Ingredients
Equipment
Method
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.
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.
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.
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.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the sweet potato and apple mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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.
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.
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.
Notes
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!