Pear and Sweet Potato Casserole

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This pear and sweet potato casserole is the perfect addition to your fall menu. It's easy to make and packed with flavor. A classic sweet potato mixture is topped with sliced pears and a tasty blue cheese addition for a mixture of flavors and textures that are sure to be a hit at your holiday table. Your family will love this updated take on a classic dish!

oval baking dish of sweet potato casserole with pears sitting on top of cutting board

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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pears
Ingredients
Kitchen Tools Used
How to Make Pear and Sweet Potato Casserole
Frequently Asked Questions
More Side Dish Casseroles
Pear and Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pears

Skip the classic casserole and try this pear and sweet potato casserole. It is a delicious twist on a classic dish. The sweetness of the pears pairs perfectly with the savory potatoes, making for a truly unique and mouth-watering experience. Add in the sharp flavor of blue cheese and you have a dish that has everything you want in one spoonful.

You’ll love this recipe because it’s easy to make and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s healthy too! So go ahead and indulge in this delicious casserole without guilt. And, if you have others at your table who prefer the classic option, check out this sweet potato dish that has a sweet crunchy topping.

sweet potato casserole topped with sliced pears and blue cheese in baking dish

Ingredients

3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
3 large eggs
1 pear, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil (45ml)
2 tablespoons butter (28.4g)
1 sprig of fresh rosemary
1 sprig of fresh thyme
3 tablespoons honey (45ml)
¼ cup chopped pecans (37.5g)
¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (56.2g)

sweet potatoes and pears on cutting board with bowls of cheese and butter

Kitchen Tools Used

black oval baking dish of sweet potato casserole

How to Make Pear and Sweet Potato Casserole

Before you begin, I recommend measuring everything and preparing all ingredients as best you can. In this case, peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes is first on the list. Rinse them off well, and then peel and cut them into pieces that are similar in size.

Now, preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C. Spray the bottom of a baking dish with non-stick spray, or grease it well with butter. I used a 10" oval baking dish, but you could use a 9" x 13" baking dish if you prefer.

Now, put the sliced sweet potato pieces into a large stockpot and cover them with water. Add the fresh rosemary and fresh thyme to the pot. Then, put this on medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. Let them cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

stockpot of sweet potatoes with fresh herbs

Once tender, drain the potatoes and pour them into a large mixing bowl. Remove the herbs and discard them.

Then, add the olive oil, butter, and honey. Mash this together or mix with a hand mixer until it is smooth. Mix in the eggs until it's a smooth mixture.

Now, pour the prepared potatoes into the baking dish. Lay the sliced pears on top of the potato mixture and then cover with aluminum foil.

sliced pears on top of baked sweet potato casserole

Bake the pear and sweet potato casserole for 30 minutes covered, then uncover it and continue cooking it for 10 to 15 minutes.

Once done, serve with a sprinkle of blue cheese and chopped pecans on top. You can also drizzle with honey for added sweetness if desired.

serving of sweet potato casserole on white plate

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does it Take to Cook Sweet Potatoes?

When you are cooking sweet potatoes, how long it takes to cook them depends on the size of the sweet potatoes. When you cut them into small pieces, they will cook faster. If you are cooking them whole, they will take longer to cook.
Typically, when you cut the sweet potatoes into small pieces, the sweet potatoes will cook for about 15-20 minutes.
You’ll know they are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork.

Do You Put Eggs in Sweet Potato Casserole?

While not all sweet potato casseroles have eggs in them, this one does. The egg helps to bind all of the ingredients together and gives the casserole a little bit of a custard-like texture.

If you are looking for a vegetarian or egg-free version, you could try using a flax egg in place of the regular egg. You can also use any commercial egg replacement such as Just Egg if you prefer.

What Can I Use Instead of Blue Cheese?

If you are not a fan of blue cheese, you could try using goat cheese or feta cheese in its place. Both of these cheeses have a similar texture and "bite" and would work well in this recipe.

You do not have to add cheese, but it gives the recipe a bit of an extra flavor profile and texture. If you prefer, skip this and just topped it with chopped nuts.

Can I Make Savory Sweet Potato Casserole Ahead of Time?

This casserole can easily be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the casserole according to the recipe instructions and then store it in the refrigerator. When you are ready to bake it, let it sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then bake as directed.

If you want to freeze this casserole, you can do so by preparing it up to the point of baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label it with the date and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to bake it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake as directed.

Can I Use Yams Instead of Sweet Potatoes?

While they are two different root vegetables, they are often used interchangeably in recipes. They have a slightly different flavors, but it is close enough that most don't know the difference. So, in this case, you can definitely use yams if you have them on hand instead of sweet potatoes.

baking dish of sweet potato casserole on top of wooden cutting board

More Side Dish Casseroles

I love adding a bunch of great side dishes to our holiday table. The main course like turkey or ham is usually the star, but it's really the sides that make the meal memorable. If you need more ideas, below are a few of our favorite side dishes. Make sure you take a moment to bookmark them, print out the recipes, or pin them to Pinterest so they are easy to find when you are ready to make them.

Yield: 6

Pear and Sweet Potato Casserole

This pear and sweet potato casserole is a perfect addition to your holiday menu. The perfect pairing of sweet and savory!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients

3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
3 large eggs
1 pear, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil (45ml)
2 tablespoons butter (28.4g)
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 sprig fresh thyme
3 tablespoons honey (45ml)
¼ cup chopped pecans (37.5g)
¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (56.2g)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C and spray the bottom of a baking dish with non-stick spray.
Peel and slice the potatoes, and then place in a large stockpot and cover them with water. To the pot, add the fresh rosemary and fresh thyme. Bring to a boil and then cook on medium-high heat until the potatoes are fork-tender. This should take 15 to 20 minutes depending on the thickness of the potatoes.
Drain the potatoes and discard the herbs and the sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl.
To the potatoes, add olive oil, butter, and honey. Mash or blend with a hand mixer until smooth. Mix in the eggs until it's a smooth mixture.
Pour the potatoes into the baking pan, and then top with the sliced pears.
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes.
Serve topped with crumbled blue cheese, chopped pecans, and if desired, a drizzle of honey.