Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Easy Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Sweet potato casserole with a gluten-free twist brings comfort to your holiday table like nothing else.

Marshmallows and pecans create a delightful crunch that makes this dish irresistible.

Creamy, smooth potatoes nestle beneath a golden-brown topping that promises pure deliciousness.

Every bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth.

Southern traditions meet modern dietary needs in this crowd-pleasing side dish.

Families and friends will absolutely adore how simple yet spectacular this recipe can be.

Prepare to fall in love with a casserole that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole Essentials

  • Simplify Cooking: Dump all ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the magic, making meal preparation a breeze without constant monitoring.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, cheesy potatoes create a delicious side dish that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for family gatherings or potluck events.
  • Hands-Off Convenience: Set the slow cooker and walk away, allowing you to focus on other tasks while a delectable meal cooks itself with minimal effort.
  • Versatile Dish: Adaptable recipe that complements various main courses like roasted chicken, grilled meats, or can stand alone as a hearty vegetarian option.

Ingredients List for Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole

For the Base:
  • Sweet Potatoes: A nutritious root vegetable that provides a creamy, smooth foundation for this comforting casserole.
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a smooth, luxurious texture in the sweet potato mixture.
  • Almond Milk: A dairy-free liquid that helps achieve the perfect consistency and adds a subtle nutty undertone.
  • Maple Syrup: Introduces a natural sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
For the Seasonings:
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic essence.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that bring depth and traditional holiday flavor to the dish.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the casserole.
For the Topping:
  • Pecans, Brown Sugar: Create a crunchy, sweet layer that adds texture and richness to the casserole.
  • Gluten-Free Flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients and ensures the recipe remains gluten-free.
  • Butter: Helps the topping become golden and crisp during baking.

How to Make Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven dial to 350°F (175°C) and let it start heating while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Boil and Mash Sweet Potatoes

Dice the sweet potatoes into chunks and drop them into salted boiling water.

Cook until they’re super soft and easily pierced with a fork, around 15-20 minutes. Drain the water and transform the potatoes into a silky smooth mash using a potato masher or electric mixer.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sweet Potato Base

Combine the mashed sweet potatoes with:
  • Melted butter
  • Almond milk
  • Maple syrup
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt

Stir everything together until well blended, then spread the mixture into a greased casserole dish.

Step 4: Craft the Crunchy Pecan Topping

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

Sprinkle this delicious topping evenly across the sweet potato base.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and starts to bubble around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to settle, then serve and enjoy this delightful gluten-free treat!

Helpful Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Swap almond milk with coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture that adds depth to the sweet potato base.
  • Soak pecans overnight to enhance their buttery flavor and create a more tender topping that melts in your mouth.
  • Reduce maple syrup by half for a less sweet version, perfect for those watching sugar intake or preferring a more savory side dish.
  • Use pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices to simplify the seasoning process and create a more complex flavor profile.
  • Toast pecans before adding to the topping for an extra layer of nutty, caramelized crunch that elevates the entire dish.

Flavorful Variations for Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Marshmallow Cloud Topping: Replace pecan topping with mini marshmallows scattered generously across the sweet potato base, creating a fluffy white layer that caramelizes beautifully when baked.
  • Coconut Crunch Edition: Incorporate shredded coconut into the topping mix, adding tropical texture and nutty sweetness that complements the creamy sweet potato base.
  • Maple Praline Transformation: Swap brown sugar with maple sugar and add crushed praline pecans to the topping for an elevated, rich caramel-like flavor profile.
  • Apple Spice Fusion: Mix diced apples into the sweet potato layer and sprinkle extra cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, autumnal complexity that enhances the original recipe's comfort.

Serving Ideas for Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Thanksgiving Centerpiece: Showcase this golden-brown casserole as the star of your holiday table. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and extra toasted pecans for an elegant touch that adds visual appeal and extra crunch.
  • Holiday Brunch Companion: Serve warm alongside crispy bacon and scrambled eggs. The sweet and savory combination creates a delightful breakfast experience that transforms this side dish into a morning favorite.
  • Dessert Transformation: Turn leftovers into a decadent dessert by topping with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The caramelized pecan topping becomes an irresistible sweet treat that feels like a special indulgence.

Storage Tips for Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Store the sweet potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm the casserole in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent the topping from burning. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

Yes, it’s gluten-free and can be easily adapted for dairy-free diets by using plant-based butter alternatives.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

  • What if I don't have almond milk?

You can substitute with coconut milk, oat milk, or regular milk if you’re not restricted by dairy or gluten concerns.

  • How do I know the sweet potatoes are cooked properly?

They should be fork-tender and easily mashed when fully cooked, typically after 15-20 minutes of boiling.

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Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 22 reviews

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

Description

Creamy gluten free sweet potato casserole brings Southern comfort to holiday tables with rich marshmallow and pecan toppings. Warm spices and silky textures invite you to savor each comforting bite of this classic side dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)
  • 1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) almond milk (or any milk alternative)
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup or brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly coating with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Peel and cube sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
  3. Place sweet potato cubes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
  4. Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to the pot, mashing with a potato masher until creamy and free of lumps.
  5. Incorporate melted butter, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt into the mashed sweet potatoes, stirring until well combined and smooth.
  6. Transfer the sweet potato mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  7. Create the topping by mixing chopped pecans, melted butter, brown sugar, and gluten-free flour in a separate bowl until crumbly.
  8. Sprinkle the pecan topping uniformly across the sweet potato base, ensuring complete coverage.
  9. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and bubbling edges.
  10. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and topping set.

Notes

  • Select firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the richest flavor and creamiest texture when mashing.
  • Use a potato masher or electric mixer to achieve an ultra-smooth consistency without lumps in the sweet potato base.
  • Customize the sweetness by adjusting maple syrup – less for a more savory side, more for a dessert-like experience.
  • Swap pecans with alternative nuts like walnuts or almonds for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 193
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 20 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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