Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole

Many might argue that a Thanksgiving dinner isn’t complete without a sweet potato casserole, and I must agree. It’s one of my favorite holiday side dishes. This gluten-free version of traditional sweet potato casserole is fantastic! It’s a great side dish to serve any time of the year.

My sister-in-law makes a fantastic sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving each year, and I honestly cannot tell the difference between hers and this gluten-free version. It turned out SO GOOD that I had to share! I hope you enjoy this easy sweet potato casserole as much as I do. Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s made with simple gluten-free ingredients you may already have in your pantry.
• The casserole is super quick and easy to assemble in advance.
• Sweet potato casserole is a versatile side dish that can be served for breakfast, dinner, and dessert any time of the year.
• It can easily be made dairy-free with some simple ingredient swaps. 

FOR THE MASHED SWEET POTATO FILLING:

• Sweet Potatoes – Cooked and mashed sweet potatoes make up the base of the filling. You can steam or bake your sweet potatoes beforehand. The goal is to get them smooth and mashed for the filling.
• Brown Sugar: Gives the sweet potatoes a subtle sweetness. You can also use coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free option. 
• Eggs – Binds all of the filling ingredients together and helps it set to create a texture that can easily be served on a plate with a variety of sides. 
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses the casserole with a light vanilla flavor that pairs well with sweet potatoes. 
• Milk: Used to thin out the base of the filling while keeping a milky and creamy texture. 
• Butter – Melted butter adds a rich buttery taste and smooth dense texture to the filling. 

FOR THE NUT CRUMBLE TOPPING:

• Brown Sugar – Gives the topping a sweetness and light caramel flavor. I don’t recommend coconut sugar for the topping for best results.
• All-purpose Gluten-Free Flour– I recommend the King Arthur Measure For Measure Gluten-Free Flour. Makes the topping crumbly and crunchy. 
• Butter – Melted butter binds the crumble topping together and adds a rich and buttery flavor. 
• Raw Pecans – Chopped pecans give the topping its classic nutty crunch. 

How To Make Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole

This gluten-free Thanksgiving side dish comes together super quick and easy. Here’s how it’s done:

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 2-quart or 9×13 casserole dish with butter.

Step 2: Assemble the sweet potato base.

Add mashed sweet potato, brown sugar (or coconut sugar), beaten eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and melted butter to a large bowl. Mix well to combine.

Step 3: Add it to the casserole dish.

Pour the mixture into your buttered casserole dish and spread out in an even layer.

Step 4: Make the pecan nut crumble. 

In another large mixing bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and pecans topping.

Step 5: Distribute the topping.

Sprinkle the topping over the sweet potato mixture and spread out evenly.

Step 6: Bake the sweet potato casserole.

Transfer your casserole dish to the preheated oven and bake until the sweet potato filling is bubbling and the topping is lightly browned and toasted (30 to 40 minutes).

Recipe Tips

• You can cook your sweet potatoes in advance. The quickest way to get them soft enough to mash is by steaming them on the stove or in an Instant Pot.
• You could also peel the sweet potatoes, bake them in a 400-degree oven for about an hour, and then mash.
• If you’re short on time, you can also use canned sweet potatoes or yams. Just make sure they are packed in water and that they are drained properly. 

Variations

• Dairy-Free Sweet Potato Casserole: To make this casserole dairy-free, swap the whole milk and butter for non-dairy milk and a plant-based butter substitute.
• Change up the nuts and add walnuts or almonds or a mix of all three for a nutty crunch. 
• Sweet potatoes can be substituted for butternut squash puree or pureed pumpkin for a uniquely different flavor. 
• Topping Variations: Here are some more yummy ingredients you can mix into your casserole topping.
  • Mini-Marshmallows
  • Chocolate Chips
  • Shaved Chocolate
  • Walnuts
  • Shredded Coconut
  • Nutmeg
  • Cinnamon Sugar
  • Raisins
  • Dates

Storing, Making Ahead, & Freezing

Storing: Leftover sweet potato casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be reheated using the microwave or by placing in the oven at 325F for 10-15 minutes. 

Making ahead: Prepare the sweet potato filling 1 to 2 days ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake the dish, top with the pecan topping and bake in the preheated oven.

Freezing: You can also freeze this baked casserole for later. Let the baked casserole cool completely to room temperature and then wrap securely in plastic wrap or an airtight container and freeze for 2 to 3 months—Thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven.

More Holiday Side Dishes

Gluten-free Green Bean Casserole

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese Bake

Slow-Roasted Green Beans

Southern Mac and Cheese

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