Spicy Sweet Potato and Bacon Casserole
(from Suger546’s recipe box)
Source: Cook's Country (from RecipeThing user saymyname)
Serves 10 peopleCategories: Side Dish, Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 slices hearty white bread , torn into large pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted
- 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon , chopped
- 1 onion , minced
- 4 garlic cloves , minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 5 lbs sweet potatoes , peeled, halved lengthwise, and sliced thin
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 5 scallions , sliced thin
Directions
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Adjust oven rack to the middle position; preheat oven to 425°.
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Pulse the bread, butter, and 1/2 cup cheese in a food processor until coarsely ground.
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Cook the bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes.
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Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat.
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Cook the onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Add in the garlic and cayenne; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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Stir in the sweet potatoes, cream, buttermilk, and salt; decrease heat to med-low and cook, covered, until the potatoes are just tender, about 30 minutes.
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Off the heat, stir in the remaining 2 cups cheese, cooked bacon, and 4 of the scallions.
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Transfer the mixture to a 13 × 9 inch baking dish; top with the bread crumb mixture.
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Bake until the crumbs are golden brown, about 15 minutes.
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Cool 10 minutes, then sprinkle with the remaining scallion.
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Serve.