Banana Yam Casserole – A Sweet Southern Comfort Food Classic – Black Foodie Finder

A Sweet and Savory Southern Casserole

Creamy, buttery, and filled with warm spices, Banana Yam Casserole combines mashed sweet potatoes, ripe bananas, orange juice, and crunchy pecans for a delicious Southern-style side dish. Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this comforting casserole is perfect for holiday dinners, Sunday gatherings, and family celebrations.

Ingredients

(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)

• 4 large or 6 medium yams or sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
• ⅓ cup Crisco Shortening or Crisco Oil
• ⅓ cup chopped onion
• ½ cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 medium firm-ripe bananas, peeled and cut in ½-inch slices
• ⅓ cup chopped pecans

Makes: 8 to 10 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish or baking dish.
2. Sauté the onions. Heat the Crisco Shortening or Crisco Oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
3. Prepare the sweet potato mixture. Add the cooked and mashed yams or sweet potatoes to the skillet. Pour in the orange juice and stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly combined.
4. Assemble the first layer. Spoon half of the sweet potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
5. Add the bananas. Arrange the sliced bananas over the sweet potato layer, creating an even layer throughout the casserole.
6. Finish the casserole. Spread the remaining sweet potato mixture over the bananas, covering them completely. Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly across the top.
7. Bake until heated through. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is thoroughly heated.
8. Serve warm. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving. Enjoy this sweet and savory Southern favorite alongside your favorite family meal.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• Choose firm-ripe bananas. Bananas that are ripe but still firm will hold their shape better during baking.
• Mash the sweet potatoes thoroughly. A smooth, creamy texture helps the layers come together beautifully.
• Toast the pecans. Lightly toasted pecans add extra crunch and a richer, nutty flavor.
• Balance the sweetness. The onions and warm spices complement the natural sweetness of the bananas and sweet potatoes.
• Add a little extra spice. For a variation, sprinkle a pinch of additional cinnamon over the pecan topping before baking.
• Serve for special occasions. This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or other Southern holiday favorites.

About the Creator

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) celebrates African American culinary heritage through The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, a collection of cherished family recipes and food traditions.

Banana Yam Casserole highlights the creativity of Southern cooking, combining sweet potatoes, bananas, warm spices, and pecans into a comforting dish perfect for family gatherings.

The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women

Where to Find This Recipe

The original Banana Yam Casserole recipe appears in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., published by Simon & Schuster.

This Black Foodie adaptation preserves the original ingredients and cooking method while presenting the instructions in updated language. Pro tips and serving suggestions are additional recommendations from Black Foodie.