Get ready to transform your ordinary side dish into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds! This Sweet Potato Banana Casserole is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that combines the rich, creamy sweetness of ripe bananas with the hearty, nutritious goodness of sweet potatoes. Imagine a dish so irresistible, it bridges the gap between a side dish and a dessert, creating a symphony of flavors that will dance on your taste buds and leave your family and friends absolutely stunned!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into uniform 1/2-inch thick slices to ensure even cooking. Place the slices in a large pot of boiling water and cook for 10-12 minutes until they are tender but not mushy.
- Drain the sweet potato slices and transfer them to the prepared baking dish, arranging them in an even layer.
- Peel the ripe bananas and slice them diagonally into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Arrange the banana slices over the sweet potato layer.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the warm butter-sugar mixture evenly over the sweet potato and banana layers, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- If using pecans, sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top of the casserole for added crunch and flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dish to set.
- Serve warm as a side dish or dessert, garnishing with additional cinnamon or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Ingredients: Select ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and use fresh, firm sweet potatoes for the best texture.
- Uniform Cutting: Slice sweet potatoes and bananas evenly to ensure consistent cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Don't Overcook Sweet Potatoes: Boil them just until tender to prevent a mushy texture.
- Enhance Flavor: Toast the pecans lightly before adding them to intensify their nutty flavor.
- Caramelization is Key: The last 15 minutes of uncovered baking creates a beautiful golden-brown top with delicious caramelized edges.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra indulgent touch, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
