Name: Savoury Sweet Potato Casserole with Crispy Sage and Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.75kg / 3.5lb sweet potato (3 large or 6 smaller ones); 1/2 cup (115g) sour cream; 1/2 cup (50g) parmesan, freshly grated; 2 garlic cloves, finely minced; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 250g / 8oz butter, salted, cut into 2cm/1″ cubes; 15 sage leaves; 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup (50g) parmesan, finely grated; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 150g / 5oz bacon, streaky, cooked until golden then finely chopped

I’m so excited to share this Savoury Sweet Potato Casserole with Crispy Sage and Bacon Recipe with you. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug—comforting, rich, and just the right balance of sweet and savory. The combination of silky mashed sweet potatoes with nutty parmesan, golden browned butter infused with crispy sage, plus the irresistible crunch and smokiness of bacon makes this casserole a total crowd-pleaser, especially during cozy fall and winter dinners.

Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a weekend family gathering, or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner game, this casserole works like a charm. I love making it when I want something a little extra special but still easy to throw together. You’ll find that this Savoury Sweet Potato Casserole with Crispy Sage and Bacon Recipe not only tastes incredible but is also super satisfying to prepare and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a delicious role—from the natural sweetness of the potatoes to the earthy sage and smoky bacon. Let’s talk about the essentials and how to pick the best for your casserole.

Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, bright sweet potatoes without blemishes for the best texture and sweetness.
Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the natural sweetness perfectly.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated gives the richest flavor and melts beautifully into the mash and topping.
Garlic cloves: Mince finely so you get that fragrant flavor without any surprises of biting into big chunks.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out all the flavors harmoniously.
Butter (salted): For browning—this adds a deep, nutty flavor that makes the sage and bacon shine.
Sage leaves: Use fresh if you can; frying them crisp adds a wonderful aroma and texture.
Panko breadcrumbs: These keep the topping light and crunchy, a great contrast to the soft mash.
Bacon (streaky): Cook until golden and crisp for that smoky, savory kick that balances the sweet potatoes beautifully.

Variations

I love how flexible this Savoury Sweet Potato Casserole with Crispy Sage and Bacon Recipe can be. You can easily personalize it to suit your mood or dietary needs—here are some of my favorite tweaks.

Vegetarian option: Swap the bacon for toasted walnuts or smoked paprika roasted chickpeas—both add texture and that savory punch I crave.
Herb swap: If you don’t have sage, rosemary or thyme crisped in browned butter works wonderfully too; each gives a unique flavor twist.
Dairy-free variation: Use coconut yogurt instead of sour cream and a vegan cheese alternative; the browned butter flavor can come from a plant-based butter.
Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or smoked chili flakes in the mash adds a subtle heat I enjoy on colder nights.

How to Make Savoury Sweet Potato Casserole with Crispy Sage and Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Boil the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling and chopping your sweet potatoes into even chunks—this helps them cook evenly. Toss them into a pot of cold, salted water and bring to a boil. From experience, I find that boiling just right is key: too soft and they become watery, too firm and the mash won’t be creamy. About 15-20 minutes until fork-tender is perfect for smooth, fluffy mash.

Step 2: Mash and Season the Sweet Potatoes

Drain the potatoes well and get them back in the pot or a large bowl. While still hot, add the sour cream, freshly grated parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. I use a potato masher to gently mash everything together, aiming for a slightly chunky texture—not too smooth. Taste-test here! This is where you make sure your base is cooked to perfection.

Step 3: Make Browned Butter and Crispy Sage

In a small pan over medium heat, melt the cubed salted butter slowly. Keep an eye on it as it starts foaming, then browning—look for a nutty aroma and small brown specks at the bottom. This usually takes about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, then add fresh sage leaves and swirl the butter around to crisp them up for about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn; sage should become just crispy and fragrant. Pour this magical brown butter over your mashed sweet potatoes and stir gently to combine.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

Cook your streaky bacon in a pan until golden and crispy, then chop finely. In a bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with finely grated parmesan, salt, and pepper. Combine this mixture with the bacon pieces. This topping creates a perfect crunchy, savory cap for your casserole that I always look forward to.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spoon the sweet potato mash into a buttered baking dish, smoothing the top. Evenly sprinkle the bacon and breadcrumb topping over the surface. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbling at the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to let all those flavors settle.

How to Serve Savoury Sweet Potato Casserole with Crispy Sage and Bacon Recipe

A white oval dish holds a layered casserole with two main visible layers. The bottom layer is a smooth, bright orange mash spread evenly across the dish. The top layer is a crumbly, golden-brown crust mixed with small bits of crispy reddish-brown pieces, such as bacon or similar, and green herbs scattered throughout. On top of the crumb topping, some whole green sage leaves are placed decoratively. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a light gray cloth napkin on the side and a small white bowl with extra reddish-brown pieces blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to add a handful of additional crispy sage leaves on top just before serving for that extra crunch and herbal aroma. A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley also brightens the presentation and adds a fresh note that balances the richness nicely.

Side Dishes

This casserole is beautiful alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For bigger meals, it pairs wonderfully with roast chicken or pork—those savory meats complement the sweet and smoky flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner party, which felt so elegant and made guests feel special. Plus, it’s a great way to control portions. For holidays, I sometimes top with a sprinkle of toasted pecans for an extra festive crunch that no one expects!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, I let any leftovers cool to room temperature before covering tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Storing in the fridge keeps the casserole fresh for up to 3 days. The texture holds up really well if you’re mindful when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole both before and after baking, though I recommend freezing pre-baked for best texture. Portion it into airtight containers or freezer-safe dishes, and it keeps nicely for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking to crisp the topping.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the dish with foil and warm in a 170°C (340°F) oven for about 20 minutes, then uncover for 5-10 minutes to refresh the crispy topping. This method helps maintain the creamy mash without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I make this Savoury Sweet Potato Casserole with Crispy Sage and Bacon Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap out the sour cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt, use vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for flavor, and replace the butter with a vegan margarine or oil. For the bacon, try smoky tempeh bacon or crispy smoked mushrooms. The recipe is flexible and still tastes amazing.
Is it possible to prepare the casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the mashed sweet potatoes and topping separately, store them in the fridge, then assemble and bake the day you want to serve. This saves time on busy days while keeping flavors fresh.
What’s the secret to crispy sage leaves?

Fry fresh sage leaves in hot browned butter for about a minute until they become brittle but not burnt. Remove immediately and drain on paper towels to keep that lovely crispiness.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

You can, but panko gives a lighter, crunchier topping which contrasts nicely with the soft mash. Regular breadcrumbs might get a bit denser or soggier, so if you only have those, consider toasting them first for extra crunch.
How do I store leftover cooked bacon for this recipe?

Cook the bacon until crispy, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat briefly in a pan or microwave before adding to the topping to keep that crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Savoury Sweet Potato Casserole with Crispy Sage and Bacon Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen and my heart. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a little celebration every time I serve it. I hope you’ll love making it as much as I do—it brings so much warmth, flavor, and a bit of elegance to any meal without fuss. Go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy every delicious bite with the people you care about!