Savoury Sweet Potato Casserole with Crispy Sage and Bacon Recipe

If you’re like me and have a soft spot for comfort food with a little gourmet flair, then this Savoury Sweet Potato Casserole with Crispy Sage and Bacon Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s one of those dishes that feels cozy and indulgent but brings so much depth with buttery sage and crispy bacon bits. I love making it for family dinners because it always gets people asking for seconds—it’s like sweet meets savory in the most delightful way.

What makes this recipe stand out is that perfect balance between the creamy sweet potato mash and the crunchy, aromatic topping that includes browned butter and sage. Whether you’re preparing a special holiday meal or just want to jazz up your weeknight side dishes, this Savoury Sweet Potato Casserole with Crispy Sage and Bacon Recipe will elevate your plate and keep everyone happy. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how these ingredients come together to create a harmonious balance—sweet potatoes give you that natural sweetness and creaminess, browned butter adds nuttiness, and the crispy sage and bacon bring the perfect savory crunch. When shopping, look for firm sweet potatoes and fresh sage leaves for the best results!

• Sweet potato: Use firm, unblemished ones; they roast beautifully and mash up creamy.
• Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and creaminess, balancing the sweetness.
• Parmesan: Grated fresh is best—it melts nicely and boosts the umami flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Finely minced to infuse gentle savoriness without overpowering.
• Salt and black pepper: Keep these measured and adjust to taste, crucial for bringing out all the flavors.
• Salted butter: Choose quality butter for browning; the saltiness complements the bacon.
• Sage leaves: Fresh leaves crisp up beautifully and add an irresistible aroma.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Provide an airy, crunchy topping that contrasts the creamy mash.
• Bacon (streaky): Cooked until golden for crispy, smoky pieces that sprinkle perfectly on top.

Variations

I love to mix things up depending on the season or my mood, and this Savoury Sweet Potato Casserole with Crispy Sage and Bacon Recipe is great for that. Feel free to swap or add ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs—you really can’t go wrong.

• Make it vegetarian: I sometimes leave out the bacon and add toasted walnuts or crispy fried onions instead—still delicious and full of texture.
• Swap bacon for pancetta: It adds a slightly different smoky flavor that my family loved when I tried it last Christmas.
• Whole grain panko: For a nuttier topping, I occasionally use whole grain panko breadcrumbs—it adds even more texture.
• Add spices: A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of nutmeg in the mash gives it a little twist that surprises and delights guests.

How to Make Savoury Sweet Potato Casserole with Crispy Sage and Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). I like to line a baking tray with foil to make cleanup easier and place whole sweet potatoes right on it. Bake them for about 1 hour 15 minutes for smaller ones or up to 1 hour 40 minutes for larger potatoes. You’ll know they’re done when a knife slides in easily without resistance. This slow roasting brings out their natural sweetness and ensures a smooth mash—patience here really pays off!

Step 2: Brown the Butter and Crisp the Sage Leaves

While the potatoes roast, place your salted butter in a large pan over medium heat. As it melts, it will start to foam—that’s when I add the sage leaves. Cook them for about a minute until golden and crispy, then fish each leaf out carefully and let them drain on paper towels. It’s important to keep browning the butter until you see those beautiful brown specks form on the bottom and it smells nutty—this is the magic flavor booster! Finally, strain the browned butter to get rid of any burnt bits and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Bacon and Topping Mix

Cook your streaky bacon until golden and crispy—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes in a skillet. Drain on paper towels, then finely chop it. For the topping, crumble your crisped sage leaves in a bowl, then mix in panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a quarter cup of that luscious browned butter you made earlier. This combo is what gives the casserole that irresistible crunch and flavor contrast.

Step 4: Mash the Sweet Potatoes with Love

Once your sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle—still piping hot inside!—slice them open and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Add the remaining browned butter, sour cream, parmesan, salt, and pepper. I like to mash by hand or use an electric beater here to get a smooth texture. Be careful if you use a food processor, as over-processing can make the mash gluey, and nobody wants that. The goal is a creamy, luscious base to build on.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake Your Casserole

Grab a 2-liter baking dish and spread half the sweet potato mash evenly. Use the back of a spoon to create gentle swirls—those little wells are perfect for catching pools of browned butter, adding pockets of rich flavor. Drizzle a quarter cup of browned butter over this layer, then cover it with the rest of the mash, trying not to disturb the butter too much. Finally, sprinkle the topping evenly and bake for 25 minutes until the top turns beautifully golden and the edges bubble merrily. Add the chopped bacon on top, pop it back in for another 5 minutes, and if you’ve got leftover browned butter, drizzle it over before serving for an extra special touch.

How to Serve Savoury Sweet Potato Casserole with Crispy Sage and Bacon Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of extra crisped sage and a few fresh sage leaves for color and aroma. Sometimes, a dash of flaky sea salt on top just before serving takes it over the edge. It’s simple but adds that extra pop that makes guests go “Wow!”

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, I love pairing this casserole with roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. It balances the richness perfectly. It also works beautifully alongside roasted chicken or pork tenderloin for something heartier.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve served this in individual ramekins topped with a single crispy sage leaf and a shard of bacon, making it feel extra-special. Another time, I layered the filling in mini cast iron skillets for a rustic yet elegant look. It’s such a crowd-pleaser however you present it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge for up to three days. It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave, though I prefer the oven to keep the topping crisp. Just cover loosely with foil to avoid drying out the mash.

Freezing

Freezing works really well if you assemble but haven’t baked yet. I freeze it in an airtight container for up to a month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual. The texture remains creamy, and the crispiness from the topping is almost as good as fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the topping is crisp again. Microwaves work in a pinch but can make the topping soggy. A quick broil at the end can also revive crunch if needed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Savoury Sweet Potato Casserole with Crispy Sage and Bacon Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate—it’s deliciously creamy, packed with flavor, and has that satisfying crunch that makes every bite memorable. Making it has become a favorite ritual for me, especially around colder months when we all crave that extra comfort. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try and sharing it with people you love; it’s one of those recipes that builds memories around the table. So grab your sweet potatoes and bacon, and let’s get baking—you’re going to adore how it turns out!

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