and 1 teaspoon of the pepper with a fork until mostly smooth. Pour mixture into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.
Add topping to casserole:

Combine pecans, breadcrumbs, cheese, and remaining 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Sprinkle pecan mixture in an even layer over potato mixture.
Bake sweet potato casserole:

Bake, uncovered, at 350°F until topping is golden brown, 28 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the fresh sage in this casserole?

If you aren't a fan of sage, try using thyme, rosemary, or parsley in its place.
Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs for this casserole?

Fresh breadcrumbs yield a light, fluffy topping that browns and crisps nicely in the oven. In a pinch, panko breadcrumbs can be used, but note that the texture will be somewhat different.
What else can I add to savory sweet potato casserole?

Crumbled bacon in the topping, walnuts in the place of pecans, rosemary, thyme, garlic, paprika, or any other preferred spices and flavorings can be added to this casserole.
Do I need to add eggs to sweet potato casserole?

While eggs don't absolutely have to be added to sweet potato casserole, it does help make the difference between mashed potatoes and the set filling of a casserole.