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/ Last Modified On January 14, 2024With this gluten-free sweet potato recipe, you don't need to miss out on your all-time favorite Thanksgiving side. This recipe is packed with familiar Fall flavors of mashed sweet potato topped with a melt-in-your-mouth buttery, sweet pecan topping.
Guess what? You can also make this sweet potato filling up to 3 days in advance, so this recipe is a time saver for Thanksgiving or any other special occasion.
We’ve rounded up some of the best gluten-free Thanksgiving recipes so you can plan the day! We love this crumbly, sweet, and filling gluten-free cornbread, and don't forget this make-ahead gluten-free breakfast casserole -- it's so good!
You might also want to try this delicious Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Pie. Additionally, check out these best Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Desserts, and don't forget this tempting Gluten-Free Stuffing recipe to complete your holiday menu.
Explore these comprehensive gluten-free cooking courses available on Udemy and start the new year using those new skills.
Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
This gluten-free sweet potato casserole brings back memories of Thanksgiving from years ago. It has a sweet, tasty pecan crumble topping and is delicious even though it's gluten-free.
I make this dish for all guests as gluten-free, and no one has ever mentioned a difference in taste. So, a little tip: no need to create extra dishes and work by making two separate dishes. I like to make extra; it tastes great cold the next day, straight out of the fridge.
Why You’re Going to Love These Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole
Easy to make - This recipe is so easy to make, yet it's so good one would think you've been in the kitchen for hours preparing it.
Feed a crowd - This recipe can feed a crowd. You can use the recipe to serve eight people with generous portions or double it for a crowd.
Prep ahead - This gluten-free sweet potato casserole can be partially made ahead so you're not overwhelmed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special holiday.
Ingredients in Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole
For the filling:
Sweet potatoes - 3-4 large sweet potatoes equal to 2 lbs, give or take. You can use canned sweet potatoes, but I prefer fresh.
Eggs - large eggs work best.
Milk - I used whole milk. If you are dairy-free, you can substitute it with any milk of your choice, like soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
Sugar - White sugar adds a sweet flavor.
Butter - Use unsalted butter as we add salt separately. You can also use dairy-free butter or coconut oil.
Vanilla extract - Use a good quality extract as it adds to the dish's flavor.
Seasoning - Cinnamon, allspice, ground nutmeg, and salt give this casserole the fall flavors.
For the crumble topping:
Brown sugar - I recommend using brown sugar and not white sugar.
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend - You can use one of our gluten-free flour blends.
Butter - Unsalted butter is fine for the crumble topping, as the main filling adds salt. You can also use dairy-free butter or coconut oil.
Pecans - Chop them roughly for the perfect crunch.
Equipment Needed for This Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole
Baking dish - This 9 x 13-inch baking dish is perfect for this gluten-free sweet potato casserole. You can select a transparent dish or a white one.
Large Pot or Steamer - You'll need a large pot or steamer to cook the sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender.
Mixing Bowls - Use various sizes of mixing bowls for combining ingredients and preparing the toppings.
Spoon or Potato Masher - These tools are essential for mashing the sweet potatoes to the desired consistency.
If you have any questions about making gluten-free sweet potato casserole, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
How to Make Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole
- Place cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and add enough water to cover by at least 2-3 inches. Boil until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender for about 10 minutes. Drain and let them cool for 10 minutes. TIP: You can also steam the sweet potatoes if you have a steamer. Alternatively, you can also bake or use your Instant Pot.
- Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large bowl. TIP: Let it cool slightly before adding the eggs. Add eggs, milk, melted butter, sugar, vanilla, spices, salt, and mash until smooth. TIP: If the sweet potato mash mixture is too thick, add milk until the desired consistency is reached.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and pecans.
- Stir until the pecans are well coated, and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add the mashed sweet potato to a 9x13-inch baking dish and smooth the surface with a spoon. Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
- Sprinkle the pecan topping over the sweet potato mash.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is crispy.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole
Use fresh sweet potatoes - Fresh sweet potatoes provide the best flavor and texture in your casserole.
Fully cook sweet potatoes until fork-tender - Ensure the sweet potatoes are thoroughly cooked to achieve a smooth and creamy texture in the casserole.
Adjust sweetness according to preference - Control the amount of sugar to tailor the sweetness to your liking.
Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature - Proper preheating ensures a perfectly crispy top.
Frequently Asked Questions
DOES SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE CONTAIN GLUTEN?
Yes, a traditional sweet potato casserole does contain gluten with the all-purpose flour added. This recipe, however, is gluten-free.
IS SWEET POTATO GLUTEN-FREE?
Yes, sweet potatoes are naturally gluten-free.
HOW DO YOU KEEP SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE FROM BEING RUNNY?
Don't forget to add in the 2 eggs. This binds the ingredients together.
CAN YOU OVERCOOK SWEET POTATOES IN THE OVEN?
It is difficult to overcook them, but it is possible. To check for doneness, pierce the skin with a sharp knife.
