Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping 🍮 – Comforting, Holiday-Ready, and Crowd-Pleasing! 🍂
This gluten-free sweet potato casserole with a maple-pecan topping is the ultimate holiday side dish! It's creamy on the inside, crunchy on top, and perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering. Pair it with a roasted turkey for a comforting, fuss-free feast everyone will love! #GlutenFreeCasserole #SweetPotato #ThanksgivingSide
There's something inherently comforting about a sweet potato casserole—especially when it's made with love, spiced just right, and crowned with a buttery pecan topping. This gluten-free version replaces traditional gluten-containing flours with almond flour, making it safe for sensitive palates without sacrificing that perfect crunchy finish. With a maple-sweetened glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven and a topping that crackles like autumn leaves, this casserole is ready to steal the spotlight at your holiday table. Best of all? It's easy enough for a weeknight dinner or a cozy fall dinner with the family!
Whether you're hosting your first Thanksgiving feast or you're a seasoned holiday host, this casserole will become your go-to comfort food. The warm, nutty flavor of sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the toasted pecans and maple glaze, while the almond flour topping adds a delightful texture contrast. It's not just a side dish—it's a festive showstopper that brings cozy fall flavors to life in every bite.
This recipe works perfectly for small families or larger gatherings alike. You can easily double the casserole for a full Thanksgiving dinner, or scale it down for a cozy family meal. The versatility and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a must-have recipe in any kitchen.
Let's dive into exactly why this dish deserves a prime spot on your holiday table. From the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, I'll guide you through each part of the process with helpful tips and creative ideas to make this casserole your best one yet.
Ready to start baking your way to fall flavor bliss? Let's get cooking! 🍂
Why This Recipe Works
Gluten-Free Made Easy
Substituting traditional gluten-containing ingredients like flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and pecans ensures this casserole remains gluten-free while maintaining its signature crunchy texture. Perfect for sensitive palates or those avoiding gluten.
Fall Flavor Powerhouse
The combination of sweet potatoes, warm spices, toasted pecans, and a touch of maple syrup creates rich fall flavors that evoke cozy memories of harvest festivals and family gatherings around the dinner table.
Easy to Customize
You can easily adjust the spice level, add herbs like rosemary or sage, or use different nuts like walnuts for a unique twist. The recipe is designed to be adaptable for different tastes and dietary needs.
Perfect Crowd-Pleaser
Even guests who aren't into vegetables will love this dish! The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory crunch of the pecan topping, making it universally loved at the dinner table.
Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole
Crispy pecan topping meets creamy sweet potato filling in this festive holiday classic
Ingredients
- - 4 large sweet potatoes (about 10 lbs total)
- - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- - 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
- - Salt to taste
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Pecan Topping:
- 1 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon butter, melted
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Steam Sweet Potatoes: Wash sweet potatoes, pierce skins with a fork. Place in a steamer basket over 2 inches boiling water. Cover and steam 25 minutes or until tender. Let cool slightly.
💡 Once steamed, let potatoes cool to room temperature before mashing to avoid water retention
Prepare Sweet Potato Puree: In mixing bowl, mash steamed sweet potatoes with a fork or masher until smooth. Add butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and salt to taste. Add cream and milk, mix well until smooth and creamy.
💡 For extra smooth texture, pass mixture through sieve
Make Pecan Topping: In a medium bowl, combine pecans, almond flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter until wet but not clumpy. Mix well to combine.
💡 Add a touch of maple syrup during mixing for extra flavor
Assemble Casserole: Spread sweet potato mixture in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Tap gently to ensure even coverage.
💡 Use a rubber spatula to smooth the base evenly for even baking
Bake: Place in preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Top begins to brown and crust forms. Let cool slightly before serving.
💡 The crust will deepen in color as the casserole sits
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes
The foundation of this casserole! Choose golden-fleshed varieties for the sweetest flavor. You can substitute 8-10 small cubed sweet potatoes for the same baking time.
