Name: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole with Sage and Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h 25 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ pounds medium sweet potatoes, halved lengthwise; ¼ cup sage leaves; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 1 ½ cups sourdough bread, broken into craggy pieces; Kosher salt and cracked black pepper; 1 large shallot, chopped; ½ cup olive oil or avocado oil mayonnaise; ½ cup grated Parmesan (2 ounces); 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; ½ teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 10 reviews

If you’re craving a side dish that’s both comforting and a little unexpected, you’re going to fall head over heels for my Savory Sweet Potato Casserole with Sage and Parmesan Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that sneaks into your heart with layers of roasted sweet potatoes, a punch of nutty Parmesan, and the earthy warmth of sage all baked to golden perfection. Trust me, whether it’s a holiday feast or just a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole will steal the show and have everyone asking for the recipe.

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Why This Recipe Works

Layered Flavor Profile: Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness which pairs perfectly with savory sage and sharp Parmesan.
Perfect Texture Contrast: Crispy toasted bread crumbs and fried sage leaves add a delightful crunch against the creamy potato base.
Simple But Elegant: Uses easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward techniques to create a dish that feels special but is stress-free.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Works beautifully as a side for holiday dinners or a filling comfort food for everyday meals.

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole with Sage and Parmesan, sweet potato casserole with sage and Parmesan, savory sweet potato bake, roasted sweet potato side dish, comforting sweet potato recipes - The image shows a white oval dish filled with a smooth, bright orange layer of mashed sweet potatoes topped with a layer of golden-brown, toasted bread chunks scattered unevenly across the surface. Mixed among the bread pieces are dark green, slightly crispy sage leaves. A metal spoon with a wooden handle rests on the edge of the dish, scooping some of the soft sweet potato layer. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Savory Sweet Potato Casserole with Sage and Parmesan Recipe plays a key role—balancing sweet, savory, creamy, and crispy elements. I always recommend picking the freshest sage and sourcing good Parmesan for the best taste. Also, using sturdy sourdough bread adds an earthy crunch that elevates the whole dish.

Sweet potatoes: Roasting them caramelizes their natural sugars, giving that rich sweetness to balance the savory notes.
Sage leaves: Their fragrant, earthy aroma adds a cozy fall vibe and enhances the savory depth.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Used to crisp up the sage and bread—look for a fruity, high-quality bottle.
Sourdough bread: I love using day-old bread for great texture in the breadcrumb topping.
Shallot: Adds a subtle onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
Mayonnaise (olive oil or avocado oil-based): Incorporates creaminess and keeps the potatoes moist without dairy.
Parmesan cheese: Gives a nutty, salty kick that makes every bite pop.
Egg: Helps bind the casserole for a silky texture.
Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tang that brightens and rounds out the flavors.
Nutmeg & lemon zest: Tiny amounts add warmth and freshness in the background.
Kosher salt and cracked black pepper: Crucial for seasoning every element perfectly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to tweak the Savory Sweet Potato Casserole with Sage and Parmesan Recipe depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. You can easily swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt if you want a lighter touch or add some toasted nuts for extra crunch. Don’t be shy about making it your own.

Variation: Once, I stirred in some cooked pancetta to give it a smoky, meaty twist that was a huge hit at a family dinner.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a vegan Parmesan substitute and dairy-free mayo for a delicious plant-based version.
Herb Swaps: If you don’t have sage, fresh thyme works beautifully too.
Texture Play: Add crispy fried onions on top for a crunchy finish that makes it feel like a classic comfort dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Savory Sweet Potato Casserole with Sage and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes to Sweet Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (176ºC). Line a baking sheet with foil—it makes cleanup super easy—and place the halved sweet potatoes cut side down. Don’t forget to prick their skins with a fork; this helps steam escape and ensures even cooking. Roast them for about 1 to 1½ hours until they’re meltingly tender. It takes some patience, but the flavor payoff is big. Once they’re cooled, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Crisp Up Sage and Toast the Bread Crumbs

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in the sage leaves and fry them until they’re just starting to brown and crisp—this only takes a few minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels to keep them crunchy. Next, add the sourdough bread pieces to the same pan and cook, stirring often, until golden and crispy. Season with salt and pepper right after they come off the heat. These crunchy bits bring amazing texture to the casserole topping.

