If you’re craving a comforting, wholesome meal that bursts with warm flavors and satisfying textures, this Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe is calling your name. It’s a wonderful blend of tender chicken, sweet potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, and sharp cheddar cheese all baked to perfection. This dish offers not only a hearty dinner but also a celebration of harvest-season ingredients that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this casserole brings joy and a touch of rustic charm to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple ingredients creates a casserole that’s rich in flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role, from the sweetness of the potatoes adding color and softness, to the cheesy topping providing a golden, irresistible crust.
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and diced: The protein-packed base that makes this dish hearty and satisfying.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: Adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture once sautéed.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas: Small bursts of freshness and a lovely pop of green color.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melted on top, it creates a gooey, golden crust that everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup: Adds a rich, earthy creaminess that binds the casserole together.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Gives depth and a tangy smoothness to balance the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing, it enhances the sweet potatoes’ flavor and prevents sticking.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A fragrant herb that brings warmth and subtle earthiness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate every ingredient.
How to Make Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when your casserole is assembled. Then, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the cubed sweet potatoes for about 10 to 12 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and creates a soft, creamy element for the casserole.
Step 2: Mix Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This mixture forms the flavorful, creamy base that holds all the ingredients together and adds that luscious texture we adore in casseroles.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Next, stir in the cooked diced chicken, frozen peas, and the sautéed sweet potatoes, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture. This melding of flavors creates the heart of the Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe, offering a comforting bite in every spoonful.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your mixture to a greased baking dish, then generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese has melted into a bubbly, golden blanket. The aroma filling your kitchen at this step is simply irresistible and will have everyone eagerly waiting.
Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for just a few minutes before serving. This ensures the flavors settle beautifully and it’s just right for spooning onto plates. Enjoy every comforting bite of this delightful Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe with those you love.
How to Serve Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can brighten the rich flavors of the casserole. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or a light dusting of finely chopped green onions right before serving to add a lovely fresh note and a pop of color that enhances the dish’s rustic charm.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus, balancing the creamy richness with light, fresh sides. For a cozy, hearty meal, consider serving it alongside warm crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress guests, serve the Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch. Alternatively, top each portion with a sprig of thyme or a small wedge of sweet potato roasted separately to echo the casserole’s flavors and add visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other fridge aromas. It’s perfect for a quick weekday lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well, making it a convenient make-ahead meal. Freeze in a suitable airtight container or foil-covered dish after baking, or even before baking if you prefer. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps maintain the gooey cheese topping and overall texture. Alternatively, use a microwave for a quicker option, though the oven will keep the dish tasting fresh and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas can be a wonderful addition if they’re in season. Just be sure to blanch them briefly before adding to keep their bright color and tender texture.
Is it possible to use a different cheese?
Yes! While cheddar adds a classic sharpness, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even gouda for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind how the cheese melts and pairs with the other ingredients.
How do I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or roasted butternut squash, and choose a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup. This way, you still get a satisfying and flavorful dish.
Can the casserole be made gluten-free?
Definitely. Ensure your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free or use a homemade version, and check all other ingredients for any hidden gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this casserole suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Is there a way to add more vegetables to this recipe?
You can easily bulk up this casserole with additional vegetables such as diced carrots, corn, or green beans. Simply sauté or cook them to the appropriate tenderness before folding them into the mixture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. Its blend of simple, wholesome ingredients cooked into a cheesy, comforting dish makes it a treasure in any kitchen. Give it a try, and I guarantee you’ll want to make it again and again, sharing its cozy goodness with everyone you love.
Print
Amish Harvest Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting Amish Harvest Casserole combining tender chicken, sweet potatoes, peas, and cheddar cheese in a creamy sauce, baked to perfection for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Sweet Potatoes: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes and sauté them for 10–12 minutes until they become tender and slightly golden.
- Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy base for the casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked and diced chicken, frozen peas, and sautéed sweet potatoes into the sauce mixture. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting Amish-inspired dish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with cooked turkey or leftover roasted chicken.
- For a creamier texture, add a little more sour cream or a splash of milk to the sauce mixture.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- This casserole can also be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
