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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Submerge sweet potatoes and Yukon gold potatoes in a large saucepan filled with salted water, ensuring complete coverage.
- 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.
- Heat oven to 375F (190C), creating an ideal baking environment.
- 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.
- Incorporate the sage-butter mixture and warmed milk into the riced potatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- 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.
- Create a crispy topping by combining breadcrumbs with melted butter and remaining sage, seasoning with salt and pepper. Gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Evenly distribute the seasoned breadcrumb mixture across the potato base, creating a textural contrast.
- 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.
- 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