Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cottage Cheese and Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a touch of sweetness and spice. The creamy cottage cheese enhances the sweet potatoes, making it rich and satisfying, while the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg add warm, aromatic flavors that are perfect for the colder months. The addition of pecans gives it a delightful crunch, making every bite interesting. Whether served as a side dish or a standalone entrée, this casserole is the perfect dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.

Ingredients

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

4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cups cottage cheese
½ cup milk
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup chopped pecans
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
Cook the sweet potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them until smooth.
Mix the casserole: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, cottage cheese, milk, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Assemble the casserole: Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with chopped pecans.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add marshmallows: For a sweeter twist, you can add a layer of mini marshmallows on top during the last 5 minutes of baking. This will give the casserole a toasted, gooey topping.
Use other nuts: If you don’t have pecans, you can substitute with chopped walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts.
Make it dairy-free: To make this casserole dairy-free, use dairy-free cottage cheese, almond milk, and dairy-free butter.
Add a savory twist: If you prefer a more savory flavor, reduce the sugar and spices, and add sautéed onions or garlic to the mixture.

Storage/Reheating

This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions if you prefer.

For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cottage cheese?

While cottage cheese provides a unique texture and flavor, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese for a smoother consistency or cream cheese for a richer flavor.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes in place of fresh ones. Be sure to drain and mash them before using. However, fresh sweet potatoes tend to have a better flavor and texture.

Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots or parsnips for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces and cook them until tender before adding them to the casserole.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use cinnamon with a dash of chili powder to give the casserole a spicy kick.

Can I make this casserole vegan?

Yes, you can make this casserole vegan by substituting the cottage cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative, and using vegan butter and non-dairy milk.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the edges are golden, the top is slightly crispy, and it’s bubbling around the edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Can I make this casserole without the pecans?

Yes, you can make the casserole without pecans, or substitute them with other nuts, seeds, or even breadcrumbs for a different texture.

What should I serve with this casserole?

This sweet potato casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a green salad for a complete meal. It’s also great as a side dish for holiday dinners.

Conclusion

Cottage Cheese and Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish that brings the perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavor to your table. With its rich texture and aromatic spices, it’s perfect for fall meals, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy weeknight dinner. Whether served as a side dish or a main, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser everyone will love!

Cottage Cheese and Sweet Potato Casserole

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Cottage Cheese and Sweet Potato Casserole is a rich and creamy dish that combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the tang of cottage cheese, topped with crunchy pecans for a delightful texture. Perfect for fall meals or holiday gatherings.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish.
Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot of water for 10-15 minutes, until tender. Drain and mash them until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, cottage cheese, milk, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with chopped pecans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the top is golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving warm.