Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

There's nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of a Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole bubbling away in the oven. This classic dish, reimagined without gluten, strikes the perfect balance between creamy, sweet, and savory, making it a staple for holiday dinners or any family gathering.

this Recipe

I first fell in love with this recipe when searching for a gluten-free alternative for my best friend's Thanksgiving feast. It was an instant hit, drawing "oohs" and "aahs" from even the most traditional eaters, and has since earned a permanent spot in our celebration menu.

Why You'll Love This Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole

Get ready to indulge in a side dish that’ll win over even the toughest critics. This Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons.

First off, it's perfect for anyone needing a gluten-free option at the dinner table. But don't worry – no one will miss the gluten, because the texture and flavor are just as luscious and delicious as the classic version. Even those without dietary restrictions will savor every spoonful.

You'll also appreciate how easy it is to make. From start to finish, this dish requires minimal effort, making it ideal for holiday meals when oven space and time are both at a premium. The sweet potatoes become luxuriously creamy after roasting and mashing, creating a dreamy base that pairs beautifully with the crunchy, nutty topping.

Speaking of the topping, this recipe features a delightful mix of chopped pecans, brown sugar, and just a touch of butter for a crispy, caramelized crust. It adds the perfect crunch to balance out the smooth, buttery sweet potatoes underneath.

Finally, you’ll love how customizable this casserole is. Whether you prefer a hint of spice, extra sweetness, or a dairy-free alternative, the recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences. It’s your casserole, your way.

Ingredients Notes

The ingredients in this casserole are simple, but each one plays a key role in creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

We start with sweet potatoes. You'll need about 3 pounds of these vibrant orange tubers, peeled and cubed. Roasting the sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and ensures a silky-smooth texture when mashed.

To enhance the flavor of the mashed sweet potatoes, a mix of coconut milk (or any dairy-free milk you prefer), maple syrup, and pure vanilla extract is added. The coconut milk provides a subtle hint of tropical flavor, while the maple syrup brings a touch of natural sweetness. Feel free to use brown sugar if that's what you have on hand.

For that irresistible crunchy topping, you'll need pecans, gluten-free flour, and a bit of melted butter. The pecans add a nutty, earthy contrast to the sweet, creamy potatoes. If you’re nut-free, you can substitute crushed gluten-free cornflakes or seeds for a similar crunch.

Don't forget a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg! These warming spices elevate the flavors of the sweet potatoes, adding a subtle, festive aroma to the dish.

For equipment, make sure to have a large pot for boiling, a baking dish for the final assembly, and a potato masher or electric mixer for achieving that perfect mashed consistency.

How To Make This Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole

Creating this delectable dish is a straightforward process that’ll have you in and out of the kitchen in no time. Let's walk through it step by step.

Start by peeling and cubing your sweet potatoes. Place them in a large pot of salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the water and let the sweet potatoes sit for a moment to release excess moisture.

While the sweet potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your casserole dish by lightly greasing it. You’ll also want to make your pecan topping: combine chopped pecans, gluten-free flour, brown sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Set this aside.

Mash your cooked sweet potatoes until smooth. You can use a potato masher for a rustic texture or an electric hand mixer for a creamier result. Add in coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is well combined and velvety.

Spread the mashed sweet potatoes into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the top, making sure every bite will have some crunchy goodness.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. The scent of warm spices and caramelized pecans will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait for dinner time!

Storage Options

If you’re planning ahead, this Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole stores beautifully. You can make the entire dish up to 2 days in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The casserole also freezes well. Wrap portions individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven.

For reheating single servings, use the microwave on medium power to ensure the casserole doesn’t dry out.

Variations and Substitutions

This casserole is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it to suit your needs.

Want to make it dairy-free? Simply use vegan butter in the topping and ensure your milk substitute is dairy-free, like almond or oat milk. Both options work wonderfully.

For a lower-sugar version, cut the maple syrup in half and skip the brown sugar in the topping. You can even try adding unsweetened applesauce to the mashed sweet potatoes for a natural sweetness boost.

If you prefer a touch of spice, add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the sweet potato mixture. It’ll bring a warm, zesty flavor that pairs well with the traditional cinnamon and nutmeg.

For a nut-free variation, replace the pecans with crushed gluten-free pretzels or a mix of toasted seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. You’ll still get that satisfying crunch.

This Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole is all about making it your own, so feel free to experiment and add your signature twist. It's sure to become a holiday tradition in your home, just as it has in mine!

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