Sweet Potato With Creamy, Cheesy Bacon Topping
This Sweet Potato with Creamy, Cheesy Bacon Topping is a comforting dish that’s perfect for cold weather or as a holiday side. The creamy, cheesy layer adds a rich depth to the naturally sweet and earthy flavor of the sweet potatoes. Whether you use mashed potatoes, pumpkin, or a mix of all three, the recipe is versatile and works wonderfully with leftovers, though they might need a little extra cooking time to heat through completely.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet potato | 1 large |
| Sour cream | 1/4 cup |
| Nutmeg | 1/8 tsp |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Cheddar cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Bacon (diced) | 2 slices |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 357.3 kcal |
| Fat | 19.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 121.7 mg |
| Sodium | 306.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 7.2 g |
| Protein | 11 g |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 (or more, depending on serving size)
Instructions
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Boil the Sweet Potato: Begin by boiling the sweet potato until it is tender. This should take approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the potato. To check for doneness, pierce the sweet potato with a fork; if it slides in easily, it’s ready.
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Prepare the Mashed Sweet Potato: Drain the boiled sweet potato and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Mash the potato with the sour cream, adding salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste. The nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the potato.
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Transfer to a Casserole Dish: Once the sweet potatoes are mashed, spoon them into a casserole dish (approximately 9 inches by 9 inches). Smooth out the surface with a spatula to create an even layer. This will be the base for your cheesy bacon topping.
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Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and cream, adding salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will add richness to the dish and help bind everything together. Gently pour this egg mixture over the mashed sweet potatoes. Tilt the casserole dish to ensure the mixture covers the sweet potato evenly.
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Add the Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese generously over the top, ensuring the entire surface is covered. Next, scatter the diced bacon evenly over the cheese. The bacon will cook as the dish bakes, adding a crispy texture and savory flavor to each bite.
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Bake the Dish: Preheat your oven to 190°C (350°F). Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture has set. You can test this by gently shaking the dish—if the center is firm, it’s ready.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. The sweet and savory flavors meld together perfectly, making this dish an unforgettable side for any meal.
Tips & Variations:
- Leftovers: If you’re using leftover sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes, adjust the cooking time to allow the dish to heat through. Leftovers might need an additional 10-15 minutes in the oven.
- Other Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the sweet potatoes for mashed pumpkin or a mix of mashed root vegetables. The recipe works well with any of these.
- Extra Flavor: For additional flavor, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the egg mixture before pouring it over the mash.
This dish is a crowd-pleaser, and whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or as a weeknight dinner, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
