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This savory sweet potato casserole features both sweet potatoes and regular potatoes to give the ultimate side dish for those that don’t like the traditional sweet version. Topped with a crunchy sage butter topping, this savory side dish is divine!

Baked savory sweet potato casserole with a golden breadcrumb topping and sage leaves, served in a white dish with a wooden spoon and a portion plated nearby.
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Savory Sweet Potato Casserole FTW

Move over marshmallows, this savory sweet potato casserole is vying for a place at the table and between you and me, I think it’s going to take first place!

Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet on their own and I’ve always found the traditional sweet potato casserole a little too sweet for me. It felt like you were eating dessert alongside your meal, which I suppose is fine, but I’m a savory casserole girl through and through.

What I love about this savory sweet potato casserole is that it is combined with both sweet potatoes and regular potatoes to balance out the sweetness even more. Don’t skip on the crispy sage butter topping — it elevates the dish and brings a contrasting texture to the smooth sweet potato and potato filling. If you’re looking for a savory spin on the classic sweet potato casserole, give this savory sweet potato casserole a try! It’s a modern twist on a classic and sometimes that’s just what we need!

Make-Ahead Tips

This savory sweet potato casserole is a great candidate for prepping and/or making ahead of time.

Peel and dice your sweet potato and regular potatoes the day before and keep them covered with cold water in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to boil them, drain and add to a large pot with fresh water.

Alternatively, if you choose, you can prep the filling ahead of time. Just don’t make the topping and top the casserole with the breadcrumbs until right before baking otherwise the topping will end up being soggy.

A plate of savory sweet potato casserole filling topped with breadcrumbs and crispy sage leaves, served with a fork on a white plate.

Variations and Substitutions

  • If you prefer to use all sweet potatoes, just replace the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes.
  • If you don’t like sage, you can replace with rosemary or another earthy herb to your liking.
  • Heavy cream or half and half can be used instead of milk to create a richer casserole
  • A great way to add flavor to this casserole is to use spices! You can sprinkle some cinnamon into the filling and mix it together or for a more savory, smokey vibe, add some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to kick up the heat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Allow leftovers to cool then place into an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, portion into a microwave-safe bowl or container and heat until warmed through. Keep in mind the topping won’t be crunchy anymore, but you can easily make more if you’d like!

More Side Dishes to Add to Your Table

If you’re having a large holiday party or any kind of get-together at your house, here are some side dish recipes to add to the menu:

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Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

A modern take on the classic sweet potato casserole and one that will impress!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients 

  • 2 pounds (907 g) sweet potato, peeled and cubed into 2″ cubes
  • 1 pound (454 g) yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped into 2″ cubes
  • ½ cup (114 g) plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 ½ tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 ½ cups (355 ml) warm 2% milk
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 375 °F (191 °C). Lightly grease a 2.5 quart casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a large pot, bring water to a boil, season with salt, and add the sweet potatoes and yukon gold potatoes. Cook until fork tender, about 10 minutes.
    2 pounds (907 g) sweet potato, 1 pound (454 g) yukon gold potatoes
    A pot filled with chunks of cooked sweet potatoes and potatoes, surrounded by fresh sage leaves, a dish of salt and pepper, and a bowl of breadcrumbs.
  • Carefully drain the potatoes and put through a potato ricer or mash together with a potato masher in a large bowl.
    A glass bowl of mashed potatoes with a potato masher, surrounded by spices, salt, pepper, and fresh sage leaves on a countertop.
  • Melt ½ cup (114g) butter in a small pot on stove and add the sage. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, careful not to burn it.
    1/2 cup (114 g) plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh sage
    A saucepan with melted butter and foam, stirred by a spoon, sits on a cork mat. Salt, pepper, sage leaves, and breadcrumbs are arranged nearby.
  • Pour milk with butter mixture over potatoes and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
    1 1/2 cups (355 ml) warm 2% milk, Salt and pepper
    A bowl of mashed sweet potatoes with milk being poured in, surrounded by a bowl of breadcrumbs, fresh sage, and a plate of salt and pepper.
  • Add the butter and sage mixture. Stir to thoroughly combine.
    A glass bowl with mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter with herbs being poured in, and a masher beside it; salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs are nearby.
  • In a medium, microwave safe bowl, melt remaining 2 tbsp. (28g) butter and add the panko. Mix until all breadcrumbs have been moistened.
    1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • Pour potato mixture into prepared casserole dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
    An oval white baking dish filled with sweet potato casserole topped with breadcrumb mixture; spoon adding more crumbs. A plate with salt and pepper and fresh sage leaves nearby.
  • Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until mixture is bubbly. If topping is browning too quickly, tent with foil.
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool before serving.

Notes

If you’re feeling fancy, feel free to fry up sage leaves and use as topping.
Source: Martha Stewart
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Nutrition

Serving: 1serving (256 grams), Calories: 397kcal, Carbohydrates: 54g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 45mg, Sodium: 191mg, Potassium: 945mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 11g

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe.

The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.

Photographs by Meg McKeehan Photography

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23 Comments

  1. Ginny says:

    I just wanted to say that I found this recipe 2 years ago and it has been one of the favorites that I have gotten from Pinterest. Simple and elegant dish but such a comfort food as well. This will be on my table every holiday! Thank you for sharing. :)