Spicy Sweet Potato and Bacon Casserole

Submitted by ratherbeswimmin

"Cook's Country"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 58mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 10

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

1. Adjust oven rack to the middle position; preheat oven to 425°.
2. Pulse the bread, butter, and 1/2 cup cheese in a food processor until coarsely ground.
3. Cook the bacon in a Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes.
4. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat.
5. Cook the onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Add in the garlic and cayenne; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
7. 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.
8. Off the heat, stir in the remaining 2 cups cheese, cooked bacon, and 4 of the scallions.
9. Transfer the mixture to a 13 x 9 inch baking dish; top with the bread crumb mixture.
10. Bake until the crumbs are golden brown, about 15 minutes.
11. Cool 10 minutes, then sprinkle with the remaining scallion.
12. Serve.