Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole - Golden Barrel Thanksgiving recipe (2024)

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This Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. Smooth, creamy sweet potatoes with a sweet crunchy pecan topping that is gluten free, dairy free, and naturally sweetened.

Growing up we always had sweet potato casserole at Thanksgiving. I think most people do- and it is usually packed with sugar. The version we made was with canned sweet potatoes that have corn syrup and sugar added (!!) and then we proceeded to add more sugar. Needless to say it tasted good, but was more like dessert than a side dish.

This made-over healthier version is still sweet, but not over-the-top sweet. I used coconut sugar since it’s low glycemic, more than honey or maple. It also has an amazing carmel-y brown sugar flavor. Real sweet potatoes take place of the canned kind. They are cooked and mashed with some coconut oil, almond milk, coconut sugar, and cinnamon. Then a couple eggs are added to help bind it all together.

When making the sweet potatoes you have option on how to cook them. I really wanted to use my Instant Pot, but know not everyone has one so I went with the traditional stove-top. So here are the ways:

  • Stove-top: Peel and cut sweet potatoes into large chunks. In a large pot cover them with cold water, bring to a boil, reduce to simmer. Cover and cook until fork tender- about 20-23 minutes. Drain and add back to pot.
  • Oven: Preheat oven to 450° degrees. Wash potatoes and place them on a baking sheet. Bake until soft and a fork easily goes through the center- about 1-1 1/2 hours. Let cook enough to handle and slice in half. Scoop the inside out into a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients.
  • Instant Pot: Peel and cut sweet potatoes into large chunks. Place in Instant Pot and add 3/4 cup water. Place the lid on and close the valve. Hit the “manual” button and reduce it to 8 minutes. Quick release and drain.

Now lets talk about the star of the dish– THE PECAN TOPPING!! Pure deliciousness! It gives a much needed crunch to the soft sweet potatoes. It is basically candied pecans and the most delicious topping ever! You will love how easy it is to make, just a mixture of chopped pecans, almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and coconut oil. When it bakes it turns into irresistible clusters that are sweet and crunchy. Like a streusel topping and it’s so good!

This dish can be made partly ahead of time. The sweet potatoes can be cooked, mashed with all their ingredients and put in a baking dish then refrigerated. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge for at least 30 minutes, top with pecan mixture and bake. That should make your Thanksgiving so much easier! You can even have most of the pecan mixture ready by chopping the pecans and measuring out the almond flour.

You will love this version of the traditional side dish. It will be a great addition to your Thanksgiving meal.

Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole - Golden Barrel Thanksgiving recipe (8)

Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole

Print Recipe

  • CourseSide Dish
  • KeywordDairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes

Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole - Golden Barrel Thanksgiving recipe (9)

Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole

Print Recipe

  • CourseSide Dish
  • KeywordDairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Layer

  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes (about 3 large)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup Golden Barrel Coconut Oil, melted
  • 3/4 cup almond milk
  • 1/3 cup coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature

Pecan Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups chopped raw pecans
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons Golden Barrel Coconut Oil, room temperature

Servings:

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350° and get a out an 8x11 baking dish. This could also be made in a 13x9, but won’t be as thick.

  2. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into large chunks. Place them in a large pot, cover them with cold water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and bring them to a boil. Reduce to simmer, cover and cook until fork tender. 20-23 minutes.

  3. While sweet potatoes are cooking, make the pecan topping. In a medium bowl combine pecans, sugar, almond flour, cinnamon and salt. Add the coconut oil and mix until well combined. I find using my hands works best for this. The mixture should be the consistency of wet sand that will pack if you squeeze it into a ball.

  4. Once sweet potatoes are done, drain and add them back to the pot. Add in coconut oil and almond milk and mash until smooth. Add in coconut sugar and cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon salt and mix again.

  5. Stir in eggs and mix until completely combined. Use an immersion blender if desired.

  6. Scoop sweet potato mixture into the baking dish and top with pecan mixture. Bake for 30 minutes.

Recipe Notes

Two other ways of making the sweet potatoes:

  • Oven: Preheat oven to 450° degrees. Wash potatoes and place them on a baking sheet. Bake until soft and a fork easily goes through the center- about 1-1 1/2 hours. Let cook enough to handle and slice in half. Scoop the inside out into a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients.
  • Instant Pot: Peel and cut sweet potatoes into large chunks. Place in Instant Pot and add 3/4 cup water. Place the lid on and close the valve. Hit the "manual" button and reduce it to 8 minutes. Quick release and drain.

