Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Praline Topping Recipe

I absolutely love this Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Praline Topping Recipe because it combines creamy, spiced sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping that’s just irresistible. Whether it’s holiday gatherings or a cozy fall dinner, this casserole always feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate. I’ve made this recipe countless times for my family, and each time it disappears so quickly!

What makes this dish truly special is not just its rich flavors but also its naturally gluten-free ingredients that everyone can enjoy. If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to whip up this casserole without sacrificing any of that traditional sweet potato magic. Once you try this Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Praline Topping Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient plays a key role in achieving that silky, flavorful sweet potato base and the crunchy, caramel-like pecan topping. You’ll want good quality sweet potatoes and fresh pecans to get the full effect.

• Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, large ones for creamy texture and natural sweetness.
• Coconut milk (or whole milk): Adds richness and moisture—coconut milk gives a subtle tropical twist.
• Sugar (or maple syrup): Balances the natural sweetness with extra depth; maple syrup adds a lovely flavor.
• Melted butter (or coconut oil): Gives silky richness to the casserole and helps with browning.
• Vanilla: Enhances all the warm, sweet notes—don’t skip it!
• Cinnamon: Classic warming spice that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.
• Nutmeg: A little goes a long way to add subtle earthiness.
• Fine salt: Brings balance and intensifies the flavors.
• Egg: Helps bind the casserole for a creamy yet firm texture.
• Chopped pecans: For that signature praline crunch and buttery flavor.
• Gluten-free 1:1 baking flour: Keeps the topping cohesive without gluten.
• Light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes to the topping.
• Softened butter (or solid coconut oil): Creates a buttery, crumbly praline texture in the topping.

Variations

I love experimenting with this casserole for different occasions. Don’t be afraid to tweak the topping or spices to make it your own—it’s forgiving and always delicious.

• Add a hint of orange zest: I once added fresh orange zest to the sweet potato mixture, and it gave the casserole a bright, festive twist that was a hit at Christmas dinner.
• Use maple syrup instead of sugar: For a deeper, natural sweetness and subtle maple flavor that pairs beautifully with pecans.
• Try chopped walnuts or almonds: If pecans aren’t your favorite, swapping nuts changes the texture and flavor while keeping that crunch.
• Make it vegan: Swap eggs for a flax egg and use coconut oil instead of butter—I’ve done this with great results!

How to Make Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Praline Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cook Your Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling your sweet potatoes and cutting them into chunks. Boil or steam them until they’re tender—about 15-20 minutes depending on the size. When I first tried this recipe, I found steaming keeps the potatoes drier and easier to mash than boiling. Make sure they’re fork-tender before moving on to get that creamy texture in the casserole.

Step 2: Mash and Flavor the Sweet Potatoes

Drain the potatoes well and mash them with coconut milk, sugar or maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and the egg. I like to use a hand masher for a slightly rustic texture, but a mixer works if you want it extra smooth. Taste as you go so you can adjust sweetness or spice levels to your liking.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Praline Topping

In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, gluten-free flour, brown sugar, salt, vanilla, and softened butter. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until it turns crumbly and resembles coarse sand. This topping bakes into a lovely praline layer that complements the silky sweet potatoes perfectly. I discovered this crumbly mix method after years of topping struggles—it really works best for that perfect crunchy texture.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased baking dish, then sprinkle the pecan topping generously over the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it towards the end so it doesn’t burn—oven temps vary, and this step really seals in the crunchy sweetness.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Praline Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans on top right before serving adds a fresh crunch and makes it look pretty. Sometimes I toss on a light drizzle of pure maple syrup for a little extra shine and sweetness. It’s a small touch, but it makes the dish feel special.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham for holiday meals. For a weekday dinner, I love serving it alongside simple green beans or a crisp arugula salad to balance the richness. The flavors complement each other so well, it rounds out any plate nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

One holiday, I baked individual portions in ramekins topped with mini pecan praline piles—everyone felt they got a fancy personal casserole! You could also bake this in a cast iron skillet for rustic charm or add a swirl of whipped cream or cinnamon whipped topping for extra indulgence at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically cover leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The casserole keeps its flavor really well and the topping stays fairly crunchy if reheated properly.

Freezing

Freezing this casserole is totally doable! I freeze it before baking in an airtight container, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking fresh. The topping might lose a bit of crispness but still tastes delicious and comforting.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, uncovered, to crisp up the topping again. Microwaving works for a quick fix but softens the praline crunch, so I reserve that for when I’m in a rush.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Praline Topping Recipe has become such a warm, cherished part of my kitchen life—I can’t recommend it enough. It’s comforting yet elegant, simple yet special, and so adaptable whether you’re cooking for family or friends. When you make it, I hope you find the same joy and satisfaction that keeps me coming back to this recipe year after year. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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