Celebrate the flavors of the South with this Baked Apple and Sweet Potato Casserole, a delightful dish that encapsulates the essence of Southern comfort food. It’s an ideal recipe for holiday dinners, potlucks, or to simply enjoy on a cool evening.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (a firm variety that holds up to baking, like Fuji or Gala)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional for topping)
Assembling the Casserole:
- Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a large casserole dish.
- Layer the sweet potatoes and apple slices in the dish, alternating them for even distribution.
- Creating the Spice Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Adding Flavor:
- Sprinkle the sugar and spice mixture over the sweet potatoes and apples.
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top.
- Pour the apple cider or juice over the entire casserole.
- Baking:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
- If using pecans, remove the foil after 50 minutes, sprinkle the pecans over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is lightly browned.
- Serving:
- Let the casserole stand for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven as it will be very hot.
- Serve warm as a side dish, perfect for accompanying roasted meats or as part of a festive holiday spread.
This Baked Apple and Sweet Potato Casserole combines the natural sweetness and textures of apples and sweet potatoes with the warmth of autumnal spices. It’s a dish that’s not only satisfying but also adds a touch of Southern elegance to any meal.