Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole is a tasty, comforting dish. Creamy sweet potatoes pair perfectly with a buttery, spiced topping of pecans and bacon, making it perfect for any occasion.
Begin by roasting sweet potatoes with butter until soft and creamy — the perfect base for this dish. For a twist, try using nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for added flavor and crunch. Want it sweeter? Add mini marshmallows for a fun touch.
This gluten free sweet potato casserole is simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Plus, it can be prepped ahead, making holiday meals stress-free!
If you’re craving more sweet potato recipes, check out these delicious Sweet Potato Pancakes, Sweet Potato Muffins, and Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.
Why you will love this recipe
- So Easy to Make: With just 20 minutes of active prep time, this sweet potato casserole is quick to assemble, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Naturally sweet roasted sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan bacon topping. Pure comfort in every bite.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg make it a festive favorite, especially for Thanksgiving.
- Easy to customize: Swap butter for coconut oil or plant-based options to make it dairy-free without losing flavor.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe serves 8 hearty portions, making it perfect for family dinners and celebrations. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
How To Make Perfect Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole
Prepare the sweet potatoes: Start by peeling and cubing 4 large sweet potatoes. Arrange them in a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with ⅓ cup of unsalted butter and ½ teaspoon of salt.
Roast the sweet potatoes: Roast them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, just until they begin to soften.
Make pecan bacon topping: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked bacon with 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts, ⅓ cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground ginger.
Add topping: Sprinkle the bacon mixture evenly over the roasted sweet potatoes.
Bake the casserole for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Pro Tips
- Try different nuts. Swap pecans or walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts for a unique texture and flavor.
- Serve warm. This casserole is best enjoyed straight from the oven while it’s warm.
- Add a sweet twist. Sprinkle mini marshmallows on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra sweet touch.
- Make ahead tip. Prepare the sweet potato base and topping separately, then assemble and bake right before serving.
Key Ingredients And Substitutions for Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Potatoes: These are the heart of our casserole. We roast them to enhance their natural sweetness and give them a soft texture. If you prefer, roasted sweet potatoes can be substituted with butternut squash for a different taste.
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to the sweet potato base. For a dairy-free option, we can use vegan butter or coconut oil. Each brings a unique flavor.
Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the topping. For an alternative, try coconut sugar or maple syrup to suit your taste preferences.
Chopped Pecans: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the topping. For variety, substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds to explore different textures and tastes.
Ground Cinnamon and Spices: We use cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to add warmth and depth. These spices can be adjusted based on flavor preference.
Bacon: For a savory addition, chopped bacon brings a salty, smoky flavor. Leave it out or use vegan bacon for a vegetarian version.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make gluten free sweet potato casserole with marshmallows?
Follow the base recipe and add mini marshmallows to the topping during the last 5 minutes of baking. The marshmallows will melt slightly, becoming gooey and adding a sweet, traditional touch, all while keeping the dish gluten free.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe isn’t dairy-free as it contains butter, but you can replace it with dairy-free butter or coconut oil to make it suitable for a dairy-free diet. Remember to check that all ingredients, like marshmallows, are also free from dairy and gluten to keep it vegan-friendly.
Can I freeze this sweet potato casserole?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and freeze it before baking. Simply assemble it, wrap it tightly with foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Gluten Free Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Base
- 4 Large Sweet Potatoes peeled and cubed
- ⅓ cup Unsalted Butter
- ½ tsp Salt
Pecan Bacon Topping
- 1 cup Pecans or Walnuts chopped
- ⅓ cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ½ tsp Ground Ginger
- ¼ tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 6 oz Bacon chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F.
- Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into cubes.
- Place them into a 9×13 inch baking dish, topped with cubed butter and salt. Roast it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes begin to soften but are not fully cooked.
- In the meantime, prepare the bacon topping. Cook bacon just until golden in a skillet over medium heat.
- Then, mix cooked bacon with chopped pecans, brown sugar and spices.
- Sprinkle the bacon mixture over the sweet potatoes and bake for another 20 minutes.
Notes
- If you prefer, substitute pecans or walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts for a different texture and flavor.
- This casserole is best enjoyed warm straight from the oven.
- For a sweeter twist, add mini marshmallows to the topping in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Prepare the sweet potato base and topping separately, then assemble and bake right before serving.
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