There's something so comforting about the creamy, subtly sweet taste of Sweet Potato Casserole – and now, it's gluten-free! This dish takes the best of traditional flavors and gives it a healthy twist that's perfect for any family gathering or holiday spread.

I first made this gluten-free version when a family member needed to avoid gluten but didn't want to miss out on all the fall goodness. With a crunchy pecan topping and silky smooth filling, this casserole became an instant hit and has earned a permanent spot on our Thanksgiving table. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this dish and how to make it.

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

Get ready to meet the ultimate holiday side dish! This Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole is packed with flavors and textures that make it irresistible.

First off, this casserole is naturally sweetened, letting the sweet potatoes and a touch of maple syrup shine. With minimal added sugar, it’s a lighter option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Secondly, it's entirely gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for anyone with gluten sensitivities. By using oat flour or almond flour in the topping, you can keep the same crunch without the gluten.

What truly sets this casserole apart is its texture. The filling is creamy and smooth, while the pecan topping adds a crunchy contrast in every bite. Whether it's served alongside turkey or on its own, this dish will keep guests coming back for seconds!

Lastly, this casserole is easy to prep in advance, saving you time and stress on busy holiday mornings. Assemble it the night before, then simply bake before serving for a hassle-free side that’s bound to impress.

Ingredients Notes

This Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole is made with simple ingredients that come together to create a deliciously balanced dish.

Sweet Potatoes: The star of this casserole, sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness, creaminess, and loads of nutrients. For best results, roast them until tender before mashing for extra depth of flavor.
Maple Syrup: A small amount of pure maple syrup adds a hint of caramelized sweetness. It’s a great alternative to refined sugar, making this casserole naturally sweetened.
Butter: A few tablespoons of unsalted butter help create that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you prefer dairy-free, you can substitute with vegan butter or coconut oil.
Oat Flour: This gluten-free flour is perfect for the pecan topping, giving it structure and a lightly nutty flavor. You can also use almond flour if preferred.
Pecans: For a rich, nutty crunch, pecans are essential in this recipe. They pair beautifully with the creamy filling, adding that classic, toasty topping that everyone loves.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add a warm, cozy flavor that brings out the best in the sweet potatoes. Feel free to adjust according to taste or add a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.

For equipment, you’ll need a baking dish and a potato masher (or food processor for an extra-smooth filling). A hand mixer can also be used if you prefer a whipped consistency.

How to Make This Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole

Creating this casserole is simple and stress-free. Follow these steps to make the perfect gluten-free sweet potato casserole for your next family meal.

Roast and Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the sweet potatoes, prick them with a fork, and roast for about 45 minutes or until soft. Once they’re cool enough to handle, remove the skins and transfer the flesh to a mixing bowl.
Mash and Season the Filling
Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Add in the maple syrup, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg, along with a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until fully combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Prepare the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together oat flour, chopped pecans, a bit of maple syrup, and melted butter until you have a crumbly texture. This topping will bake into a crunchy, golden-brown crust over the creamy sweet potatoes.
Assemble and Bake
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the pecan topping generously across the top, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is crisp and golden.

This recipe takes around an hour from start to finish, with some steps that can be done ahead of time. Serve warm, and watch as everyone digs in with delight!

Storage Options

This casserole is great for make-ahead meal prep and can be stored for later enjoyment.

Refrigerate: Once cooled, cover the casserole with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: If you want to make this in advance, assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
Reheat: For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Microwaving is also an option but may make the topping less crisp.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts of this gluten-free casserole is its versatility! Here are some fun variations to try:

Vegan Option: Swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter and use a flax egg if you want to make this entirely plant-based.
Nut-Free: Substitute the pecans with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to create a similar crunchy topping without the nuts.
Add Marshmallows: If you love a classic marshmallow topping, sprinkle some on top in the last 5-10 minutes of baking. They’ll get golden and gooey!
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cloves or a dash of ginger for extra warmth, or even a splash of vanilla extract for a bit of extra depth in the filling.

Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own. With such a forgiving base, you can easily adjust the flavors to suit your taste or diet needs.

Enjoy this Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole at your next holiday gathering or special meal. With its cozy flavors, creamy texture, and crispy topping, it’s bound to become a new family tradition. Happy cooking!