Savory Ham & Sweet Potato Casserole

Name: Savory Ham & Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 lb cooked ham, diced; 1 cup onions, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp butter, melted

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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This Savory Ham & Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday gathering. With tender sweet potatoes, savory ham, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it's sure to become a favorite in your household.

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Ingredients for Savory Ham & Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and a creamy texture when cooked. Their earthiness pairs wonderfully with the savory elements. Ham, with its salty richness, adds depth and heartiness to the dish. Onions and garlic provide a flavorful base, enhancing the overall taste. Heavy cream and cheddar cheese create a luscious, creamy sauce that binds everything together. Chicken broth adds moisture and a subtle flavor boost. Olive oil is used for sautéing, while fresh thyme imparts a hint of herbal freshness. Salt, black pepper, and nutmeg season the dish perfectly. A topping of breadcrumbs mixed with butter adds a satisfying crunch.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Try using smoked ham for an added layer of flavor.
Use a mandoline to slice sweet potatoes evenly if you prefer them sliced instead of cubed.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed green beans. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a crusty loaf of bread to soak up any extra sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?: Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?: If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?: Absolutely! Try adding some spinach or kale for extra greens, or bell peppers for a bit of color and flavor.

Savory Ham & Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You don’t want to forget this step and end up waiting to bake the casserole later. Next up, peel and cube about 2 pounds of sweet potatoes, then get them boiling in a large pot of water. This should take around 10 minutes until they’re tender. Once done, drain them and let them sit aside for a bit.

While the potatoes are boiling, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add in 1 cup of finely chopped onions and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté these until they’re translucent and fragrant. This usually takes about 5 minutes.

Next, add your diced ham into the skillet. Give it a good stir and let it cook for a couple of minutes to heat through. Now, pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and sprinkle in the fresh thyme, salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes to meld all those delicious flavors together.

Now it’s time to assemble. In a large baking dish, layer those tender sweet potatoes at the bottom. Pour the creamy ham mixture over them, ensuring everything is nicely coated in that luscious sauce. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.

For the final touch, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle this over the casserole. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before diving in.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Combines sweet and savory flavors beautifully.
Uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
Quick to prepare but packed with flavor.
Perfect for using up leftover ham.
Comfort food that's also crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 lb cooked ham, diced

1 cup onions, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

2 tbsp butter, melted

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large pot, boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent.

4. Add diced ham to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes.

5. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer for 5 minutes.

6. In a large baking dish, layer the sweet potatoes and ham mixture, pouring the creamy sauce over them.

7. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

8. Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

10. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

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