Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

Recipe View 5 mins Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with foil. Place sweet potatoes on the baking sheet and prick all over with a sharp knife.

Recipe View 1 hrs Bake in the preheated oven until tender when pierced with a knife, about 1 hour. Let sit until cool enough to handle. Do not turn off the oven.

Recipe View 20 mins Place bacon in a cold pan over medium-high heat, and cook until fat begins to render; stir and reduce heat to medium. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat is fully rendered out and bacon is browned and fully cooked. Drain off bacon fat, and reserve for another use.

Recipe View 5 mins Scoop sweet potatoes into a mixing bowl, discarding the skin. Use a spoon to break the chunks of sweet potato into smaller, more uniform pieces. The texture can be as smooth or coarse as you like.

Recipe View 10 mins Add the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, egg, sour cream, green onions, half of reserved bacon, and two-thirds of cheese. Stir together until everything is evenly mixed.

Recipe View 5 mins Distribute mixture evenly into a shallow 2-quart baking dish, but leave the surface roughly textured. Scatter on the remaining bacon, followed by remaining cheese.

Recipe View 33 mins Bake casserole in the preheated oven until the top is browned, and the casserole is heated through and bubbling around the edges, 30 to 35 minutes.

Recipe View 2 mins Serve with more sliced green onions and sour cream if desired.