Step 3: Sauté Shallots and Prepare the Potato Mixture

In the same skillet, heat your remaining tablespoon of oil over medium. Add chopped shallots and cook until they begin to brown, about 5 minutes—this adds sweetness and umami. Then scoop the sweet potato flesh into a blender, discarding the skins. Add the cooked shallots, mayonnaise, Parmesan, egg, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend everything until smooth and beautifully creamy.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake Your Casserole

Transfer the blended sweet potato mixture into a shallow 1-quart baking dish and smooth the top. Make a few divots with the back of a spoon to hold the crispy bread crumbs and sage in place. Sprinkle the fried sage leaves and toasted bread evenly over the top. Bake on the upper rack at 400°F (204ºC) for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp. Once out of the oven, sprinkle lemon zest on top for a fresh zing and let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Rush the Roast: Slow roasting sweet potatoes really develops their flavor—give them that hour plus.
Keep Bread Day-Old: Using slightly stale sourdough gives you those perfect crunchy breadcrumbs that stay crisp after baking.
Use a Blender for Creaminess: Blending the filling gives it that smooth, velvety texture that folding alone can’t achieve.
Lemon Zest for Balance: Adding lemon zest right at the end brightens each bite brilliantly.

How to Serve Savory Sweet Potato Casserole with Sage and Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

I always top the casserole with those crispy fried sage leaves and toasted breadcrumbs for textural contrast—it’s such a crowd-pleaser. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or a few fresh sage leaves right before serving for a pretty, aromatic finish.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted Brussels sprouts, garlic green beans, or a fresh mixed greens salad to lighten the plate. For holiday meals, it’s a perfect partner to roast turkey or chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this Savory Sweet Potato Casserole with Sage and Parmesan Recipe in individual ramekins, topped with a single fried sage leaf for a stunning single serve. It’s also lovely scooped into hollowed-out mini pumpkins or acorn squash as a festive touch that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I portion it out, it reheats evenly and keeps every bit of that rich flavor.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your casserole, bake it first, then cool completely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I find reheating in a 350°F oven (about 15-20 minutes) gets the topping crispy again without drying out the creamy center. You can cover loosely with foil if it looks like it’s browning too fast.

FAQs

Can I make this Savory Sweet Potato Casserole with Sage and Parmesan Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative or a nutritional yeast sprinkle, and use a vegan mayonnaise to replace the traditional mayo. These substitutions keep the creamy texture and savory flavor without the dairy.
What’s the best way to prepare the sage for this recipe?

Frying fresh sage leaves in olive oil until crisp not only deepens their flavor but also gives them a wonderful texture that contrasts nicely with the soft sweet potato base. Make sure the oil is shimmering but not smoking for perfect results.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add the breadcrumb and sage topping right before baking to keep it crisp and fresh.
What can I serve alongside this casserole?

It pairs perfectly with roasted meats like turkey or chicken, sautéed greens, or a bright, acidic salad to balance the rich, creamy potatoes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. Just swap out the sourdough bread for gluten-free bread to make the topping gluten-free, and ensure your mayonnaise and other ingredients don’t contain gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Savory Sweet Potato Casserole with Sage and Parmesan Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen. It’s elegant enough for special dinners but simple enough to make any night feel cozy and delicious. I love how the crispy sage and toasted bread toppings add that surprise crunch with every bite—like a secret little treat. I honestly can’t recommend it enough; give it a try and watch it become your new go-to crowd-pleaser. You’re going to love how easy it is to make and impossible not to adore.