This cheesy sweet potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food! With creamy sweet potatoes and a golden cheese topping, it’s a cozy dish that warms your heart.
You won’t believe how easy it is to make! I love serving it during family gatherings, and watching everyone go for seconds—who can resist that cheesy goodness? 🧡
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Look for firm sweet potatoes that are heavy for their size. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, you can use butternut squash for a similar flavor and texture.
Cream Cheese: This gives the casserole its creamy texture. Softened cream cheese is ideal. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a tangy twist.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for that bold flavor, but you can also use mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder cheese experience. Vegan cheese is a great substitute if you’re dairy-free!
Pecans or Walnuts: These add a lovely crunch on top. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make excellent alternatives. They still give you that nice texture without the nuts.
How Do I Get the Sweet Potatoes Creamy Without Overworking Them?
Mashing sweet potatoes to get that creamy consistency is key. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cook your sweet potatoes until they’re very tender, which makes mashing much easier. Test doneness by piercing them with a fork.
- Use a potato masher or a hand mixer. Be careful to mix just until smooth; over-mixing can make them gummy.
- Combine your ingredients when the potatoes are still warm. This helps the cream cheese and butter to melt and blend in perfectly.
Mix in the milk gradually to get the consistency you love, and don’t forget to taste before serving! Adjust seasoning if needed to ensure it’s perfect for you.
Cheesy Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 3 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warm flavor)
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, adds sweetness)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
- Extra shredded cheese for topping (about 1/4 cup)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 40 minutes total: 15-20 minutes for preparing the sweet potatoes and 20-25 minutes for baking. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight dinner yet special enough for gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Dish:
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab your casserole dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cooking the Sweet Potatoes:
Now, you’ll want to place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot. Fill it with cold water until the potatoes are covered. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. When they’re soft, drain the water well.
3. Mixing the Ingredients:
Return the hot sweet potatoes to the pot or a big mixing bowl. Add in the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, butter, salt, pepper, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Now, it’s time to mash away! Use a potato masher or a hand mixer to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. Taste it to see if it needs more seasoning—maybe a little more salt or a splash of syrup for sweetness!
4. Assembling the Casserole:
Transfer the creamy sweet potato mixture into your greased casserole dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. It should look delicious already!
5. Adding the Topping:
Time for some extra flavor! Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Then, scatter the chopped pecans or walnuts all over. If you’re in the mood, drizzle some maple syrup or honey on top, and add a few thyme sprigs for that lovely aroma.
6. Baking to Perfection:
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake it uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll want it to come out bubbly with a lovely golden top—so watch it closely!
7. Serving:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This casserole is perfect on its own or as a side to roasted meats. Everyone will love digging into the cheesy, creamy goodness—enjoy your warm, comforting dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are essential for this recipe due to their unique flavor and texture. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with butternut squash for a similar taste. Just be aware that it may alter the overall flavor slightly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To create a vegan version of the casserole, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, like cashew cream or vegan cream cheese. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for that cheesy flavor. You can also replace the milk with almond milk or any unsweetened non-dairy milk.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the sweet potato mixture a day in advance. Just cover and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, add the toppings and bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if it seems a little dry!
