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Creamy Cheesy Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe – Best Crunchy Topping

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This creamy cheesy mashed sweet potato casserole features a velvety sweet potato base blended with tangy cheeses and topped with a crunchy mix of panko, pecans, and Parmesan. It’s the ultimate comfort food side dish, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Peel and cube sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
  2. Place sweet potato cubes in a large pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
  3. Return drained sweet potatoes to the pot. Mash with a potato masher or beat with an electric mixer until smooth (leave a few chunks for rustic texture if desired).
  4. Add cream cheese, heavy cream, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir until fully combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, chopped pecans, melted butter, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until evenly coated.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  7. Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the crunchy topping evenly over the surface and press down gently.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. If needed, broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the top (watch closely).
  9. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs in the topping. For vegan, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Toast pecans for extra crunch. Taste and adjust seasoning before baking. The casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers freeze well and flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, holiday side, Thanksgiving, crunchy topping, mashed sweet potatoes, potluck recipe

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