Want a sweet potato casserole that’s rich, savory, and loaded with flavor? This sweet potato casserole recipe combines creamy sweet potatoes with crispy bacon and melted cheese for a new twist. It’s a comforting casserole recipe that’s perfect for holidays or anytime you want something special.
I was craving something to have with my dinner, but didn’t want to make a big pan of sweet potato casserole that would last for days. Cooking for just a few means I have to think smaller, so I made a batch that fit perfectly in a small dish. It came out soft, a little sweet, and enough for everyone, with no leftovers sitting around. Now it’s my go-to when I want that comfort food feeling without turning it into a big project.
How to Get the Best Sweet Potato Mixture
The base of this sweet potato casserole recipe starts with how well you mash sweet potatoes. A potato masher works well for a slightly textured result, but you can also use a fork if that is all you have. With all that texture, it is best to pair with meals like air fryer orange chicken and pork fillet.
Bacon and Cheese Make It a Real Side Dish
What makes this casserole dish stand out is the combination of crispy bacon and sharp cheddar on top. The bacon gets cooked first, so it is already crispy before it goes into the casserole. Most of the cheddar gets mixed right into the sweet potato mixture, and the rest goes on top so it melts into a golden layer during baking. Green onions add a little freshness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and sour cream.
Easy Instructions for Creating a Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
This savory sweet potato casserole with bacon and cheese comes together with simple ingredients and easy steps. It is creamy and crispy, and works perfectly as a small-batch side dish.
Must-Have Tools for Your Kitchen
- Baking Dish or Casserole Dish: Holds the sweet potato mixture while it bakes evenly in the oven.
- Potato Masher: Used to mash sweet potatoes into a smooth and creamy base.
- Skillet: Needed to cook the bacon until crispy before adding it to the casserole.
- Mixing Bowl: Used to combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the other filling ingredients.
- Knife: For dicing the bacon and chopping the green onions.
Key Ingredients:
- Sweet Potatoes: The main base of the casserole gives natural sweetness and a creamy texture when mashed.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Adds smoky, salty flavor and a crispy topping once baked.
- Green Onions: Brings a mild, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and sour cream.
- Sharp Cheddar: Mixed into the filling and melted on top for a savory, cheesy layer throughout.
- Sour Cream: Makes the sweet potato mixture creamy and adds a slight tang.
- Egg: Helps bind the filling together so it holds its shape when sliced.
- Kosher Salt: Seasons the filling and brings out the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note that ties the bacon and sweet potato flavors together.
- Black Pepper: Adds a little heat and rounds out the seasoning.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Detailed Directions for Making Sweet Potato Casserole
One: Prep Ingredients and Heat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°Fahrenheit (200°Celsius) and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then prepare the rest by chopping bacon, slicing green onions, shredding cheese, and beating the egg. Having everything measured and ready will make the process feel simple and smooth.
Two: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Place the whole sweet potatoes on the baking sheet and pierce them a few times with a knife. Bake for about 1 hour, or until they feel very soft when tested. Let them cool slightly so they’re easy to handle.
Three: Mash the Sweet Potato Filling
Slice open the baked sweet potatoes and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving the skins behind. Mash gently until mostly smooth, keeping a little texture for a more comforting bite. This creates a soft and flavorful base for the casserole.
Four: Cook the Bacon Until Crisp
Add the bacon pieces to a skillet over medium-high heat and let them begin to release their fat. Lower the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp and browned. Drain any extra grease and set the bacon aside.
Five: Mix, Assemble, and Bake
Stir the mashed sweet potatoes with half of the bacon, green onions, most of the cheese, sour cream, egg, and seasonings until well combined. Spread the mixture into a baking dish and top with the remaining bacon and cheese. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly, then finish with extra green onions and a spoonful of sour cream before serving.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Drain the sweet potatoes well after cooking: Extra water in the mash makes the casserole too soft and wet. Let them sit in the colander for a minute or two to release steam before mashing.
- Let the mash cool before adding the egg: If the sweet potato mixture is too hot when you mix in the egg, it can start to cook unevenly. Letting it cool for a few minutes first keeps the texture smooth.
- Use room temperature sour cream: Cold sour cream does not mix as smoothly into the warm mash. Taking it out of the fridge while the sweet potatoes cook makes blending easier.
Common Questions Answered
What Are the Perfect Pairings for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe?
This savory sweet potato casserole works well alongside other simple mains and sides. Try it with the perfect air fryer fried pork chops for a hearty plate, or serve it next to the juicy air fryer steak bites for something a little more filling. The veggie casserole with bacon is also a great pairing if you want to keep the smoky bacon theme going across the whole meal.
Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at until heated through.
How Do I Freeze Side Dishes?
This casserole freezes well either before or after baking. Let it cool fully, then wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or portion it into a freezer-safe airtight container. It keeps in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven. The texture of the mashed sweet potatoes holds up well after freezing.
Additional Small-Portion Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy baked sides with simple ingredients, how to make mashed cauliflower is another creamy option that is easy to put together. The whole baked onions with filling are a fun and simple baked side worth trying.
For something with a little crunch, the crispy fried onions recipe makes a great topping or side on its own. Each recipe is small-batch, uses everyday ingredients, and is easy to make without a lot of prep.
Pin This Recipe for Later
Need Support or have Questions? Join our Free Facebook Group.
Follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Flipboard, or YouTube.
For weekly New Recipes and a FREE E-Book get into our NEWSLETTER.
Printable Recipe Card
We Appreciate Your 5-Star Rating
Recipe for Sweet Potato Casserole with Bacon and Cheese
Equipment
- 1 Baking Dish or Casserole Dish
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 2 Pieces Sweet potatoes large, about 1¾–2 pounds
- ½ Pound Bacon diced, thick-cut
- ⅓ Cup Green Onions chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Green Onions
- 3 Ounces Sharp Cheddar shredded and divided
- ¼ Cup Sour Cream plus more for serving
- 1 Egg small, beaten (or half a large egg)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°Fahrenheit (200°Celsius), line a baking sheet, and prep potatoes, bacon, green onions, cheese, and egg.
- Pierce and bake whole sweet potatoes about 1 hour until very soft, then cool slightly.
- Scoop out the flesh and mash until mostly smooth with a little texture.
- Cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, then drain and set aside.
- Mix potatoes with half the bacon, onions, cheese, sour cream, egg, and seasonings, transfer to a dish, top with remaining bacon and cheese, and bake 30–35 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- Drain the sweet potatoes well after cooking: Extra water in the mash makes the casserole too soft and wet. Let them sit in the colander for a minute or two to release steam before mashing.
- Let the mash cool before adding the egg: If the sweet potato mixture is too hot when you mix in the egg, it can start to cook unevenly. Letting it cool for a few minutes first keeps the texture smooth.
- Use room temperature sour cream: Cold sour cream does not mix as smoothly into the warm mash. Taking it out of the fridge while the sweet potatoes cook makes blending easier.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
Other casseroles you can make
More sides, along with baked sweet potatoes, should balance main dishes perfectly. Try chicken casseroles, veggie casseroles, and even Brussels sprout casserole for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
