Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm, cozy casserole that brings together unexpected flavors in perfect harmony. This Apple and Yam Casserole Recipe is one of those magical dishes that combines sweet, tender yams with luscious apple pie filling, topped with a crunchy, warmly spiced walnut crust. It’s the ideal side for holiday meals or a simple family dinner, offering a delightful balance of texture and taste that feels both special and effortless. If you love dishes that surprise your taste buds while being incredibly easy to prepare, this recipe is going to be your new favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple and Yam Casserole Recipe is in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in the final dish. From the natural sweetness of canned apples and yams to the rich crunch of walnuts and a hint of nutmeg, every component adds flavor, texture, and that inviting aroma we all crave.
- 21 oz can apple pie filling: Provides the sweet, spiced apple base that makes this casserole uniquely delicious.
- 30 oz can whole yams, drained and cut in half: Adds softness and heartiness with a naturally vibrant color.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth layer that helps marry the flavors together.
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts: Offers a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the yams and apples.
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds warmth and an aromatic touch that elevates the entire casserole.
How to Make Apple and Yam Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees. While it warms up, grab a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and give it a thorough spray with cooking oil to ensure nothing sticks. This prep might seem small, but it makes cleanup much easier and your casserole will slide right out when it’s done.
Step 2: Combine the Sweet Ingredients
Next, directly into the prepared baking dish, combine the canned apple pie filling and the drained yams that have been halved. The yams provide a soft, earthy base while the apple pie filling lends a wonderfully sweet and spiced flavor that melds beautifully during baking.
Step 3: Mix the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the finely chopped walnuts and the nutmeg. This topping is the star that adds crunch and a spicy warmth, creating a fantastic texture contrast with the yam and apple mixture beneath.
Step 4: Add Butter and the Nut Mixture
Dollop the butter evenly over the yam and apple mixture. The butter melts down during baking, adding richness and helping to bind all the flavors. Then, spread the walnut and nutmeg mixture evenly over the top for a crunchy, aromatic finish.
Step 5: Bake and Enjoy
Place your dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes until everything is heated through and the nuts are toasted just right. Once done, let it cool slightly and then serve yourself a warm, comforting portion. Enjoy every bite of this delightful Apple and Yam Casserole Recipe!
How to Serve Apple and Yam Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts or a light dusting of ground cinnamon makes a lovely garnish that adds both visual appeal and an extra pop of flavor. A few fresh apple slices arranged on top can also add a nice touch of freshness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with savory mains like roast chicken, glazed ham, or even a simple grilled pork chop. The sweetness and nutty elements complement meats beautifully, making it a perfect addition to your family dinner or holiday spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-like treat. Alternatively, layer the casserole with crumbled bacon for a sweet and salty surprise that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple and Yam Casserole Recipe tastes fantastic the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days without losing their appeal.
Freezing
If you want to keep this casserole for a longer period, you can freeze it before baking. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325 degrees until warmed through, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. This step helps retain the crunchy topping’s texture better than a microwave, although the microwave can be used for quick reheats if needed.
FAQs
Can I use fresh yams instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh yams will add a lovely texture, but you’ll need to cook and soften them beforehand. Roast or boil until tender before incorporating them into the casserole to ensure the best results.
Is there a substitute for the walnuts?
Yes, pecans or sliced almonds work wonderfully in place of walnuts. They provide that wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that enhance the casserole, so feel free to switch it up based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Can this dish be made vegan?
Definitely! Swap out the butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and ensure the canned apple pie filling doesn’t contain any dairy or animal products. The nuts and spices will still create that comforting, delicious flavor.
How sweet is this casserole?
This casserole leans toward sweet thanks to the apple pie filling, but the nuts and nutmeg add warmth and texture that balances everything beautifully. If you prefer less sweetness, try using unsweetened canned yams to tone it down.
Can I add spices other than nutmeg?
Of course! Cinnamon, allspice, or even a pinch of ginger would complement the apple and yam flavors nicely. Feel free to experiment and find what makes this dish your own special favorite.
Final Thoughts
This Apple and Yam Casserole Recipe is such a joy to make and even more wonderful to eat, bringing sweet, nutty, and warmly spiced flavors together in one simple dish. Whether it becomes a cozy weeknight staple or a star on your holiday table, I hope you enjoy every comforting bite. Give it a try soon—you might be surprised just how quickly it becomes a favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Apple and Yam Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Apple and Yam Casserole combines sweet canned yams with apple pie filling, enriched with butter and topped with a spiced walnut mixture. Perfect as a holiday side dish or a cozy family dinner addition, this easy-to-make casserole is baked to a golden finish, blending warm flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 21 oz can apple pie filling
- 30 oz can whole yams, drained and cut in half
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, combine the canned apple pie filling with the drained and halved canned yams, spreading them evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the finely chopped walnuts with the nutmeg, evenly distributing the spice among the nuts.
- Add Butter and Topping: Dollop the butter sporadically over the yam and apple mixture in the dish to add richness, then evenly spread the walnut and nutmeg mixture on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until bubbling and the topping is slightly toasted. Remove and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh yams if preferred; just peel and cut into halves before using.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon along with nutmeg in the walnut mixture.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as a sweet side for holiday meals.
- Ensure to drain the yams well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
