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Irresistible Brown Butter Sage Sweet Potato Casserole

brown butter sage sweet potato casserole - featured image

A rich, creamy sweet potato casserole layered with nutty brown butter, crispy sage, and a crunchy pecan topping. Perfect for holiday dinners or comforting weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large sweet potatoes or 5 medium ones, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
  • A handful of fresh sage leaves
  • 1/3 cup whole milk or plant-based milk
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • A drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

  1. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into equally sized chunks (about 1-inch). Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
  2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Keep stirring until the butter turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, about 5-6 minutes. Add the fresh sage leaves and let them sizzle until crispy, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl. Mash thoroughly using a potato masher or fork until smooth. Leave a few chunks for texture if preferred.
  4. Add brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and the browned butter (reserve the sage leaves for topping). Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the chopped pecans, breadcrumbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
  6. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in your baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan and breadcrumb topping over the surface. Arrange the crispy sage leaves on top for a beautiful finish.
  7. Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.
  8. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors!

Notes

[‘Don’t rush the brown butter process to achieve the nutty, caramelized flavor.’, ‘Use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.’, ‘Toast the pecans and breadcrumbs lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the casserole for extra crunch.’, ‘Prep the filling and topping separately to make the dish ahead of time.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, brown butter, sage, holiday side dish, gluten-free, Thanksgiving recipe, comfort food