Dixie Ham And Sweet Potato Casserole
A hearty casserole combining savory ham, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and herbs with a crunchy peanut brittle topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups mashed potatoes or yams ⓘ
- 1 cup crushed peanut brittle ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced leftover baked ham ⓘ
- butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 2 cups finely chopped sweet onions ⓘ
- 3/4 pound shiitake mushrooms stems discarded and chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme ⓘ
- 2 pounds ground turkey ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups fine fresh bread crumbs ⓘ
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 cup ketchup ⓘ
- 3 large eggs ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add 2 1/2 cups mashed potatoes or yams and cook until heated through, if not already prepared.
- Add sliced leftover baked ham, crushed peanut brittle, and chopped sweet onions; cook for 6 minutes until onions are translucent.
- Add chopped shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped fresh thyme and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and let it cool to room temperature.
- Add ground turkey, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup ketchup, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, hot red pepper sauce, remaining salt and pepper.
- Mix with your hands until all ingredients are well combined.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with halved bacon slices and crushed peanut brittle.
- Bake for approximately 40 minutes until cooked through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked paprika when mixing the ground turkey. If you don't have shiitake mushrooms, button mushrooms work well as a substitute. You can also replace the ground turkey with ground beef or chicken if preferred. To make this dish vegetarian, swap the turkey with a plant-based ground meat alternative and omit the ham.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole warm, garnished with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or cornbread. This dish is a great way to use leftover ham, similar to recipes like Ham Shortcake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dixie Ham And Sweet Potato Casserole contains roughly 1473 calories, with 31g protein, 171g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (62% of the Daily Value), iron (50% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1321mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through properly.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free bread crumbs in place of regular bread crumbs. Additionally, double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat. This way, you can enjoy a gluten-free version of this delicious casserole.
What can I do with leftover casserole?
Leftover casserole can be transformed into a hearty breakfast by reheating and serving it alongside eggs. Alternatively, you can repurpose it into a filling for stuffed peppers or as a topping for baked potatoes, making it a versatile option for future meals.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).