Savory Brown Butter Sage Sweet Potato Casserole: A Holiday Showstopper
A savory reinvention that balances creamy sweetness with a crispy, nutty finish.
Brown Butter Sage Sweet Potato Casserole
Nothing captures the essence of holiday comfort quite like a sweet potato casserole. This brown butter sage sweet potato casserole transforms the humble sweet potato into a sumptuous, savory side with layers of flavor—nutty brown butter, crispy sage, a crunchy parmesan-panko topping, and a flourish of bacon. Follow this comprehensive guide to create a casserole that stands out at any holiday table.
Why Choose a Savory Sweet Potato Casserole?
Sweet potato casseroles are often associated with intensely sweet flavors, usually involving marshmallows and brown sugar. This version swaps sweetness for rich, savory elements, allowing the natural earthiness of sweet potatoes to shine. The result is a dish with deep, layered flavors that pairs beautifully with traditional holiday roasts, turkey, or festive mains.
- Browned butter adds a nutty, aromatic richness that elevates the casserole above ordinary mash.
- Crispy sage leaves provide herbal complexity and a satisfying crunch.
- Parmesan-panko topping offers a golden, savory contrast to the creamy base.
- Bacon (optional) adds smoky, salty notes that round out the casserole.
Ingredients and Equipment
This recipe is designed to serve a crowd and can be easily halved or doubled. Gather your tools and all your ingredients before starting for streamlined preparation.
For the Sweet Potato Mash
- 3.5 pounds (about 1.75 kg) sweet potatoes (3 large or 6 smaller)
- 1/2 cup (115 g) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Browned Butter & Crispy Sage
- 8 ounces (250 g) salted butter, cut into chunks
- 15 fresh sage leaves
For the Topping
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (50 g) finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Crumbled crispy bacon (optional)
Equipment
- Large baking dish (2 quarts/liters capacity)
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet (for potatoes)
- Strainer lined with paper towel
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with foil. Scrub the sweet potatoes, pierce them a few times with a fork, and place on the prepared sheet.
- Bake: Roast until the potatoes are completely tender to the center, about 1 hour 15 minutes for small/medium potatoes or 1 hour 40 minutes for large ones. Check with a knife—it should glide in easily.
- Cool: Remove from oven and cool just until easy to handle, while still warm inside for best mashing.
2. Prepare the Browned Butter and Sage
While the potatoes bake, make the brown butter and crispy sage:
- Melt the butter: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt all 8 ounces of butter.
- Add sage: Once melted and foaming, add fresh sage leaves. Fry, stirring gently, about 1 minute or until sage is deep green and slightly crisp.
- Remove sage: Use tongs or a fork to transfer sage to a paper-towel lined plate. It will crisp as it cools.
- Continue to brown: Leave the butter on the heat, swirling occasionally, until the foam both rises and subsides and brown flecks form on the bottom. The scent will turn nutty and fragrant.
- Strain: Pour the browned butter through a paper-towel lined strainer into a heatproof bowl or measuring cup. Reserve — you’ll have about 3/4 cup (180 ml). Set aside.
3. Make the Panko-Parmesan Topping
- Crumble sage: Crumble or chop the cooled sage leaves and place in a bowl.
- Combine: Add panko, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Drizzle in 1/4 cup of the reserved browned butter. Toss thoroughly to coat breadcrumbs in the butter and aromatic sage.
- Optionally, add minced garlic for a punchier, more savory topping.
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4. Mash the Sweet Potatoes
- Scoop: Slice the baked sweet potatoes lengthwise and scoop the hot flesh into a large mixing bowl.
- Season: Add the sour cream, parmesan, minced garlic, 1/4 cup of the browned butter, salt, and pepper.
- Mash: Use a potato masher or hand mixer for smooth but not gluey consistency. Avoid food processors, as these can make the potatoes gummy.
5. Assemble and Bake
- First Layer: Spoon half the mashed sweet potatoes into your baking dish and smooth with the back of a spoon.
- Butter Swirls: Drizzle over 1/4 cup of the browned butter. Use the spoon to create swirls and crevices that will catch and pool the butter.
- Second Layer: Gently add the remaining mash, spreading without disturbing the pools of butter beneath.
- Topping: Sprinkle the panko-parmesan mixture evenly on top.
- Bake: Place casserole in preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and edges are bubbling.
- Bacon Finish: Scatter crumbled bacon over the top and bake another 5 minutes, if using.
- Use any remaining browned butter to drizzle over the baked casserole for even more flavor (optional, highly recommended).
Tips for the Best Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
- Roast, don’t boil: Baking sweet potatoes concentrates their flavor and avoids watery mash.
- Don’t rush browning: Watch the butter closely—burnt butter will taste acrid. Remove from heat once you see deep golden flecks and a nutty aroma.
- Crispy topping: Use panko for the crunchiest topping. Regular breadcrumbs can be substituted but will create a finer, less substantial crust.
- Taste as you go: The saltiness of your butter, cheese, and bacon can vary. Taste the mash before baking and adjust seasoning to taste.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This savory casserole is ideal as a side for holiday feasts, but it transitions well to any dinner where you want to impress. It’s especially good alongside roasted meats, poultry, or vegetarian mains.
- Add nuts: For extra texture, fold in toasted pecans or walnuts to the topping before baking.
- Herbal twist: Swap sage for rosemary or thyme for a different aromatic profile.
- No bacon? Skip for a vegetarian-friendly dish. The flavors are still robust without it.
- Make-ahead: Assemble casserole through the topping stage, then cover and chill for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
- Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers in the topping.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | 1/8 of the dish |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 320 |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 11g |
| Vitamin A | 206% DV |
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on exact ingredients and topping variations.
Storing and Reheating
- Leftovers: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven, loosely covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. For single servings, use the microwave, though topping may lose some crunch.
- This casserole does not freeze well due to the creamy texture and topping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole in advance?
A: Yes, you can assemble the mashed potatoes and topping up to one day ahead. Refrigerate, then bake just before serving for the best texture.
Q: I don’t eat pork. Is it okay to skip the bacon?
A: Absolutely. The bacon is optional. The dish is deeply flavorful even without it.
Q: Can I use unsalted butter?
A: Yes, use unsalted butter if you prefer. You may wish to increase the salt in the mash to compensate.
Q: What can I substitute for sage?
A: Fresh thyme or rosemary makes an excellent alternative, though the flavor will change slightly. Stick with robust herbs that hold up to frying.
Q: My topping turned out soggy. What happened?
A: This can occur if there’s too much moisture in the casserole or if the topping is overly compressed. Be sure to bake thoroughly until the top is golden and bubbling around the edges, and consider broiling briefly for extra crunch.
Conclusion: A New Classic for the Savory Table
This brown butter sage sweet potato casserole brings new depth to a beloved classic, balancing creamy, earthy sweetness with savory, nutty notes and irresistible crunchy texture. It’s a memorable side guaranteed to become a holiday tradition in your home.
References
- https://www.thegarlicdiaries.com/brown-butter-sage-roasted-sweet-potatoes/
- https://whatagirleats.com/browned-butter-mashed-sweet-potatoes/
- https://www.recipetineats.com/browned-butter-savoury-sweet-potato-casserole/
- https://californiagrown.org/recipes/sweet-potato-casserole-with-pecans/
- https://manmeetsoven.com/sweet-potato-casserole-with-sage/
- https://kjandcompany.co/brown-butter-sweet-potato-casserole/
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