Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole brings warmth and comfort to your dining table! This dish is a wonderful blend of creamy sweet potatoes and crispy toppings, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or family meals. It’s a delightful alternative for those who avoid dairy yet still crave something rich and satisfying. Here’s everything you need to know about crafting this delicious casserole that’s not only dairy-free but also incredibly easy to prepare.
Why We Love This Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
This Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole captures the essence of traditional comfort food. If you’ve ever enjoyed a classic sweet potato casserole, you will love how this recipe brings all the great flavors without the dairy. It’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup, yielding a wonderful blend of flavors between the sweet potatoes and the crunchy pecan topping.
Moreover, the use of coconut oil and almond milk gives this dish a beautiful texture, ensuring it remains moist and tender. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve during the holidays or on a regular weeknight. Home-cooked meals never tasted so good!
Ingredients About Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole
To make this delightful casserole, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, sliced 1⁄2 inch thick
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
- 1⁄3 cup unsweetened plain almond milk
- 1⁄4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 3/4 cup chopped raw pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or lightly packed brown sugar)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
With these wholesome ingredients, you are set to create a casserole that’s not just rich in flavor but also heartwarming and full of nutritious value.
How to Make Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole Directions
Creating your Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s how you can make it delicious step-by-step:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and achieves that perfect golden brown topping.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with a little coconut oil. This step is key to preventing sticking and allows for easier serving later on.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: In a large stockpot, add the sliced sweet potatoes along with 1⁄2 teaspoon of the fine sea salt. Pour in enough cold water to cover the potatoes completely. Bring the pot to a low boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when poked with a fork.
- Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the remaining 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt, melted coconut oil, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Using a potato masher or fork, mash the mixture until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Spread in Baking Dish: Transfer the sweet potato mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, oat flour, chopped raw pecans, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt, and coconut sugar. Stir these dry ingredients together until they’re well mixed. Then, add the melted coconut oil and mix again until the ingredients are evenly moistened and crumbly.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the topping mixture over the sweet potato layer in the baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: After baking, allow the casserole to stand for about 10 minutes. This step helps it set a little, making it easier to serve.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have a Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole that is sure to delight your family and friends. The blend of sweet and savory flavors, along with the crunchy topping, creates a dish you’ll want to repeat time and again.
How to Serve Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole
Serving this Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole is as simple as it is delicious. Cut the casserole into squares and plate them up while warm.
To elevate the experience, consider pairing it with a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables. The freshness of the salad will beautifully balance the comforting flavors of the casserole. If you’re serving it during a holiday meal, it’s also a perfect side dish to complement roasted veggies or your favorite proteins, ensuring every bite is a hug in your mouth!
And don’t forget—this casserole is delightful on its own, so feel free to enjoy it as a hearty meal! It’s rich, creamy, and has just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy any craving.
Expert Tips: Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole
For the best results with your Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole, keep the following expert tips in mind:
- Choose Sweet Potatoes Wisely: Opt for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. The fresher they are, the sweeter and creamier your casserole will be.
- Don’t Overboil the Potatoes: Keep an eye on the sweet potatoes while they boil. You want them tender but not falling apart, as a proper mash is key to the texture of your dish.
- Let It Cool for Easy Serving: Allow the casserole to rest before cutting into it. This will help it set properly and make serving easier.
- Customize the Topping: Feel free to substitute or add different nuts or seeds. Walnuts or almonds can also work beautifully in this mix.
- Check for Sweetness Preference: Taste the sweet potato mixture before adding the entire amount of maple syrup. Depending on the sweetness of your sweet potatoes, you might require less maple syrup.
By taking these tips into account, you’ll master the art of making the perfect Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole that wows your guests!
How to Store Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole
If you have leftovers—if that’s even a possibility—storing your Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole is easy. Simply allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to four days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the casserole in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This way, you can relish the delicious flavors as if it was freshly made!
Variation of Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, letting your creativity shine! Here are some tasty variations to consider:
- Add Fruits: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins into the sweet potato mixture for a touch of fruitiness.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a hint of ginger or a dash of pumpkin spice for a different flavor profile that works well with sweet potatoes.
- Nut-Free Option: If you need to avoid nuts, you can replace the pecans with sunflower seeds or simply omit them entirely for a delightful, nut-free casserole.
- Change the Sweetener: If maple syrup isn’t available, feel free to use agave nectar or honey in its place, keeping in mind the differences in flavor and sweetness.
These variations can take your Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole experience to new heights, ensuring that every serving can be a delightful surprise!
FAQ Section
What makes this Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole special?
This casserole stands out because it captures all the flavor and richness of traditional sweet potato casseroles without any dairy. It uses coconut oil and almond milk to maintain that creamy consistency while adding a unique flavor twist.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Assemble it in its baking dish and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
Is the casserole suitable for vegans?
Yes! This Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole is vegan-friendly, as it contains no dairy or animal products. Feel free to serve it at any plant-based gathering!
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheating is best done in a microwave or oven. For microwave, heat individual portions until warm. For the oven, cover with foil and warm at 350°F until heated through.
Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Base
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, sliced 1⁄2 inch thick Opt for firm and unblemished sweet potatoes for the best flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided Use half for boiling the sweet potatoes, half for mashing.
- 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil For mashing with sweet potatoes.
- 1/3 cup unsweetened plain almond milk Provides creaminess while keeping it dairy-free.
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup Can adjust according to sweetness preference.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 3/4 cup chopped raw pecans Can be substituted with other nuts or seeds.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or lightly packed brown sugar)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with coconut oil.
- In a large stockpot, add the sliced sweet potatoes and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cover with water, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Add remaining salt, melted coconut oil, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Topping
- In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, oat flour, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, sea salt and coconut sugar. Stir until well mixed.
- Add melted coconut oil and mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the topping over the sweet potato layer in the baking dish.
Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
- Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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