Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

There's nothing like a warm, comforting Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole to bring cozy fall flavors to your table. This classic side dish combines creamy sweet potatoes, a hint of cinnamon, and a crunchy pecan topping – all without gluten, making it a perfect choice for everyone at your holiday gathering.

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I first made this recipe for Thanksgiving a few years back, when a close friend with a gluten sensitivity joined us. It quickly became a tradition, and now it's a must-have dish that even the kids request! With its sweet, nutty topping and fluffy filling, it’s a showstopper that fits perfectly into any holiday menu.

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

Get ready to add a new staple to your family dinners and holiday feasts! This Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole is not only delicious but brings a host of benefits that make it a must-try.

First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Sweet potatoes are baked to soft perfection and then mashed with just a few ingredients, making it an uncomplicated recipe that can even be prepped in advance. The time you save means more time to enjoy with family and friends!

It’s also naturally gluten-free. By using gluten-free flour for the topping, this dish stays safe for anyone with gluten sensitivities, and it still has that traditional casserole taste everyone loves.

The rich flavor and texture make this dish a crowd-pleaser. The sweet, creamy sweet potatoes contrast beautifully with the crunchy pecan topping, creating a bite that’s satisfying and perfectly balanced.

And finally, it’s incredibly versatile. This recipe can be adapted to fit dairy-free diets or to include a variety of toppings. So, whether you’re cooking for family with dietary restrictions or simply want to try something new, this recipe will become a go-to.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one brings something unique to the table, creating a dish that's as comforting as it is delicious.

• Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the casserole. Look for medium-sized, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best texture and sweetness. Baking them before mashing enhances their natural flavor and sweetness.
• Butter: A small amount of butter in the mash adds a rich, creamy texture. If you're dairy-free, substitute with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine – it won’t change the taste much but keeps the casserole light and fluffy.
• Maple Syrup: To bring out the sweetness in the potatoes without added sugar, I use pure maple syrup. It adds a hint of natural caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon.
• Pecans: These give the topping its irresistible crunch. If someone in your family has a nut allergy, you can substitute oats or gluten-free granola to keep that crunchy texture without the nuts.
• Gluten-Free Flour: For the topping, gluten-free flour helps bind everything together while maintaining that traditional crumbly texture. Use a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the best results.

For equipment, you'll need a 9x13 baking dish to ensure the casserole cooks evenly and a potato masher or hand mixer to get the right consistency.

How To Make This Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole

Creating this Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole is simple and stress-free, making it ideal for busy holiday cooking.

1. Start by baking your sweet potatoes. Preheat your oven to 375°F, then wash and prick each sweet potato with a fork. Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until they’re soft and easily pierced with a fork.
2. Mash the sweet potatoes. Once they’ve cooled enough to handle, peel the skins off and transfer the potatoes to a mixing bowl. Add a bit of butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a pinch of cinnamon. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to blend until smooth.
3. Prepare the topping. In a separate bowl, mix together chopped pecans, gluten-free flour, a touch of brown sugar, and some melted butter. Stir until everything is evenly coated – this will give you a crunchy, flavorful topping that contrasts with the soft sweet potatoes.
4. Assemble the casserole. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan topping generously over the surface, covering it entirely. This ensures every bite has that perfect mix of creamy and crunchy textures.
5. Bake until golden. Pop the casserole in the oven and bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and fragrant. Let it cool slightly before serving, as this will make it easier to cut into portions.

In about an hour, you'll have a warm, inviting casserole that's ready to delight your guests with its comforting flavors and textures!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though it’s rare!), this Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole stores beautifully, so you can enjoy it the next day or save it for later in the week.

• Refrigerator: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Freezer: This casserole can also be frozen! Wrap the cooled casserole in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, until hot and bubbling.
• Individual Servings: If you want to freeze single portions, divide the casserole into small containers. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a convenient side dish anytime!

Variations and Substitutions

The flexibility of this Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole allows you to adapt it in many ways. Here are a few fun twists to make it your own!

• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative. It’ll still taste rich and delicious, with a slightly tropical hint from the coconut.
• Vegan Version: Follow the dairy-free substitutions above and replace the maple syrup with agave nectar for a purely vegan option.
• Nut-Free Topping: Swap the pecans for gluten-free oats or crushed gluten-free cereal. This will still give a crunchy texture without any nuts.
• Marshmallow Topping: If you love a traditional, slightly gooey top, add gluten-free marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking. They’ll get golden and slightly melted, adding a sweet finish.
• Savory Twist: For a unique variation, skip the maple syrup and add garlic powder, salt, and rosemary to the mashed sweet potatoes. Top with gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of pecans for a more savory take on this dish.

No matter how you make it, this Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole is a guaranteed hit. It’s warm, comforting, and full of flavor, so feel free to experiment with your favorite toppings or mix-ins. This dish will soon be a staple at your holiday table!

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