Easy Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Topping Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a comforting, naturally sweet dish perfect for any season. Combining tender sweet potatoes and apples with a crunchy pecan-date topping, it’s a healthy twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sweet potatoes
• 1 pound apples of choice
• 2 tablespoons ghee (at room temperature, plus extra to grease the casserole dish)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus a pinch to season the water)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of pepper
• 1/4 cup coconut flour
• 1 cup raw pecans
• 1/2 cup halved Deglet Noor dates (tightly packed)
• 1 tablespoon ghee (at room temperature)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel the sweet potatoes and apples, remove the cores from the apples, and chop all into large chunks. Place them into a large pot and cover with about 1 inch of water, adding a pinch of salt.
2. Step 2: Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the sweet potatoes and apples are very soft and tender, about 30-35 minutes. Once cooked, drain well and transfer to a large bowl. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 11×7-inch casserole dish with ghee.
3. Step 3: Add the 2 tablespoons of ghee, applesauce, cinnamon, vanilla extract, sea salt, nutmeg, and pepper to the bowl. Mash the mixture until well combined, leaving some apple chunks for texture. Stir in the coconut flour, then spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
4. Step 4: In a small food processor, pulse the pecans and dates until broken down and crumbly. Transfer to a small bowl and mix with the remaining tablespoon of ghee.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the pecan-date mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake in the oven until the casserole feels set, about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your dish’s size.
6. Step 6: Turn your oven’s broil setting to high and broil the casserole for 5-10 minutes, until the topping is crispy and golden.
7. Step 7: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set further and cool slightly. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For an extra layer of flavor, add a sprinkle of chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the sweet potato mixture before baking.
• Use different apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for varying sweetness and texture.
• Replace the pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
• To make it nut-free, substitute the pecan-date topping with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower mixed with chopped dates.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to maintain the topping’s crunch. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point before baking and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to serve, add the topping and bake as directed.

Is this recipe suitable for a paleo diet?

Absolutely. This casserole uses paleo-friendly ingredients like sweet potatoes, apples, ghee, and nuts, avoiding grains, dairy, and refined sugars.

Easy Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Topping Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 96 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Easy Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a comforting and wholesome dish perfect for holiday gatherings or a nutritious family meal. Made with sweet potatoes, apples, warming spices, and a crunchy pecan-date topping, this casserole combines natural sweetness and rich textures while adhering to paleo dietary guidelines.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound sweet potatoes
• 1 pound apples of choice
• 2 tablespoons ghee (at room temperature, plus extra to grease the casserole dish)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus a pinch to season the water)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch pepper
• 1/4 cup coconut flour

Topping Ingredients

• 1 cup raw pecans
• 1/2 cup halved Deglet Noor dates (tightly packed)
• 1 tablespoon ghee (at room temperature)

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Instructions

1. Prep produce: Peel the sweet potatoes and apples, remove the cores from the apples, then chop all into large chunks. Place the chunks into a large pot.
2. Boil: Cover produce with about 1 inch of water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until very soft and tender, approximately 30-35 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 11×7-inch casserole dish with ghee.
3. Mash: Add the ghee, unsweetened applesauce, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, sea salt, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of pepper to the bowl with the cooked sweet potatoes and apples. Mash together until well combined, leaving some chunks of apple for texture. Stir in the coconut flour thoroughly. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
4. Process topping: Using a small food processor, pulse the raw pecans and halved dates until broken down and crumbly but not completely smooth. Transfer the mixture to a small bowl and mix in the remaining tablespoon of ghee until combined.
5. Bake: Evenly sprinkle the pecan-date topping over the surface of the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven until the casserole feels set and the topping is golden, about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your dish size.
6. Broil: Switch your oven to the broil setting on high and broil the casserole for 5-10 minutes, or until the date topping becomes crispy and caramelized. Watch closely to prevent burning.
7. Rest: Allow the casserole to stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set further and cool slightly for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• You can substitute ghee with coconut oil for a similar paleo-approved fat.
• Deglet Noor dates add natural sweetness and chewiness; medjool dates can be used but may alter texture slightly.
• Leave some apple pieces chunky when mashing for added texture contrast.
• This casserole can be prepared a day ahead, stored covered in the refrigerator, and reheated before serving.
• Adjust spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Paleo, American

Keywords: paleo sweet potato casserole, pecan topping, healthy holiday side, gluten free casserole, sweet potato recipe