Rustic Sweet Potato Sage Casserole Recipe: Cozy Fall Comfort

Comfort arrives in a creamy, golden sweet potato sage casserole that whispers autumn’s warmth on every forkful.

Herbs dance through velvety layers of perfectly roasted sweet potatoes.

Sage brings an earthy elegance to this classic side dish that feels both rustic and refined.

Soft, caramelized edges promise delectable bites that melt in your mouth.

Rich and aromatic, this casserole turns simple ingredients into a memorable culinary experience.

The combination of smooth sweet potatoes and fragrant sage creates a harmonious symphony of flavors.

Serve this soul-warming dish and watch as everyone asks for seconds.

Tips for Silky, Flavorful Casserole

• Use a ricer for ultra-smooth, lump-free potatoes that create a silky, creamy consistency.
• Watch butter carefully when browning to achieve a nutty flavor without burning, which can turn bitter and ruin the dish.
• Assemble the casserole up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and reducing day-of cooking stress.
• Cover with foil if breadcrumbs brown too quickly, ensuring a golden, crispy topping without charring.
• Chop sage finely and add gradually to control its strong flavor, preventing it from overwhelming the creamy potato base.

Casserole Customization: Savory Swaps

• Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole: Replace butter with coconut oil and milk with almond milk. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and crushed nuts instead of breadcrumbs.
• Herb-Infused Potato Blend: Swap sage for rosemary or thyme. Use a mix of sweet potatoes and purple potatoes for a colorful presentation and unique flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Potato Bake: Add cumin, chili powder, and diced green chilies to the potato mixture. Top with crushed tortilla chips instead of traditional breadcrumbs.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute sweet potatoes with cauliflower. Use cauliflower rice as a base, maintaining the creamy sage-butter sauce and crunchy topping for a lighter version.

Serving Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole

• Festive Family Feast: Serve this creamy casserole alongside roasted turkey or herb-crusted chicken for a delightful holiday meal.
• Elegant Dinner Party Plating: Garnish with fresh sage leaves and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper to elevate the presentation and add a gourmet touch.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat individual portions in the oven for a crispy top, or transform into a delicious potato pancake by pan-frying small patties the next day.
• Veggie Companion: Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts or a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy texture of the casserole.

Keeping Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the casserole covered with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with aluminum foil or freezer wrap, and store for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bake at 350F (175C) for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent top from burning and ensure even heating. Add extra butter or milk if mixture looks dry.
• For quick reheating, place individual portions in microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• What is a ricer and why use it for potatoes?

A ricer is a kitchen tool that mashes potatoes through small holes, creating a smooth, lump-free texture. It helps create a creamy, velvety consistency for the casserole without overworking the potatoes.

• Can I substitute dried sage for fresh sage?

Yes, you can use dried sage, but use about 1/3 the amount of fresh sage. Dried sage is more concentrated in flavor, so start with less and adjust to taste.

• Why brown the butter?

Browning butter creates a nutty, rich flavor that enhances the taste of the dish. The process caramelizes the milk solids in butter, giving a deeper, more complex taste to the potato casserole.

Sweet Potato Sage-Butter Casserole: Why It’s a Favorite

• Transform ordinary potatoes into a gourmet side dish that steals the spotlight at family gatherings and festive meals, impressing guests with its sophisticated flavor profile.
• Adapt the recipe by adjusting sage quantities or experimenting with different breadcrumb types, making it perfect for home cooks who love to add personal touches to classic dishes.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing busy home cooks to streamline meal preparation and reduce stress during cooking-intensive occasions.
• Enjoy a delightful contrast between creamy, smooth potato base and crispy, golden breadcrumb topping that provides an irresistible textural experience in every bite.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Sage-Butter Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that provide a rich, sweet base for the creamy casserole.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Buttery potatoes that contribute a smooth and creamy texture to the dish.

• Butter, Unsalted: Creates a nutty brown butter sauce with sage that enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.
• Milk, Warmed: Adds creaminess and helps to blend the potatoes into a smooth consistency.

