This hearty Sausage and Sweet Potato Casserole is a warm hug in a dish! It combines juicy sausage with sweet potatoes, making every bite tasty and comforting.
I love how easy it is to whip up—just mix everything and pop it in the oven! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering. Plus, who can resist that golden topping? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are essential for natural sweetness and a creamy texture. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, butternut squash or regular potatoes can work as substitutes. Just be mindful that they may alter the dish’s taste and texture a bit.
Sausage: I love using Italian sausage for its bold flavor, but feel free to swap it out for chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a leaner option. Vegetarian sausage is also a great choice for a meatless version.
Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar adds a nice sharpness, you can use other cheese varieties like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for non-dairy alternatives.
Heavy Cream: If you’re watching calories, substituting with whole milk or a plant-based milk will keep the texture creamy without the added fat from heavy cream.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Sweet Potatoes?
Cooking sweet potatoes just right is key to this casserole. Too soft and they fall apart; too firm and they won’t blend well. Here’s how to get it right:
- Cut sweet potatoes into even chunks for uniform cooking.
- Boil or steam them for about 8-10 minutes until just tender but not mushy.
- Drain thoroughly to avoid excess water in your casserole.
Trust me, this small detail makes all the difference!
What’s the Best Way to Brown Sausage?
Browning the sausage not only adds flavor, but also ensures you capture all that tasty goodness. Here’s how:
- Start with medium heat and a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Add sausage slices in a single layer; avoid crowding the pan.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden, flipping occasionally.
This method gives you a beautifully browned sausage that enhances your casserole’s flavor!
How to Make Sausage And Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 pound sausage links, sliced into rounds (use your favorite type, e.g., Italian or smoked)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil for cooking
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep time and around 35-40 minutes for baking, totaling about 55-60 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal option that is sure to please!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish or any similar baking dish with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, pour in a little olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it gets nice and browned. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Onions
Now, using the same skillet, toss in the thinly sliced red onion. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly caramelized. This will bring out their natural sweetness!
4. Cook the Sweet Potatoes
While the onions are cooking, get a pot of water boiling or set up a steamer. Add the sweet potato chunks and let them cook for about 8-10 minutes until they are just tender but not too soft. Drain them well to remove excess water.
5. Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together with milk, heavy cream, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is fully combined and set it aside.
6. Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish
In the greased casserole dish, gently mix together the cooked sweet potatoes, sausage slices, and sautéed onions until evenly distributed. This is where the magic starts to happen!
7. Pour the Egg Mixture
Now, pour that lovely egg and milk mixture over the sweet potato and sausage blend. Give it a light press down to make sure the ingredients are submerged. This will help everything meld together beautifully during baking.
8. Sprinkle with Cheese
If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole for that gooey, melty goodness just before it goes into the oven.
9. Bake It Up!
Place the dish in the oven and bake it uncovered for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it to be set with a golden brown topping that’s nicely bubbly!
10. Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Just before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a lovely garnish. Enjoy your delicious, savory Sausage and Sweet Potato Casserole warm, perfect for dinner or a cozy brunch!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as chicken, turkey, or vegetarian sausage. Just be aware that the flavor profile may change slightly depending on your choice, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Prepare the Casserole in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare this casserole a day in advance! Simply follow all the steps up to the baking point, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave, or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Enjoy it again just as tasty!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Just make sure to sauté them briefly first to ensure they don’t add excess moisture to the casserole.
