There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole baking in the oven. This dish combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with a nutty, buttery topping for a side dish that’s as indulgent as dessert.

I first made this casserole for a family Thanksgiving when we needed a gluten-free option that didn’t sacrifice flavor or tradition. It’s now a staple at every holiday gathering, and even the gluten-loving crowd can’t get enough!

Let’s dive into why this casserole will be your new favorite addition to the table.

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

Get ready to fall head over heels for this crowd-pleasing side dish! This Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole is not only delicious but also ticks all the boxes for simplicity, flavor, and dietary friendliness.

First, it’s perfectly creamy and sweet. The tender sweet potatoes are whipped to perfection with butter, maple syrup, and a hint of warm spices, creating a velvety base that melts in your mouth.

The crispy pecan topping is a game-changer. Made with gluten-free oats, chopped pecans, and a touch of brown sugar, it delivers the ideal contrast of textures.

Best of all, it’s so easy to make ahead. You can prepare this casserole the day before, making it a lifesaver for busy holiday schedules.

Plus, it’s a hit with everyone, whether they’re gluten-free or not. This casserole’s rich, comforting flavors transcend dietary needs and make it a universal favorite.

Ready to see what makes this dish so magical? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one works together to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:

Sweet Potatoes: The star of the dish! Choose fresh, firm sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness, but steaming or boiling works if you’re in a pinch.
Maple Syrup: Adds a natural sweetness to the sweet potato filling without overpowering it. Feel free to substitute honey or brown sugar if you prefer.
Butter: A little butter adds richness and enhances the casserole's creamy texture. Use vegan butter if you need a dairy-free option.
Warm Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring a cozy warmth to the dish. Adjust to taste or add a pinch of ginger for an extra kick.
Gluten-Free Oats: Essential for the topping, these oats add a lovely chewiness and help bind the ingredients together.
Pecans: Chopped pecans provide crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet potato base. Walnuts work as a great substitute.
Brown Sugar: Adds a caramelized sweetness to the topping. For a refined-sugar-free version, swap it with coconut sugar.

Finally, ensure you have a 9x13-inch baking dish and a potato masher or electric mixer for the filling.

How To Make This Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole

Creating this dish is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a casserole that’s holiday-table ready.

Prep the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for 25-30 minutes until fork-tender.
Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes to a large bowl. Add butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Use a potato masher or electric mixer to blend until smooth and creamy.
Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine gluten-free oats, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the oat-pecan topping generously over the top.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and fragrant. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

From start to finish, this recipe takes about an hour, making it both simple and satisfying.

Storage Options

This Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole stores beautifully, making it an excellent choice for make-ahead meals.

Refrigerate: Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat: To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. For an extra crispy topping, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun ways to make it your own:

Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter.
Nut-Free: Replace the pecans with sunflower seeds or skip them altogether for an oat-only topping.
Lower Sugar: Reduce the amount of brown sugar in the topping or use a sugar-free alternative like stevia.
Add Marshmallows: For a classic twist, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the topping during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Savory Spin: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the filling and swap the sweet topping for a sprinkle of gluten-free breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan.

No matter how you customize it, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create a version that’s uniquely yours.

This Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole is everything you need in a holiday side dish: easy, delicious, and perfectly adaptable to your guests’ needs. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to be the star of the meal. Give it a try, and get ready to wow everyone at the table!