Easy Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Topping Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a comforting, nutrient-packed dish perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners. It combines naturally sweet apples and sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery pecan-date topping for a delicious and wholesome treat.

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, removing the cores from the apples. Chop all into large chunks and place into a large pot. Cover with about 1 inch of water and add a pinch of salt.
2. Step 2: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until very soft and tender, about 30-35 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 11×7-inch casserole dish with ghee.
4. Step 4: To the bowl with sweet potatoes and apples, add 2 tablespoons ghee, applesauce, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, nutmeg, and pepper. Mash until combined, leaving some apple pieces chunky for texture. Stir in the coconut flour, then spread the mixture evenly in the casserole dish.
5. Step 5: In a small food processor, pulse pecans and dates until crumbly. Transfer to a small bowl and mix with 1 tablespoon ghee.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the pecan-date topping evenly over the casserole. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the casserole is set.
7. Step 7: Switch your oven to broil on high and broil the casserole for 5-10 minutes, until the topping is crispy.
8. Step 8: Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use different apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for varied sweetness and texture.
• Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
• For a smoother texture, mash the apples completely instead of leaving chunks.
• Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like thyme can add a subtle savory note.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, to help maintain the crunchy topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this casserole?

Fresh sweet potatoes are best for texture and flavor, but you can use frozen if needed. Thaw and drain any excess moisture before cooking.

Is this casserole suitable for other diets?

Yes, it is naturally paleo and gluten-free. It can also fit into a whole30 plan if dates are omitted from the topping or replaced with compliant sweeteners.

Easy Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Topping Recipe

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This Easy Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is a wholesome and naturally sweet dish, perfect for holiday gatherings or any comforting meal. Made with sweet potatoes, apples, and a crunchy pecan-date topping, it combines warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy flavor profile. The casserole is dairy-free, gluten-free, and uses paleo-friendly ingredients, making it a nutritious and delicious option for those following a paleo lifestyle.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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)

Instructions

1. Prep Produce: Peel the sweet potatoes and apples, then core the apples. Chop all into large chunks and place them into a large pot.
2. Boil: Add enough water to cover the produce by about one inch, along with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until very soft and tender, about 30-35 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl.
3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Heat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Use some ghee to grease an 11×7-inch casserole dish or a similar-sized dish.
4. Mash Ingredients: To the bowl with sweet potatoes and apples, add 2 tablespoons of ghee, unsweetened applesauce, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, sea salt, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of pepper. Mash until well combined, leaving some apple chunks for texture. Stir in the coconut flour, then spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
5. Prepare Topping: In a small food processor, pulse together raw pecans and halved dates until crumbly. Transfer to a bowl and mix in 1 tablespoon of ghee until combined.
6. Bake Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the pecan and date topping over the sweet potato mixture. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the casserole feels set and the topping is golden.
7. Broil for Crispiness: Switch your oven to the broil setting on high. Broil the casserole for 5-10 minutes or until the topping becomes crispy and toasted, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
8. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven to let it set further. Enjoy warm.

Notes

• You can choose any apple variety you prefer; sweeter apples will enhance the natural sweetness, while tart apples will add a nice balance.
• Make sure the sweet potatoes and apples are very soft before mashing for a smooth yet slightly textured casserole.
• The coconut flour helps absorb moisture and adds a paleo-friendly thickening element; do not skip it.
• Keep a close watch while broiling to avoid burning the topping.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently before serving.

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