There's something about the comforting aroma of a Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole that instantly puts me in the mood for the holiday season. Silky, naturally sweet mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy, nutty topping make this dish a must-have for any festive table.

I first experimented with a gluten-free version of this classic side when a friend with celiac disease came over for Thanksgiving. To my surprise, it was such a hit that it's now a permanent fixture on our holiday menu, loved by everyone, regardless of dietary needs.

Whether you’re looking for a dish to impress your family or want to add a wholesome twist to your feast, this gluten-free sweet potato casserole will surely become a new favorite.

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

Get ready to savor every bite of this delicious, gluten-free holiday side dish. It's everything you love about the classic sweet potato casserole but reimagined to accommodate everyone at the table.

First and foremost, this casserole is incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any complicated techniques, and the prep time is minimal, perfect for busy holiday gatherings or even a cozy Sunday dinner.

You'll also love how the natural sweetness of the potatoes shines through. By roasting the sweet potatoes first, you enhance their caramelized flavor, making the dish even more scrumptious. Plus, the crunchy pecan topping adds a delightful contrast in texture that will have everyone going back for seconds.

Even if you’re not gluten-sensitive, this recipe is a healthier option compared to the traditional version. Using simple, whole ingredients means you get all the flavor without any of the unnecessary fillers.

Most importantly, this casserole is versatile. It pairs beautifully with savory mains like roast turkey or ham, making it the perfect addition to any meal. And if you have leftovers, it reheats like a dream. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each component brings a unique flavor and texture to the dish, resulting in a crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and allergy-friendly.

Sweet Potatoes: These are the heart of the casserole, providing natural sweetness and a velvety base. Make sure to select firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor. Roasting them first intensifies their sweetness.
Brown Sugar: This adds just the right amount of depth to the potatoes, but you can substitute it with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener if you prefer.
Coconut Milk: A great dairy-free option, coconut milk lends creaminess to the mashed potatoes. If you’re not dairy-free, you can use regular cream or even almond milk for a milder flavor.
Pecans: The crunchy topping wouldn’t be the same without chopped pecans. They add a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweet potatoes. If nuts are an issue, try using gluten-free oats or sunflower seeds instead.
Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Used for the topping, this ensures a crumbly texture. You can also use almond flour or oat flour as alternatives.
Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener adds a rich, autumnal flavor to the topping and enhances the sweetness of the dish. Be sure to use pure maple syrup for the best results.

You'll also need basic kitchen tools, like a large baking dish, a potato masher, and a sturdy mixing bowl.

How To Make This Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole

Creating this mouthwatering casserole is simpler than you might think. Let me guide you through each step.

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Wash and pierce your sweet potatoes with a fork, then place them on a baking sheet. Roast for 45-60 minutes or until they're tender and can be easily pierced with a knife. Once done, let them cool slightly before peeling. [IMAGE]
Mash the Sweet Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, add the peeled, roasted sweet potatoes. Use a potato masher or electric mixer to mash until smooth. Mix in coconut milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the sweetness and spice to taste. Spread this creamy mixture into a greased baking dish.
Make the Crunchy Topping: In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, gluten-free flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Drizzle in melted coconut oil or butter and stir until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes. [IMAGE]
Bake to Perfection: Lower your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and slightly crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the topping to firm up.

Total prep and cook time is just under 90 minutes, with most of the work happening hands-off in the oven. Your kitchen will smell incredible!

Storage Options

Storing your leftover Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole is easy and convenient. It keeps well, making it a great dish to prepare in advance.

Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit, making reheated portions even more delicious.
Freeze: If you want to make it ahead of time, freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Reheat: To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. If you prefer a crispy topping, uncover for the last 10 minutes of reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to make it your own. Here are some ideas to customize it:

Dairy-Free Options: Use coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk for a non-dairy version. You can also replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter in the topping.
Nut-Free Variation: Swap out the pecans for gluten-free oats or sunflower seeds to create a nut-free topping. It’s just as delicious and adds a satisfying crunch.
Sweetness Adjustments: If you’re watching your sugar intake, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sweet potato base or use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.
Spice It Up: Add a touch of nutmeg or even a pinch of ground ginger to the sweet potatoes for a warm, spicy flavor that screams holiday season.
Savory Twist: If you prefer a less sweet version, skip the sugar in the sweet potatoes and add a sprinkle of garlic powder and black pepper. You can top it with crushed gluten-free crackers instead of pecans.

Experiment and have fun with it! The goal is to make a dish that you and your family will love, gluten-free and all.

Enjoy this delicious and comforting Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole, and get ready for a wave of compliments at your next gathering!