Sweet potatoes and apples make the perfect pair. Their natural sweetness blends beautifully, creating a dish that feels cozy and comforting.
That’s why I love making Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole Recipe during the fall and holiday season. It’s warm, slightly spiced, and filled with rich flavors. The soft, caramelized layers melt in your mouth with every bite.
I make this dish for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a simple weeknight dinner. It’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
The best part? It’s versatile. I can adjust the sweetness, add crunchy toppings, or even make it healthier. If you love sweet and savory dishes, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s get cooking!
Why You Will Love This Recipe?
You’ll love this Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole Recipe because it’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and comforting flavors.
The soft, caramelized layers of sweet potatoes and apples melt in your mouth, while warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg make every bite feel like a cozy hug.
It’s easy to make, versatile, and works for both everyday meals and special occasions. Whether you keep it simple or add crunchy pecans or a sweet topping, this dish always turns out delicious.
Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, so you can enjoy it without guilt. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
How to prepare Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole Recipe?
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 6 servings
Equipment Needed:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large saucepan
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Small saucepan
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2½ pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 large apples (Granny Smith or your favorite variety), peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- Salt, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by placing the cubed sweet potatoes in a large saucepan and covering them with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are just tender.
You don’t want them fully cooked because they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Apples:
While the sweet potatoes are cooking, peel, core, and cut the apples into small chunks.
I like using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, but feel free to choose any apple variety you prefer.
3. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sweet potatoes, chopped apples, melted butter, dark brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Toss everything together until the potatoes and apples are well coated in the mixture.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the sweet potato and apple mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake Covered:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. This will allow the apples to soften and the flavors to meld.
7. Add the Topping:
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the casserole.
Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crispy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs perfectly with any roasted meats or can be enjoyed as a stand-alone side dish.
Nutrition Facts per Serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 25g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
Serving Suggestions:
- This sweet potato and apple casserole is the perfect addition to any holiday dinner. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or pork.
- I also love serving it alongside a green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness.
- For a festive touch, top it off with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving!
Tips and Variations:
- Apple Choice: While Granny Smith apples are my go-to for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter twist.
- Nut Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try using chopped walnuts or slivered almonds for a different texture.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare this casserole a day ahead of time. Just assemble it, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Vegan Version: To make this dish vegan-friendly, substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and replace the maple syrup with agave nectar.
Health Benefits:
- This sweet potato and apple casserole is not just delicious; it’s packed with health benefits.
- Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A and fiber, which support eye health and digestion.
- Apples are a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which help boost immunity.
- Pecans add healthy fats that support heart health, while cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
- With its combination of wholesome ingredients, this casserole is a tasty and nutritious side dish!
Can You Eat This Recipe Every Day?
You can definitely enjoy this Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole Recipe often, but moderation is key. It’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and natural sweetness, making it a nutritious choice.
However, if you add a lot of sugar, butter, or marshmallows, it becomes more of a treat than an everyday dish. To make it daily-friendly, I reduce the sweeteners, use healthy fats like coconut oil, and add nuts or seeds for extra nutrition.
It pairs well with proteins like grilled chicken or fish, turning it into a balanced meal. If you love it as much as I do, tweaking the ingredients can make it a regular part of your menu without guilt!
Note:
Feel free to adjust the sweetness based on your preference. If you like a sweeter dish, add a little more brown sugar or maple syrup.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more savory version, reduce the sugar and skip the syrup. The beauty of this casserole is its versatility!
Conclusion:
This sweet potato and apple casserole recipe is a perfect blend of flavors that I keep coming back to. It’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit at any table.
Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a comforting dinner at home, it’s a dish everyone will love. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and that it becomes a go-to recipe in your kitchen too!