Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole is a warm, comforting side dish that blends the natural sweetness of apples with the earthy richness of sweet potatoes. Baked together with a touch of cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter, this casserole is a perfect balance of flavor and texture—ideal for holiday feasts or cozy weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is a delightful twist on traditional sweet potato sides, offering a fruity brightness from the apples and a buttery caramel-like finish. It’s simple to prepare, naturally sweetened, and always a crowd-pleaser with its tender layers and toasty topping.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

sweet apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)sweet potatobrown sugarmaple syrup (optional)cinnamonnutmegunsalted buttervanilla extractsaltlemon juicepecans or walnuts (optional for topping)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Peel and slice sweet potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds.

Peel, core, and slice apples to a similar thickness.

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Layer sweet potato and apple slices alternately in the baking dish.

Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with the sugar-spice mixture between layers.

Dot the top with butter slices and drizzle with maple syrup if using.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes.

Remove foil, add chopped pecans or walnuts if using, and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sweet potatoes are tender.

Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6–8 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 50–60 minutesResting time: 10 minutesTotal time: 75–85 minutes

Variations

Add dried cranberries or raisins for a tart contrast.
Use a mix of red and green apples for more flavor complexity.
Top with a streusel made from oats, flour, and brown sugar for a crispier finish.
Add a splash of orange juice or zest for citrusy brightness.
Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a less processed option.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.Freezing is not recommended as the texture of apples may become mushy.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it the day before and bake just before serving.

Do I need to precook the sweet potatoes?
No, thin slices will cook through during baking.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Fresh is best for texture, but drained canned ones can work in a pinch.

What kind of apples work best?
Firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala hold their shape and add great flavor.

Is this dish sweet or savory?
It leans sweet, but the spices and optional nuts add depth.

Can I make it vegan?
Yes, use vegan butter and maple syrup instead of brown sugar.

What nuts go best in this recipe?
Pecans and walnuts both add a nice crunch and complement the sweetness.

Can I add marshmallows?
Yes, add them in the last 10 minutes of baking for a classic sweet potato twist.

Is it gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What should I serve this with?
Great with roast chicken, turkey, pork chops, or as part of a holiday spread.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole is a comforting, seasonal side dish that brings warmth, flavor, and just the right amount of sweetness to your table. With its tender layers and cozy spices, it’s a must-have recipe for fall dinners, Thanksgiving gatherings, or any time you want a heartwarming dish to share.