Sweet potato and apple casserole: Is it a side dish or a dessert? The answer is yes. This versatile dish is welcome at any holiday gathering or fall potluck.
Earthy sweet potatoes give this casserole its smooth and creamy base, while apples add a tart, toothsome bite.
Ready to make your own sweet potato and apple casserole? Keep reading for a complete guide, including ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips.
Understanding the Ingredients
To make a truly delicious sweet potato and apple casserole, it helps to understand the role each ingredient plays.
The Sweet Potatoes
For best results, choose sweet potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes. Garnet or Jewel sweet potatoes will give your casserole a lovely color and sweetness.
It’s important to cook the sweet potatoes before adding them to the casserole. You can boil them, bake them, or even microwave them. Just make sure they’re cooked evenly, so some aren’t hard while others are mushy.
The Apples
Tart apples are the way to go! They prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties are excellent choices.
Whether you peel the apples is up to you. Some people prefer the texture of the peels, while others don’t. As for slicing or dicing, that’s a matter of personal preference, too. Just make sure the pieces are uniform in size so they cook evenly.
Other Key Ingredients
- Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps keep the casserole moist.
- Spices: Nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice are classic choices that complement the sweet potatoes and apples beautifully.
- Butter: Butter adds richness, flavor, and helps create a tender texture.
Let’s make it! A step-by-step guide
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to assemble your sweet potato and apple masterpiece:
Get started
- First, grease a 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Next, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Layer the goodness
- Start by layering sliced sweet potatoes in the greased baking dish.
- Add a layer of sliced apples on top of the sweet potatoes.
- Sprinkle the apple layer with brown sugar, spices (like cinnamon and nutmeg), and a pinch of salt.
- Dot the spiced apple layer with small pieces of butter.
- Repeat these layers until you’ve used all the sweet potatoes, apples, and other ingredients.
Bake it to perfection
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is bubbly and golden brown.
Variations and Add-Ins
This sweet potato and apple casserole recipe is fantastic as is, but feel free to tweak it to your liking! Here are a few ideas:
Nutty Additions
For a bit of crunch and nutty flavor, stir in some chopped pecans before baking. Walnuts would also be delicious!
Spice Variations
Warm up the flavor profile with a teaspoon or two of cinnamon. Or, for a slight kick, try adding a pinch of ground ginger.
Topping Options
Instead of the streusel, consider a classic crumble topping. Just mix flour, butter, and sugar until crumbly, then sprinkle it over the casserole before baking. Alternatively, for a gooey, sweet finish, add a layer of marshmallows during the last few minutes in the oven.
Healthy Apple Sweet Potato Bake
Want to lighten things up? Experiment with different ingredient ratios or consider using a sugar substitute for a “healthy” version.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to three days.
You can also freeze this casserole. Just let it cool completely, wrap it well (again, foil or plastic wrap works), and freeze for up to two months. I recommend freezing it before adding the topping.
To reheat, bake in a preheated oven (350°F) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
The Bottom Line
Sweet potato and apple casserole is a delicious, versatile dish that’s sure to become a holiday favorite. It’s easy to make, and you can adapt it to suit your tastes. So, grab your sweet potatoes and apples, and get ready to create a casserole that will impress your family and friends!