HOW DO I PREPARE SWEET POTATOES FOR THIS GF SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE:
You can either steam the sweet potatoes in a pot or steamer, bake them in the oven, or use your Instant Pot. The key is not to get the sweet potatoes too watery. I prefer to steam them in my pot to save time, but the other methods also work well.
SHOULD I PUT EGGS IN SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE?
Yes, the eggs bind the sweet potato mixture and make it into a delicious custard-styled filling. I have not tried it with egg replacers.
CAN SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE BE MADE AHEAD AND FROZEN?
Yes, you can. Make the sweet potato mash and put it in the baking dish 3 days before. When you're ready to bake it, mix up the pecan topping, add it, bake it, and then serve it.
What Substitutions / Variations / Replacements Can I Make in This Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole?
Butter - You can replace it with dairy-free butter or coconut oil.
Gluten-free, dairy-free sweet potato casserole - Substitute it with any milk of your choice, like soy milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
Gluten-free egg-free sweet potato casserole - You can try an egg replacer. I have not as yet. To make a gluten-free and egg-free sweet potato casserole, consider using alternatives like flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water, or add applesauce or mashed banana for moisture and binding properties similar to eggs. Do a trial batch to test if you get the correct texture and flavor.
Add marshmallows as a topping for a classic twist. Once the sweet potato casserole is prepared, spread a layer of marshmallows on top and return it to the oven for a few minutes until the marshmallows are golden and gooey. Just make sure the marshmallows don't have gluten-containing additives.
HOW CAN I STORE AND REHEAT GF SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also store it in the casserole dish covered with plastic wrap or foil. Reheat it in the oven or microwave.
How To Cook Sweet Potatoes?
To cook sweet potatoes, I usually use the stovetop method, but here are two more options.
- Cook sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot for convenience: Peel and chop them, place them in the Instant Pot with a cup of water, then cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes. After cooking, perform a quick release of the pressure. Then, mash and then add the mashed sweet potatoes to this gluten-free sweet potato casserole recipe.
- Roast sweet potatoes for enhanced flavor: Preheat the oven to 400°F, pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork, place them on a baking sheet, and bake for 45-60 minutes or until they are tender. Allow the sweet potatoes to cool before peeling. Then, mash and add the mashed sweet potatoes into the recipe. You can also make a sweet potato souffle.
Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole
You don't need to miss your all-time favorite Thanksgiving side with this gluten-free sweet potato casserole recipe.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 3-4 large, sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (roughly 2lbs)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon allspice or ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the topping:
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose gluten-free flour
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- ¾ cup roughly chopped pecans
Instructions
- Place cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and add enough water to cover by at least 2-3 inches.
- Boil until the sweet potatoes are fork tender for about 10 minutes. Drain and let them cool for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the sweet potatoes to a large bowl. Add eggs, milk, melted butter, sugar, vanilla, spices, and salt and mash until smooth. Add the mashed sweet potato to a 9x13 inches baking dish and smooth the surface with a spoon.
- Preheat the oven to 375º
- Combine brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and pecans in a medium bowl. Stir until the pecans are well coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle the mixture over the sweet potato mash
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is crispy.
Notes
- We used whole milk in this recipe but if you are dairy-free you can substitute it with any milk of choice like soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, etc. Instead of butter use dairy-free butter or the same amount of coconut oil.
- If the sweet potato mash mixture is too thick you can add additional milk until desired consistency.
- You can assemble the ingredients ahead of time. You can make the sweet potato mash and put it in the baking dish, then mix up the pecan topping right before you bake it and want to serve it.
- You can also bake the sweet potatoes, but you might need to decrease the milk by half due to the water content while boiling the sweet potatoes. You can taste and adjust accordingly how thick or thin you want the mash to be.
Recommended Products
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Tramontina Covered Sauce Pan Hard Anodized 4 Qt
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Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set, 1-Qt, 1.5-Qt ,and 2.5-Qt Glass Mixing Bowls, Dishwasher, Microwave and Freezer Safe
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KitchenAid Gourmet Stainless Steel Wire Masher, 10.24-Inch, Black
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LEETOYI Ceramic 2.8 Quart Baking Dish, 9" x 13",Casserole Dish (White, Set of 2)
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 376Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 284mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 4gSugar: 31gProtein: 5g
This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands that I used a the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.
Related: Gluten-Free Shepherd's Pie
Shelby
Made this for a side at our family Christmas party and everyone loved it! I made the sweet potato mash ahead of time and then baked it two hours later so it was hot for dinner. I noticed my crumble never really browned up, but it still tasted delicious!
Wendy Stoltz
Lovely Shelby. Merry Christmas.
Pat
Would it be ok to use butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes?
Wendy Stoltz
Yes, Pat, you can try using butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes in a gluten-free sweet potato casserole. Butternut squash has a similar creamy texture and sweet flavor, so it can be a suitable substitute. I would suggest you swap the sweet potatoes for butternut squash in equal proportions. You may also need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the size and texture of your squash, so keep an eye on it as it bakes to ensure it's cooked to your desired level of tenderness.