Sweet Potato Egg Casserole

This sweet potato egg casserole has transformed my weekend brunch rotation with its perfect balance of protein, complex carbs and vibrant flavors that keep everyone coming back for seconds.

I first created this recipe when hosting a holiday brunch for my extended family. The colorful sweet potatoes and hearty texture were such a hit that it's now requested at every family gathering.

Ingredients

• Uncooked turkey sausage brings lean protein without excessive fat while adding savory depth
• Sweet potatoes offer natural sweetness and a gorgeous color contrast plus they hold their shape beautifully
• Green bell pepper adds freshness and a subtle crunch that complements the softer textures
• Yellow onion creates an aromatic foundation look for firm ones with tight dry skins
• Avocado oil has a high smoke point ideal for the initial sautéing process
• Fresh garlic cloves provide aromatic punch always choose firm bulbs without sprouting
• Large eggs create the perfect binding custard freshest is always best
• Whole milk adds richness and helps create that perfect custard texture
• Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully throughout the casserole Sargento brand offers consistent quality
• Dried thyme brings an earthy herbaceous note that pairs perfectly with the sweet potatoes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Set your oven to 350°F while you chop all vegetables into uniform pieces for even cooking. Thoroughly grease your 9x13 casserole dish ensuring you reach all corners and sides to prevent any sticking which can make serving difficult and cleanup frustrating.

Cook the Vegetable Base

Heat avocado oil in a Dutch oven until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add your onions green peppers and sweet potatoes together cooking for 8 to 9 minutes with occasional stirring. This stage builds foundational flavor as the vegetables begin to caramelize slightly. Add the minced garlic in the final minutes only as it burns quickly and becomes bitter when overcooked.

Brown the Sausage

Reuse the same Dutch oven without cleaning it to capture all the previous flavors. Break the turkey sausage into small pieces while cooking ensuring there are no pink spots remaining. The smaller pieces distribute more evenly throughout the casserole giving every bite the perfect balance of flavors.

Create the Egg Mixture

Whisk eggs with vigor until completely uniform then add milk seasonings and cheese. This thorough mixing ensures the eggs will set evenly during baking creating a consistent texture throughout the finished dish. The cheese should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture not clumped together.

Combine and Bake

Pour the egg mixture over your vegetable and sausage base using a fork to gently lift portions allowing the egg to flow between all ingredients. This ensures the egg binds everything together during baking. Watch carefully during baking and cover with foil if the top browns too quickly to prevent a bitter taste.

Rest Before Serving

The 15 minute rest period is crucial as it allows the proteins to set properly making for cleaner slices and better texture. The casserole will be extremely hot straight from the oven and this cooling period makes it more enjoyable to eat while still remaining warm.

Bookmark

The sweet potatoes are truly the star of this dish. I discovered their perfect application here after years of only using them in sweeter applications. The way they maintain their structure while becoming tender creates the ideal contrast to the fluffy egg mixture surrounding them.

Make Ahead Options

This casserole excels as a make ahead meal. Prepare everything through combining the vegetables sausage and egg mixture then refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off then add approximately 10 minutes to the baking time. This method actually allows flavors to meld together even more deliciously.

Storage and Reheating

Once cooled completely divide leftovers into individual portions in airtight containers. Refrigerated portions stay fresh for up to 4 days. To reheat gently warm in a microwave at 70% power for 1 to 2 minutes or place in a 325°F oven covered with foil for 15 minutes. The texture remains remarkably good unlike many egg dishes which can become rubbery when reheated.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap turkey sausage with plant based crumbles for a vegetarian version. Just add an extra pinch of herbs and spices to compensate for flavor. Regular potatoes can replace sweet potatoes though cooking time may need slight adjustment. For a dairy free version unsweetened almond milk works wonderfully in place of whole milk and dairy free cheese alternatives melt surprisingly well in this application.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty casserole with a light arugula salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil for a refreshing contrast. A side of fresh fruit especially citrus brings brightness to balance the savory flavors. For special brunches serve with mimosas or a spicy bloody mary. If serving for dinner a light tomato soup makes the perfect companion.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it completely, bake it, and then refrigerate for up to 4 days. Alternatively, you can prepare all components the night before, assemble in the morning, and then bake. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for turkey sausage?

You can easily substitute the turkey sausage with pork sausage, chicken sausage, or plant-based sausage alternatives. For a meatless version, consider adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, or use a firm tofu crumbled with sausage seasonings.

→ Is this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, this casserole is naturally gluten-free as written, assuming the sausage you use doesn't contain gluten fillers. Always check packaged sausage labels to confirm they're gluten-free if that's a dietary concern.

→ Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! Regular white or yellow potatoes work well in this casserole. They may require a slightly longer pre-cooking time to soften properly. Red potatoes are another good alternative and tend to hold their shape well during baking.

→ How can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

This casserole is very adaptable. Try adding spinach, kale, mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, or corn. For leafy greens, simply stir them in with the hot vegetables to wilt them before adding to the baking dish. For other vegetables, sauté them along with the original vegetables until tender.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftover portions?

For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. To prevent the eggs from becoming rubbery, use medium power. Alternatively, reheat in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top before reheating can restore moisture and flavor.