Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Sweet potatoes are truly one of my favorite foods and I generally prefer them prepared in a savory way. The typical sweet potato casserole,the one laden with brown sugar and topped with marshmallows that’s so popular for Thanksgiving, doesn’t really appeal to me. But I love for sweet potatoes to be a part of our Thanksgiving meal. So instead I thought I’d try a savory sweet potato casserole. Fresh herbs, bacon, and onions give this casserole lots of wonderful flavor. It’s a wonderful addition to a holiday table.

If you are looking for a sweet Sweet Potato Casserole, try this Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows or Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes. They are both amazing.

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole with Bacon and Gruyere

How To Make

First I baked 4 large sweet potatoes in the oven until very soft, let them cool slightly, peeled off the skin, and mashed the pulp with a fork. I measured out 4 packed cups into my mixing bowl along with 2 tablespoons butter, 1/3 cup heavy cream, an egg, about 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and some salt and black pepper. I beat everything just long enough to get it all smooth.

While the sweet potatoes were baking, I cooked some bacon, crumbled it, and set it aside. I used the bacon grease to cook a chopped onion. Is there anything better than the smell of onion cooking in bacon grease? Just before removing the onion from the heat, I added some fresh thyme and rosemary and immediately my kitchen smelled heavenly.

I stirred the onion into the sweet potato mixture along with half the bacon and 1/2 cup shredded gruyere cheese. Into a casserole dish it went. I then added a little more shredded Gruyere on top along with some Panko crumbs and chopped pecans mixed with melted butter.

Thirty minutes in the oven and a quick broil to brown the Panko crumbs and it was ready to be served. I sprinkled the remaining bacon on just before serving. You can never have enough bacon. 🙂

Wonderfully smooth, creamy, savory and just a little spicy, serve Savory Sweet Potato Casserole for Thanksgiving side dish and save your sweet tooth for dessert!