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21 thoughts on "Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole"

  1. Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole - Golden Barrel Thanksgiving recipe (14) Melissa says:

    November 22, 2017

    I see the insta pot recipe what about just a regular crockpot? Will a crockpot work too?

    Reply

    1. November 22, 2017

      Hi Melissa- that may work for the sweet potato layer. Put the sweet potatoes and water in the slow cooker and let cook until tender, about 3-4 hours, then mash with other ingredients (coconut oil, almond milk, etc.) and continue with the rest of the recipe. I hope that helps!

      Reply

  2. Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole - Golden Barrel Thanksgiving recipe (16) Jennifer says:

    November 23, 2017

    Can’t wait to try this! Have you tried to pre make this? I’m doubling my recipe for 2 separate thanksgiving meals, one is today and one is Saturday. Should I make up until the topping, store until Saturday and then make the topping and bake? Trying to save myself as much time as possible!

    Reply

    1. November 23, 2017

      Hi Jennifer- you can double the sweet potato mixture and store it until Saturday. Yes, just make the filling and don’t top until before baking. Hope you enjoy it! Let me know if you have more questions.

      Reply

  3. Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole - Golden Barrel Thanksgiving recipe (18) Kristen says:

    November 23, 2017

    Did you melt the coconut oil and then let cool to room temp?

    Reply

    1. November 23, 2017

      Hi Kristen- no, I just give the coconut a good stir so there are no large pieces. It’s a little hard right now since it’s cold, but warming it and letting it cool would take a while. You want it to be the consistency of room temperature butter. I hope that helps!

      Reply

  4. Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole - Golden Barrel Thanksgiving recipe (20) CC says:

    December 13, 2017

    This was so good! We will be having again for Christmas!!

    Reply

    1. December 14, 2017

      Thanks, CC! I’m so glad you enjoyed it enough to make again. Thanks for the great feedback!

      Reply

  5. Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole - Golden Barrel Thanksgiving recipe (22) Amanda says:

    November 8, 2018

    I am looking to make this for our Friendsgiving. We will have around 30+ people. Would doing a double batch be enough?

    Reply

    1. November 8, 2018

      Hi Amanda- I don’t think a double batch is enough unless there will be so much food that you don’t think everyone will eat it. I’d say triple it to be safe. Hope everyone enjoys!

      Reply

      1. Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole - Golden Barrel Thanksgiving recipe (24) Amanda says:

        November 9, 2018

        Thank you Jessica for your quick response! There will be a lot of food so I went with a double batch. I’m sure it will go quickly though – I can’t wait to dive in to this deliciousness!

        Reply

        1. November 12, 2018

          You’re welcome, Amanda! Hope it was enjoyed!

          Reply

  6. Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole - Golden Barrel Thanksgiving recipe (26) Anissa Hernandez says:

    November 20, 2018

    Hello!
    Can you microwave the sweet potatoes instead of baking them in oven?

    Reply

    1. November 20, 2018

      Hi Anissa- Yes, that will work. Enjoy!

      Reply

      1. Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole - Golden Barrel Thanksgiving recipe (28) Anissa Hernandez says:

        November 21, 2018

        Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving!

        Reply

        1. November 21, 2018

          Happy Thanksgiving to you!

          Reply

  7. Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole - Golden Barrel Thanksgiving recipe (30) Frankie Bea-Ayco CDC k says:

    November 20, 2018

    Do you have to mash I like mine lumpy just smash with fork. Is that ok?

    Reply

    1. November 20, 2018

      Yes, however you like it. Enjoy!

      Reply

  8. Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole - Golden Barrel Thanksgiving recipe (32) Jen says:

    December 25, 2018

    In the instant pot does the topping come out crispy like an over would?

    Reply

    1. December 26, 2018

      Hi Jen- the Instant Pot is only for the sweet potatoes, it would still be topped and baked in the oven. I hope that helps. Enjoy!

      Reply

  9. Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole - Golden Barrel Thanksgiving recipe (34) Chelsea says:

    December 29, 2018

    Have you tried this with any other flours? I don’t have almond on hand but I have coconut or tapioca flours, will either of these work?

