Fall Sweet Potato and Sausage Casserole Recipe

Introduction

There’s a certain magic in turning simple ingredients into a dish that surprises and delights. This Fall Sweet Potato and Sausage Casserole is not just comfort food; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and seasonal charm, perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet nights in.

Ingredients

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1 lb spicy sausage, removed from casings
• 2 medium apples, cored and sliced
• 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then carefully add the sweet potato slices. Parboil for about 8 minutes until they are just tender but still hold their shape. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: While the sweet potatoes cook, heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the spicy sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Step 4: Slice the apples into thin wedges, then toss them with a teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Add a splash of olive oil and stir to coat evenly.
5. Step 5: Layer half of the parboiled sweet potatoes at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cooked sausage, caramelized apples, and a handful of chopped pecans. Repeat the layers once more.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer, then scatter the remaining pecans for added crunch. Cover loosely with foil.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to enhance browning.
8. Step 8: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• For added sweetness, drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the apples before layering.
• Try adding other fall vegetables like Brussels sprouts or butternut squash for extra depth.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute spicy sausage with sweet Italian sausage.
• To make it vegetarian, replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms and add a pinch of smoked paprika.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to maintain a crispy top. You can also microwave individual servings, but the texture may soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Fresh sweet potatoes work best for texture and flavor, but if using frozen, thaw and pat dry before parboiling to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

Fall Sweet Potato and Sausage Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 108 reviews

This Fall Sweet Potato and Sausage Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for cozy autumn nights. Featuring layers of tender sweet potatoes, spicy sausage, cinnamon-coated apples, and crunchy pecans, all topped with melted cheddar cheese, this casserole blends sweet and savory elements beautifully. The recipe combines simple ingredients transformed into a hearty baked dish that highlights the deliciousness of fall flavors.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potatoes and Sausage

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1 lb spicy sausage, removed from casings
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Apples and Toppings

• 2 medium apples, cored and sliced
• 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
• 1 pinch salt, divided
• 1 pinch black pepper, divided
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Parboil Sweet Potatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the sweet potato slices and parboil for about 8 minutes, until they are just tender but still hold their shape. Drain and set them aside.
3. Cook Sausage: While the sweet potatoes are cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the spicy sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Prepare Apples: Slice the apples into thin wedges. Toss them with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of salt, a pinch of black pepper, and a splash of olive oil to coat evenly.
5. Assemble Layers: Place half of the parboiled sweet potatoes at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked sausage, followed by the caramelized apples, and sprinkle with a handful of chopped pecans. Repeat these layers once more.
6. Add Cheese and Pecans: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer. Scatter the remaining pecans on top for added crunch.
7. Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to enhance browning.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to settle and intensify the flavors.

Notes

• You can customize this recipe by adding other fall vegetables like Brussels sprouts for extra depth and nutrition.
• For a sweeter note, try adding a dash of maple syrup to the apple mixture before layering.
• Serve this casserole with a simple green salad to round out the meal.

Keywords: casserole, comfort food, fall, sausage, sweet potatoes