Sweet Potato Casserole with Spinach and Cheese Recipe

Easy Sweet Potato Casserole with Spinach and Cheese Recipe

Nestled between comfort and nutrition, this sweet potato casserole blends unexpected ingredients into a delightful culinary experience.

Creamy cheese melts perfectly around tender spinach leaves.

Nutritional powerhouses combine in one spectacular dish that surprises and satisfies.

Vibrant orange sweet potatoes create a luscious base for green spinach and golden cheese.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become more exciting with this unique recipe.

Home cooks appreciate simple techniques that deliver maximum flavor.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this remarkable casserole that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Why Sweet Potato Casserole Feels Like Comfort

  • Craft Nutrient-Packed Comfort: Elevate classic casserole with nutritious sweet potatoes and vibrant spinach for a wholesome twist on traditional side dishes.
  • Customize for Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday meals where guests appreciate hearty, satisfying vegetable-based recipes.
  • Layer with Luxurious Textures: Combine creamy sweet potato rounds, wilted spinach, and crispy breadcrumb topping to create a multi-dimensional dining experience that delights every bite.
  • Master Stress-Free Cooking: Minimal prep steps and straightforward technique make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring consistent delicious results.

What Goes In Sweet Potato Casserole

Base Vegetables:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that provide a rich, creamy foundation for the casserole.
  • Spinach: Fresh leafy green that adds nutritional value and vibrant color to the dish.
Dairy Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that create a smooth, luxurious sauce.
  • Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheeses that melt beautifully and add depth of flavor.
Aromatics and Seasoning:
  • Garlic, Green Onions: Flavorful additions that enhance the overall taste profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's flavors.
Binding and Topping:
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps sauté garlic and spinach.
  • Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy, golden-brown topping for textural contrast.

Step-By-Step Sweet Potato Casserole Guide

Step 1: Prepare Sweet Potatoes

Scrub the sweet potatoes clean under running water. Using a fork, poke several holes all over the surface to help steam escape during roasting.

Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and roast at 375°F for 45-50 minutes until they become tender when pierced with a knife.

Step 2: Cool and Slice Potatoes

Remove the roasted sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Once comfortable to handle, slice the potatoes into thin, even rounds. Arrange these rounds in a single layer across a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 3: Sauté Spinach

In a skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden.

Toss in fresh spinach leaves and cook quickly until they wilt and turn a vibrant green color. Spread the wilted spinach evenly over the sweet potato layer.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Heavy cream
  • Sour cream
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined. Gently pour the cream sauce over the spinach and sweet potato layers, allowing it to seep between the potato rounds.

Step 5: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the entire surface, ensuring complete coverage. In a separate small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.

Scatter this crispy mixture evenly over the cheese layer.

Step 6: Bake and Finish

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Look for the cheese to become melted and bubbly, with the breadcrumb topping turning a beautiful golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and immediately garnish with chopped green onions for a burst of fresh flavor and color.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together and allows the dish to set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

Tips To Make Sweet Potato Casserole Shine

  • Choose sweet potatoes with smooth, firm skin for the best roasting results.
  • Quickly drain excess liquid from spinach to prevent a watery casserole texture.
  • Allow sweet potatoes to cool slightly before slicing to make handling easier and prevent burning.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or gouda for unique flavor profiles.
  • Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed nuts for a gluten-free and crunchy alternative topping.

Flavor Twists For Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Herb-Infused Potato Paradise: Replace spinach with a blend of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage, creating an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired casserole that brings robust herbal notes to the dish.
  • Smoky Bacon Potato Feast: Crisp and crumble bacon over the layers, adding a savory and smoky dimension that complements the sweet potatoes and creates a rich, indulgent experience.
  • Mushroom Swiss Potato Medley: Swap spinach for sautéed wild mushrooms and Swiss cheese, introducing an earthy and umami-packed variation that elevates the casserole with sophisticated flavors.

What To Serve With Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to cut through the rich, creamy cheese and complement the sweet potato's natural sweetness.
  • Complement with Fresh Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heaviness and provide a zesty, refreshing contrast to the dish's creamy texture.
  • Match with Roasted Chicken: Serve alongside herb-roasted chicken breast, which offers lean protein and mild flavors that won't overpower the casserole's delicate spinach and cheese profile.
  • Enhance with Crispy Prosciutto: Garnish with thin, crispy prosciutto strips to add a salty, crunchy element that elevates the dish's texture and introduces a savory depth to the overall flavor.

How To Store Sweet Potato Casserole Properly

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or sealed lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date to track storage time.
  • Microwave Reheat: Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add splash of cream if mixture seems dry.
  • Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent top from burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.

Sweet Potato Casserole FAQs, Answered

  • Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, squeeze out excess moisture from thawed frozen spinach before using to prevent a watery casserole.

  • How do I know if sweet potatoes are properly roasted?

They should be tender when pierced with a knife and have slightly caramelized edges, with soft interior.

  • Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Prepare and assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

  • Can I substitute the dairy ingredients for healthier alternatives?

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

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Sweet Potato Casserole with Spinach and Cheese Recipe

Sweet Potato Casserole with Spinach and Cheese Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 90-95 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Cheesy sweet potato casserole blends rich flavors from Mediterranean kitchens into a comforting dish that delights taste buds. Creamy layers of spinach and melted cheese create a satisfying meal perfect for weekend gatherings or weeknight dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 large sweet potatoes
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Cream:

  • 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 0.25 cup (40 grams) chopped green onions

Topping:

  • 0.5 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup (25 grams) grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F and prepare sweet potatoes by washing thoroughly, then creating multiple fork punctures to facilitate steam release during roasting.
  2. Position sweet potatoes directly on oven rack, roasting for 45-50 minutes until easily pierced with a knife, then allow to cool slightly.
  3. Cut roasted sweet potatoes into uniform thin rounds, arranging them in a single layer within a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  4. Melt butter in a skillet, sauté minced garlic until aromatic, then quickly wilt spinach leaves until they reduce and maintain a vibrant green color.
  5. Distribute wilted spinach evenly across the sweet potato layer, ensuring complete coverage.
  6. Create a creamy mixture by whisking heavy cream, sour cream, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well integrated.
  7. Gently pour the cream mixture over spinach and sweet potato layers, allowing it to penetrate between potato rounds.
  8. Completely cover the surface with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
  9. Create a crispy topping by mixing breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, then sprinkling evenly across the cheese layer.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts completely, becomes bubbly, and the topping turns golden brown.
  11. Immediately after removing from oven, garnish with freshly chopped green onions to enhance flavor and visual appeal.
  12. Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and settle before serving.

Notes

  • Prep sweet potatoes ahead by roasting them whole, which intensifies their natural sweetness and makes peeling easier.
  • Replace heavy cream with lighter alternatives like Greek yogurt or milk for a lower-fat version that maintains creamy texture.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts like almonds for a celiac-friendly or low-carb topping option.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère or goat cheese to create unique flavor profiles that complement the sweet potatoes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 75-80 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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