Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes (medium size, roasted then scooped, skins discarded)
• 1 lb Bacon (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1 large Large Egg (room temperature)
• 1 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat)
• 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (extra sharp, shredded; 2/3 cup mixed in, 1/3 cup for topping)
• 0.5 cup Green Onions (sliced; divided, plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (adds smoky flavor)
• 1 tsp Salt (kosher or sea salt, to taste)
• 0.5 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

   Set the oven to 400°F and allow it to fully preheat.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 400°F

2. Prep Sweet Potatoes

   Wash the sweet potatoes and prick each side with the tip of a knife to allow steam to escape.

   Time: PT5M

3. Roast Sweet Potatoes

   Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for about 1 hour, or until tender when pierced with a thin knife.

   Time: PT1H

   Temperature: 400°F

4. Cut Bacon

   While the potatoes roast, cut 1 lb of bacon into 1/2‑inch pieces.

   Time: PT5M

5. Cook Bacon

   Add the bacon pieces to a cold skillet, set heat to medium‑high, and cook, stirring occasionally, until foam appears. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking until the bacon is crisp and the fat is rendered.

   Time: PT12M

6. Drain Bacon

   Transfer the cooked bacon to a strainer set over a bowl to drain excess fat.

   Time: PT2M

7. Cool Potatoes

   Remove the roasted sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes, until safe to handle.

   Time: PT10M

8. Scoop Sweet Potato Flesh

   Slice each potato open and scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl, discarding the skins. Roughly chunk the flesh; do not mash completely.

   Time: PT10M

9. Combine Ingredients

   To the bowl add salt, pepper, smoked paprika, the egg, sour cream, half of the sliced green onions, half of the cooked bacon, and 2/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.

   Time: PT10M

10. Transfer to Baking Dish

    Spread the mixture into a 2‑quart baking dish, leaving a slightly uneven top for texture.

    Time: PT5M

11. Add Toppings

    Scatter the remaining bacon and the remaining 1/3 cup cheddar over the top.

    Time: PT2M

12. Bake Casserole

    Return the dish to the 400°F oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden and the casserole is heated through.

    Time: PT35M

    Temperature: 400°F

13. Garnish

    Remove from oven and sprinkle with the remaining sliced green onions.

    Time: PT2M

14. Serve

    Serve hot, optionally topping each serving with a dollop of sour cream.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

600

Protein

30 g

Carbohydrates

40 g

Fat

35 g

Fiber

5 g