Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Heavenly Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for Fall

Sweet potato lovers often find their favorite holiday casserole challenging with gluten free restrictions, but this innovative recipe solves that dilemma perfectly.

Comfort meets nutrition in a dish packed with wholesome ingredients.

Creamy mashed sweet potatoes blend seamlessly with a crunchy pecan topping that will make everyone forget about traditional versions.

Guests rarely detect the careful modifications that ensure every bite remains deliciously safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Marshmallows optional but recommended for an extra touch of indulgence.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance between smooth, velvety potatoes and crisp nutty layers.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for every seasonal gathering.

Flavor Options for Gluten-Free Sweet Potatoes

  • Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole: Replace butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, and swap white sugar for maple syrup. Top with crushed walnuts and dairy-free margarine.
  • Low-Carb Sweet Potato Alternative: Substitute sweet potatoes with mashed cauliflower, use monk fruit sweetener, and reduce overall sugar content. Keep the pecan topping for crunch.
  • Paleo-Friendly Version: Use ghee instead of butter, replace sugar with honey, and add almond extract for depth. Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds and cinnamon.
  • Nut-Free Adaptation: Remove pecans and almond flour, replace with gluten-free oats and sunflower seeds. Use coconut sugar for added richness and complexity.

What to Eat With This Gluten-Free Dish

  • Cozy Family Feast: Perfect for thanksgiving or holiday gatherings, this sweet potato casserole brings warmth to the dinner table.
  • Festive Side Dish Pairing: Complement the casserole with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or grilled chicken for a complete meal that delights everyone.
  • Elegant Brunch Option: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a delectable morning spread that feels special and indulgent.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to save time and reduce holiday cooking stress.

Store Gluten-Free Casserole for Later Meals

  • Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
  • Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.
  • Scoop individual portions onto a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm throughout.

FAQs

  • Are sweet potatoes healthy?

Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They’re a nutritious alternative to regular potatoes and support immune health and eye function.

  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy butter with coconut oil or plant-based butter. Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk to keep the recipe dairy-free.

  • How do I know when sweet potatoes are perfectly boiled?

Sweet potatoes are ready when a fork easily pierces through them without resistance. They should feel soft but not mushy or falling apart.

  • Is almond flour necessary for the topping?

Almond flour adds a nutty flavor and helps create a crispy topping, but you can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free graham crackers if needed.

Why Go Gluten Free with This Casserole

  • Whip Up Dietary Diversity: Perfect for gluten-sensitive folks, this sweet potato casserole delivers delicious flavors without wheat-based ingredients, making it a welcoming dish for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Craft Simple Comfort Food: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps allow even novice cooks to create a stunning side dish that tastes like it's straight from grandma's kitchen, with rich, warm spices and creamy texture.
  • Celebrate Seasonal Warmth: Packed with cozy autumn spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this casserole transforms humble sweet potatoes into a festive dish ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners that bring everyone together.

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Ingredients You’ll Need

Sweet Potatoes:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that provide the base and creamy texture for this classic casserole.
Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Butter, Milk: Add richness and smooth consistency to the sweet potato mixture.
  • Vanilla: Provides a warm, sweet background flavor that complements the sweet potatoes.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the casserole.
Spices and Topping:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that bring depth and traditional holiday flavor to the dish.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the overall taste of the casserole.
  • Pecans, Almond Flour: Crunchy topping that adds texture and nutty flavor to the sweet potato base.

Steps to Make Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Dish

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Boil and Mash Sweet Potatoes

Wash sweet potatoes and place them in a large pot of boiling water.

Cook until they’re super soft and can be easily pierced with a fork.

Drain the water and mash the potatoes until they’re silky smooth with no lumps.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sweet Potato Base

Combine the mashed sweet potatoes with:
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Whole milk
  • Pure vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Kosher salt

Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.

Step 4: Craft the Crunchy Pecan Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together:
  • Chopped pecans
  • Almond flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Melted butter

Sprinkle this delightful mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges.

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm.

Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Casserole Recipe

  • Use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of white sugar for a more natural, lower-glycemic option that adds depth to the flavor.
  • Use a potato masher or hand mixer to create ultra-smooth sweet potato puree without any lumps for a creamy texture.
  • Add a sprinkle of ground flaxseed or chia seeds to the topping for extra fiber and omega-3 nutrients without changing the taste.
  • Prepare the casserole up to two days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
  • Replace butter with coconut oil or olive oil and use almond milk to make the recipe completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
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Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Luscious homemade sweet potato casserole delights palates with Southern comfort. Marshmallow-topped goodness combines creamy potatoes and crisp pecans for a festive side that satisfies holiday cravings you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons / 56 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup milk (dairy-free optional)

Sweeteners and Spices:

  • 1/3 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Peel and chop sweet potatoes into uniform chunks, then boil in salted water for 15-20 minutes until extremely tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. Drain sweet potatoes completely and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Mash using a potato masher or electric mixer until completely smooth and free of lumps.
  4. Incorporate softened butter, granulated sugar, whole milk, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and sea salt into the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until all ingredients are fully integrated.
  5. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, creating a smooth surface with the back of a spatula.
  6. Create the pecan topping by combining chopped pecans, almond flour, brown sugar, and melted butter in a separate bowl. Stir until the mixture resembles a crumbly, moist texture.
  7. Generously sprinkle the pecan topping across the entire surface of the sweet potato layer, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and slightly bubbling edges.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and cool slightly.

Notes

  • Ensure sweet potatoes are completely mashed without lumps for a silky, smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Swap dairy milk with coconut or almond milk to make the dish completely dairy-free and suitable for lactose-intolerant guests.
  • Toast pecans briefly before adding to the topping to enhance their nutty flavor and add an extra layer of crunch to the casserole.
  • Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-carb, diabetic-friendly version of this classic comfort dish.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 173
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 77 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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