Substations: Butternut squash for a more savory flavor; regular potatoes for a less sweet version
Almond Flour
This makes our casserole gluten-free and adds a subtle nutty flavor. It's essential for the crumbly texture of the topping.
Substations: Substitute with 1/2 cup ground walnuts or pecans for a similar texture
Maple Syrup
Provides natural sweetness and helps develop a golden-brown crust. For a richer flavor, use dark maple syrup.
Substations: Brown rice syrup, pure corn syrup, or turbinado sugar
Pecans
Toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and buttery flavor. Make sure to chop them finely for even distribution.
Substations: Chopped walnuts or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor
Heavy Cream
Adds richness and makes the sweet potato mixture ultra smooth. If unavailable, you can use whole milk or almond milk with heavy cream
Substations: Half and half or evaporated milk
Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Pecan Toppings
For Extra Flavor
Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the casserole mixture. It works with the cinnamon and pecans for a more complex flavor.
Make It Ahead
You can prepare the casserole and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just give it a quick stir before toping.
Texture Matters
The casserole should be thick enough to hold together when stirred. If it's too runny, chill for 30 minutes before topping to allow thickening.
Serving Tip
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking for easier serving and cleaner slices. The topping sets slightly during this time.
Variations & Customizations
Vegan Version
Use vegan butter and plant-based milk, preferably full-fat coconut milk for richness. Substitute honey instead of maple syrup if desired.
Dairy-Free Option
Replace regular butter with coconut oil. Use non-dairy creamer with heavy cream to keep it dairy-free. For a vegan version, substitute with 2/3 cup coconut milk and 1/3 cup water.
Spiced Version
Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice to the sweet potato mixture for a festive, spiced flavor.
Herb Crust
Mix 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and sage) into the topping for a fragrant, herbaceous twist.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Candied Yams - The sweet contrast works well with the spiced casserole
- Green Bean Casserole - Adds texture and color to the plate
- Parsley-Sage Stuffing - The herby flavors complement the maple sweetness
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes - Provides comfort and balance to any meal
- Grilled Turkey - The perfect protein partner for this festive side
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, or a spiced apple cider. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling apple cider or a chai tea.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the sweet potato puree up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make the topping separately.
Refrigerator Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The topping will become slightly softer over time.
Freezer Storage
Freeze the untopped casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding the topping and baking.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. Let it cool to room temperature before topping if making fresh.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why isn't my topping browning?
A: If the topping isn't browning enough, try increasing the oven temperature to 375°F for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. You can also broil for the final 2 minutes to develop a golden crust.
Q: My casserole is too runny. What went wrong?
A: Check if you used enough fat and almond flour. The almond flour helps absorb excess liquid. If it's still too runny, chill the casserole for 30 minutes before baking to allow thickening.
Q: How can I make this nut-free?
A: Substitute the pecans with 1/2 cup shredded coconut or omit the topping altogether. You could also use crumbled toasted coconut flakes spread over the sweet potato mixture.
Q: Can I make this in a cast iron skillet?
A: Yes! Cast iron develops a delicious crust and is perfect for searing casserole recipes. Grease skillet well and monitor closely to prevent burning.
This gluten-free sweet potato casserole is more than just a side dish—it's a culinary celebration of everything cozy and comforting about the season! Whether you're feeding a crowd, hosting a small family dinner, or simply enjoying a warm meal on a chilly evening, this recipe has it all.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility. With countless ways to customize the flavors and toppings, you can make it your own every time you prepare it. I love experimenting with different spices and seasonal variations to keep it fresh and exciting. This recipe has become a tradition in my home over the years, and I hope it becomes one in yours too!
So next time you're hosting, don't forget to include this casserole at your table. It's sure to be a hit with everyone—from young kids to grandparents! With its rich maple flavor, buttery almond topping, and cozy seasonal spices, this gluten-free sweet potato masterpiece is sure to become a holiday favorite.