    Reply

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Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole - Golden Barrel Thanksgiving recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why put egg in sweet potato casserole? ›

The egg is the all-important binder in a sweet potato casserole: it enriches and stiffens the mixture without making it heavy. Make sure to cool the mash slightly before adding the egg so it doesn't scramble, and to stir well so there are no streaks of cooked egg white in the finished dish.

How many sweet potatoes per person for Thanksgiving? ›

Potatoes or sweet potatoes: 5 to 6 ounces per person, which equals about 1 large Yukon Gold or white potato, or half of a large sweet potato.

Why is my sweet potato casserole so runny? ›

Add more potato and no liquid also you could use potato flakes to thicken them to the texture you like. Either with plain(all purpose) flour or cornflour mixed in milk to disolve first themn poured in ( not too much liquid just enough to disolve the powder).

How do you thicken a sweet potato casserole? ›

All-purpose flour will help thicken the sauce and give some structure. Maple syrup balances the sweetness and adds flavor. All granulated sugar can be too sweet.

Can I leave eggs out of sweet potato casserole? ›

Eggs (or not!)

– I've made this sweet potato casserole with and without eggs, both ways are delicious. The eggs act as a binder and gives the casserole a light and fluffy texture. Without eggs, the casserole doesn't have as much structure but it still silky smooth and tastes delicious.

What does adding an extra egg do to baked goods? ›

However, if you add too many eggs to your cake batter, then your end result could be spongy, rubbery, or dense. Like flour, eggs build structure in a cake, so they make a cake batter more bonded and dense.

How many pounds of potatoes do I need for 12 people for Thanksgiving? ›

Plan on 1/3 to 1/2 pound potatoes per person for your feast.

How many sweet potatoes do I need for 14 people? ›

“A general guideline to estimating how many sweet potatoes you need when hosting friends or family for a meal is one medium sweet potato per person,” Burgess says, as if she's done this many times before.

How do you know when sweet potato casserole is done? ›

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture, then pop it into the oven and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You will know it's done when the topping is lightly browned and the center of your casserole is set and firm.

How do you make a sweet potato casserole less watery? ›

Maple syrup, a dash of cinnamon, brown sugar and vanilla all make an appearance for an incredible flavor. It's hearty and satisfying. Eggs and cream help stabilize the dish and prevent it from becoming too runny (a common complaint with many sweet potato casserole recipes).

What are the best canned sweet potatoes? ›

Princella No Sugar Added Cut Sweet Potatoes

You don't even miss the sugar with these No Sugar Added Princella canned sweet potatoes. They are so naturally sweet. They're also ultra creamy, which we obviously loved. These are the best canned yam stand-in for someone who doesn't like their sweet potatoes too sweet (me).

What does cornstarch do in a casserole? ›

Use as a Thickening Agent

Here's how it works: when cornstarch is added to a recipe, the starch molecules work to absorb water and thicken the mixture. When heated, those molecules swell and consume even more of the liquid in the recipe.

Should I rinse canned sweet potatoes? ›

Rinsing sweet potatoes of any leftover sugary film will uphold their integrity, giving you the most authentic sweet potato taste and texture. Most sweet potato recipes value the natural taste and texture of the yam first and foremost, adding sugar or seasonings separately instead of incorporating the canning liquid.

Does egg thicken casserole? ›

Their ability to hold up to four times their weight in moisture makes eggs a good thickener for sauces, custards and curds. The proteins in eggs coagulate or set at different temperatures.

How do you make a sweet potato casserole not stringy? ›

I do two steps to reduce stringiness:
  1. Peel more of the sweet potato than just the outer skin. There's a layer of lighter orange flesh between the skin; keep peeling until you reach the darker orange.
  2. I mash with a Kitchen Aid stand mixer paddle. Don't scrape down the paddle when you're done.
Nov 24, 2023

Why do people put an egg in their mashed potatoes? ›

Adding egg yolks to a pot of mashed potatoes is an easy, dairy-free texture and taste upgrade that doesn't require any special techniques. The yolks harbor all the flavorful fats and emulsifying components and will thus effectively unify the fat and water in potatoes, translating to a smoother, uniformly creamy pot.

What role does the egg play when used in a breakfast casserole? ›

Structure. Whole eggs, egg yolks and egg whites are all used to add structure to batters. The yolk's elevated fat content helps it bind fats and liquids together through what's called an emulsion.

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