There’s something deeply nostalgic about a bubbling casserole emerging from the oven on a cool evening. The rich aromas of roasted vegetables, spices, and savory sausage blend into a comforting warmth that feels like home. That’s exactly what this Amish Harvest Casserole delivers — the perfect marriage of fall flavors and down-home comfort.

Inspired by traditional Amish cooking, this recipe captures the heart of autumn in every bite. It combines sweet potatoes, apples, sausage, onions, and cheese, baked together in a creamy, lightly spiced sauce. The result is a casserole that’s hearty yet balanced — sweet, savory, and completely irresistible.

🍂 The Story Behind Amish Harvest Casserole

Amish cuisine is all about seasonal simplicity — recipes that honor what’s fresh, affordable, and comforting. In the fall, that means root vegetables, orchard fruits, and rich dairy. This casserole embodies that heritage: wholesome, nourishing, and perfect for feeding a crowd after a day of hard work (or holiday prep!).

The blend of apples and sweet potatoes gives this dish a naturally sweet undertone, while the sausage and onions provide a savory contrast. A touch of cream and cheese ties it all together into a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth bake that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🍎 Sweet + Savory Harmony: Apples and sausage create a perfect flavor balance.
🕰️ Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for prepping ahead for holidays or busy weeknights.
🧀 Rich & Creamy: Melted cheese and a splash of cream make it decadent and cozy.
🍠 Wholesome Ingredients: Real food, no canned shortcuts needed.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Favorite: Loved by both adults and kids — even picky eaters clean their plates!

🧺 Ingredients

1 pound ground sausage (mild or sage-flavored)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
2 apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon ground sage
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
Fresh parsley, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and ingredients.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or oil.

2. Cook the sausage.
In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbly. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Drain excess grease and set aside.

3. Layer the casserole.
In the baking dish, layer half of the sweet potatoes and apples. Spoon half of the sausage mixture over the top, then sprinkle with half the cheese. Repeat with remaining layers.

4. Mix the cream sauce.
In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, thyme, sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Pour evenly over the casserole layers.

5. Add topping (optional).
For a golden, crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.

6. Bake until golden and bubbly.
Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is lightly browned.

7. Cool slightly and serve.
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.