• Sage, Fresh Chopped: Adds an aromatic herbal flavor to both the potato mixture and breadcrumb topping.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the potatoes and other ingredients.
• Breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy, golden topping that adds textural contrast to the creamy potato base.

Casserole Tools & Must-Have Supplies

• Large saucepan: Perfect for boiling and cooking potatoes thoroughly.
• Ricer: Essential tool for creating ultra-smooth, lump-free potato texture.
• Small saucepan: Ideal for browning butter and adding sage.
• 2-quart casserole dish: Necessary for baking and serving the potato mixture.
• Mixing bowl: Crucial for combining potato ingredients and mixing breadcrumbs.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure precise ingredient quantities.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Oven: Required for baking the casserole to golden perfection.
• Foil: Optional for protecting the top from over-browning.

How to Bake Sweet Potato Sage-Butter Casserole

Step 1: Boil Potatoes

Grab your sweet potatoes and Yukon gold potatoes.

Toss them into a large saucepan filled with water.

Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Step 2: Simmer to Softness

Lower the heat and let the potatoes simmer gently.

They’ll become wonderfully tender in about 9 minutes.

Drain the water and use a ricer to transform the potatoes into a silky smooth texture.

Step 3: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C).

This will create the perfect environment for our creamy casserole.

Step 4: Create Golden Brown Butter

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Watch it carefully as it transforms into a beautiful golden brown color in 5 to 7 minutes.

Pull it off the heat and sprinkle in freshly chopped sage.

Step 5: Blend Potato Goodness

Fold the sage-infused brown butter and warm milk into the riced potatoes.

Season with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.

Step 6: Prepare the Casserole Dish

Transfer the luxurious potato mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.

Pro tip: You can prep this ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Step 7: Craft Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping

In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and the remaining sage.

Season with salt and pepper, tossing everything together until well combined.

Step 8: Top with Crispy Goodness

Generously sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumb mixture over the potato base.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered.

Watch for bubbling edges and golden-brown breadcrumbs, which should take 30 to 40 minutes.

If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil.

Step 10: Let It Rest

Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit uncovered for 10 minutes.

This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving a breeze.

Sweet Potato Sage Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet potato sage casserole combines creamy potatoes with earthy sage for a comforting side dish. Layers of flavor and rich textures invite diners to savor this classic holiday accompaniment.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces

Dairy and Liquid:

• 4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus 1 ounce (2 tablespoons), melted
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 2 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• Coarse salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (from 3 slices white bread, crusts removed)

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Instructions

1. Submerge sweet potatoes and Yukon gold potatoes in a large saucepan filled with salted water, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Reduce heat and gently simmer potatoes until they reach a fork-tender consistency, approximately 9 minutes. Thoroughly drain and process through a ricer into a mixing bowl.
3. Heat oven to 375F (190C), creating an ideal baking environment.
4. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, allowing it to transform into a rich golden-brown color within 5-7 minutes. Immediately remove from heat and infuse with freshly chopped sage.
5. Incorporate the sage-butter mixture and warmed milk into the riced potatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
6. Transfer the creamy potato mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish, ensuring even distribution. Note: Preparation can be completed up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated.
7. Create a crispy topping by combining breadcrumbs with melted butter and remaining sage, seasoning with salt and pepper. Gently toss to ensure even coating.
8. Evenly distribute the seasoned breadcrumb mixture across the potato base, creating a textural contrast.
9. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until edges bubble and breadcrumbs transform into a golden-brown crust. If browning occurs too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
10. Allow casserole to rest uncovered for 10 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and texture to stabilize before serving.

Notes

• Choose starchy sweet potatoes like Garnet or Jewel for the creamiest texture and deepest flavor profile.
• Use a ricer for ultra-smooth, lump-free potato mixture that ensures silky consistency in every bite.
• Toasting breadcrumbs with sage and butter creates extra depth and crunch, elevating the entire dish’s sensory experience.
• Make ahead friendly: Casserole can be fully prepared and refrigerated up to 48 hours before baking, perfect for holiday meal planning and stress reduction.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg