This Sweet Potato Apple Casserole is a nostalgic nod to autumn gatherings. It is simple enough for a weeknight, yet special enough for your holiday table. It will become your new Thanksgiving tradition.
If you are looking for new and delicious sweet potatoes recipes, then try my Sweet Potatoes with Maple Syrup and my Gnocchi made with Sweet Potatoes. They will become family favorites.
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Why this Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole is a Keeper
My side dish balances tender sweet potatoes with tart apples, all wrapped in a buttery brown sugar glaze and finished with a crunchy pecan topping. Think of it as part side dish, part dessert and entirely irresistible.
- Combines Textures and Flavors: It perfectly balances the creamy texture and earthiness of sweet potatoes with the tartness and firmness of cooking apples.
- Not Too Sweet: Unlike some sweet potato casseroles, this recipe avoids a heavy, gooey marshmallow or condensed milk topping, letting the natural sweetness of the potatoes and apples shine through, enhanced by the brown sugar and spices.
- Is an Easy Prep Side: It requires minimal mashing or complex layering, making it a relatively quick and straightforward side dish for holidays or weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a comforting, aromatic dish that appeals to both adults and children, often serving as a dual side dish and dessert.
Do I Have to Par-Boil the Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, for this recipe, parboiling the sweet potatoes is important. It ensures they’re tender enough to cook evenly with the apples in the oven, without becoming mushy. Skipping the boil could leave you with firm or unevenly cooked chunks after baking.
Pro Tip to Roast
Cut the apples and sweet potatoes into even ½ inch cubes. This helps them cook evenly and ensures the apples stay tender-crisp while the sweet potatoes soften perfectly.
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Ingredient Notes for Side Dish Casserole Recipe
This old fashioned sweet potato is a nice change from candied sweet potatoes but offers the same sweet and savory flavor. It is wholesome and delicious.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Sweet Potatoes: Provide hearty texture and natural sweetness; they’re the base of the casserole and hold up well to baking.
- Cooking Apples: Add tartness and juiciness to balance the sweet potatoes; they soften and meld into the dish for contrast.
- Chopped Pecans: Provide crunch and a nutty finish; they contrast the soft texture and add visual appeal.
Variations and Substitutions for Sweet Potato Apple Casserole
You can add a splash of orange juice to the dish. The natural tartness cuts through the richness of butter and brown sugar, preventing the dish from tasting overly sweet.
- Apples: Substitute with pears for a similar texture and a slightly different sweetness.
- Sugar: Use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar, or reduce the amount if you prefer less sweetness.
- Nuts: Substitute pecans with walnuts or slivered almonds, or omit them entirely for a nut-free dish.
- Spice: Add a sprinkle of ground ginger or allspice to enhance the warm, holiday flavor profile. A sprinkle of salt and pepper will enhance the flavor.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Apples
My apple sweet potato casserole is perfect for Thanksgiving or any chilly night you want something warm, nostalgic, and easy to make for home cooks.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Boil the Sweet Potatoes: First, peel and cube sweet potatoes, then bring to a boil in a saucepan for 15 minutes until just tender.
- Mix in the Prepared Baking Dish: Next, drain potatoes and add to a greased 9×13 dish. Toss with cubed apples and flour.
- Add the Sugar and Butter Glaze: Stir melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Drizzle over the potato and apple mix.
- Bake and Top: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes until the apples are tender and golden brown. ( place sweet potato casserole dish on a baking sheet to catch any bubble over and drippings. Sprinkle with chopped pecans before serving.
Make Ahead Suggestions for the Holiday Side Dish
You can prepare this sweet and savory dish in advance. This a great addition to your holiday menu. It is an easy twist on a classic sweet potato casserole. There are layers of sweet flavors.
- Par-Boil Sweet Potato Slices: The most time-consuming step can be done up to a day in advance. Par-boil, drain, and cool the sweet potatoes. Store them (covered) in the refrigerator.
- Prep Apple Slices: Peel and slice the apples and sweet potatoes and mix them together. Store them in the refrigerator. Apples brown when cut, so you may want to do this closer to baking time, or toss the cut apples with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Combine and Refrigerate: Assemble the entire traditional sweet potato casserole in the casserole dish (including the butter/sugar mixture and flour), cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Easy Sweet Potato Bake
If you are tired of baked sweet potatoes and want to try a new sweet and savory side dish than you have to give this recipe a try. You can always make changes in how you cook it you like, try:
- Slow Cooker: Place all ingredients into a slow cooker insert after draining the potatoes. Cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours, or until the potatoes and apples are fork-tender. Add the pecans just before serving. This is a perfect method for thanksgiving dinner.
- Instant Pot: This method is best for par-boiling. Cook the chopped sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot with water for 3 minutes on HIGH pressure with a quick release. Then transfer the potatoes to the baking dish to continue with the rest of the oven steps.
Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Thanksgiving Side Dish
After serving them on your thanksgiving table you can store the dish for later.
- Store: Store leftovers in the original baking dish (covered tightly) or transfer to an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Cover with aluminum foil place in the oven and bake. The best method is in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings, but this may affect the texture. Add chopped pecans and serve.
- Use Leftovers:
- Smoothie Base: Blend the dish(without the pecans) with a splash of milk or yogurt for a nutritious, spiced smoothie.
- Muffins/Pancakes: Mash the casserole and stir them into a simple muffin or pancake batter to add moisture and flavor.
- Side for Savory Dishes: Serve cold as a chutney or relish alongside roasted pork or chicken.
Common Questions About This Dinner Side Dish Recipe
The best apples for Sweet Potato Apple Casserole are firm, slightly tart varieties that hold their shape when baked. Examples like Granny Smith apples, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, Gala and Braeburn.
Apples and sweet potatoes release juices as they bake. Flour helps soak up that liquid so the casserole isn’t watery. It keeps the layers from separating and helps the casserole hold together when served.
Tips for Apple Sweet Potato Casserole
If you family loves sweet potatoes than this recipe will be a hit in your house.
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: The instruction to cook “until tender but firm” is key. If you cook them until soft, they will turn to mush when you mix them with the apples and butter mixture.
- Dice Uniformly: Cut the sweet potatoes and apples into even 1/2-inch pieces so they cook at the same rate and have a uniform texture.
- Baking Dish Size Matters: Use a 9×13 inch dish. If you use a smaller, deeper dish, the casserole will take longer to bake through.
- Toss Gently: After adding the melted butter mixture, toss gently to coat. You don’t want to break up the firm sweet potato pieces.
- Serve this Easy Sweet Potato Casserole with: Apple Cranberry Salad, Sourdough Stuffing and Pumpkin Lush Cake.
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Sweet Potato Apple Casserole
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Ingredients
- 3 Sweet Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 3 Apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- ½ cup Butter, melted
- ½ cup Brown Sugar, firmly packed
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup Pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Place sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil and cook 15 minutes, or until tender but firm.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Drain the potatoes and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Add the apples and flour and toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, combined the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; drizzle over the potatoes and apples.
- Bake in the preheated oven 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Topped with chopped pecans before serving.
Christina’s Notes
- Cut Evenly: Uniform cubes make for even baking.
- Don’t Overbake: You want tender potatoes and slightly crisp apples.
- Balance Sweetness: Taste your apples — if they’re very sweet, use less sugar.
- Make It Shine: Brush a little extra melted butter on top after baking for glossy presentation.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.