Healthy Apple Sweet Potato Bake

In our opinion, apples and sweet potatoes go together like peanut butter and jelly. Combine these two ingredients in one dish and everyone will be happy. Sweet potato and apple casserole is a wholesome, flavor-packed side dish or dessert perfect for the holiday —or any time, especially in the fall and winter. Here’s how to make it. 

Ingredients for Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole

• Cooked sweet potatoes: Prepare your sweet potatoes by boiling or baking them before adding them to the casserole (or use canned sweet potatoes).
• Tart apples: Feel free to use your favorite type of apple here, except for Red Delicious—these get too mushy. 
• Brown sugar: The deep caramel flavor of brown sugar pairs well with sweet potatoes and apples.
• Ground nutmeg: Nutmeg adds warmth and richness to sweet potato and apple casserole.
• Ground allspice: Ground allspice really rounds out the sweet and savory flavor profile of this dish.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferable since this gives you better control of the overall flavor of this casserole.

Directions

Step 1: Layer the potatoes and apples

In a greased 1-1/2 quart baking dish, layer half of the sweet potatoes and apples.

Step 2: Combine the other ingredients and layer

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, nutmeg, allspice, salt and pepper. Sprinkle half over sweet potatoes and apples and dot with half the butter. Repeat these layers.

Step 3: Cover and bake

Cover and bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Baste with pan juices. Bake, uncovered, 15 minutes longer or until the apples are tender.

Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole Variations

• Add cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon infuses this casserole with a bit more warmth and sweetness.
• Top with pecans: Crunchy pecans add a nice texture to sweet potato and apple casserole. Brown the pecans in butter before adding them as a topping to give them a richer, nuttier flavor.

How to Store Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole

After cooking your sweet potato and apple casserole, let the dish cool completely and store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It will last for three to four days.

Can you freeze sweet potato and apple casserole?

Yes, but be sure to leave off the toppings. Prepare the recipe as directed, up until the step where the casserole should go in the oven; don’t add any toppings. Then, stick the dish in a freezer-safe container. It’ll stay good for at least three months as long as it’s completely sealed.  Bake it in the oven whenever you’d like.

Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole Tips

How do I make sure my sweet potato and apple casserole doesn’t turn out soggy?

Bake your sweet potatoes and use crisp, tart apples to ensure this casserole doesn’t have a soggy texture.

Can I double this recipe for sweet potato casserole?

Yes, you can double this recipe. Use two pans rather than trying to cram everything into one pan.

Can I serve sweet potato casserole as a main dish?

Sweet potato and apple casserole is more of a dessert or holiday side dish. However, you can serve it with roasted turkey or chicken along with a garden salad.