When it comes to Thanksgiving dinners, we all have those beloved dishes that just have to be on the table. For many families, sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows is a nostalgic must-have. But what if this year, you brought a new flavor to the table—one that’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory goodness?
Say hello to the Savory Sweet Potato Bake. It’s everything you love about sweet potatoes—just without the sugar rush. Instead of going sweet, this dish takes a turn with smoky bacon, garlic, chives, cream cheese, and a crunchy cornflake topping that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Let me walk you through exactly how to make this delicious twist on tradition.
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Why You’ll Love This Savory Sweet Potato Bake
This dish has all the comfort of a classic casserole but swaps the usual sweetness for rich, savory flavor. It’s perfect for those at your table who aren’t into the whole marshmallow thing, and it pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian spread.
Plus, it can easily be made ahead and reheated, making your Thanksgiving prep a whole lot easier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything that goes into this cozy, savory side dish:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled, cubed, boiled, and mashed
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/4 cup half and half
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup corn flakes, finely crushed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Butter, for greasing the pan
How to Make Savory Sweet Potato Bake
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Start by peeling and cubing your sweet potatoes. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender—about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and mash until velvety smooth, then set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and butter until smooth and creamy. Stir in the half and half, garlic, chives, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Everything
To your mashed sweet potatoes, add the crumbled bacon, Parmesan, and sharp cheddar. Pour in the cream cheese mixture and stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 13×9-inch baking dish. Spoon the sweet potato mixture into the pan and smooth it out. Sprinkle the crushed corn flakes evenly on top for that irresistible crunch.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until heated through and the top is lightly golden.
Make It Ahead
This savory sweet potato bake can be prepped the night before! Just assemble the dish (minus the cornflake topping), cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then add the topping and bake as directed.
More Holiday Ideas
Stuffed Breakfast Baked Potatoes
🥄 Serving Ideas
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Roast turkey or ham
- Green bean casserole
- Cranberry sauce
- Warm dinner rolls
It’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to bring to every potluck or family gathering.
🧡 Final Thoughts
Swapping the sugar for savory in your sweet potato dish might just be the best Thanksgiving decision you make. With melty cheese, crispy bacon, and that buttery cornflake crunch, this bake is bound to become a new family favorite.
Let’s mix it up this holiday season—because tradition is better with a twist!
Enjoy these recipes:
Gram’s Sweet-Tangy Potato Salad
Apparel for the foodie & griller
Savory Sweet Potato Bake
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes cooked & mashed
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cream cheese softened
- 3 Tbsp butter softened
- 1/4 cup 1/2 and 1/2
- 2 Tbsp fresh chives chopped or 2 tsp dried chives
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 strips bacon cooked & crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup corn flakes finely crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees ℉. Butter a 13 x 9 pan
- Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Place in a medium pot of water and boil until soft. Mash the sweet potatoes and set aside.
- In a medium bowl beat cream cheese, sour cream, softened butter until creamy. Add 1/4 cup 1/2 and 1/2, salt, pepper, garlic and chives mix well.
- Combine the mashed sweet potatoes, bacon, parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese and cream cheese mixture. Mix well and place in buttered pan. Sprinkle crushed corn flakes over the top. Bake for 45 minutes or until bubbly.