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Velvety smooth spiced mashed sweet potatoes and a sweet crunchy topping combine to make a delightfully good holiday side dish. This one is sure to please EVERYONE, not just those on a healing diet. Paleo, nut-free, and AIP-friendly!
I love the holidays! It's the best time to share a delicious meal with loved ones, veg out watching Hallmark movies, and indulge in comfort foods. (Hmm. I suspect a theme here. LOL!)
Sweet potato casserole is my holiday comfort food. The creamy potatoes seasoned with warming spices is a warm hug for my tummy. Yum!
This AIP-compliant sweet potato casserole has all the warmth and pageantry of a traditional casserole without the inflammatory triggering ingredients. It even has ingredients that help fight off free radicals and boost nutrition. That's a huge holiday win!
Plus, you can make this casserole ahead of time and reheat when you're ready.
If you're feeling ambitious, you can top this with homemade AIP marshmallows. I love this amazing rustic recipe by Urban Poser.
Ingredients in this make-ahead casserole (and substitutions)
For the potatoes:
- Sweet potatoes: These are a great source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. The orange and purple variety are also rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation.
- Ground cinnamon: the combination of cinnamon and mace really bring the AIP holidays to life. Cinnamon is a great source of anti-inflammatory properties, too! If you are out of cinnamon, substitute with some ginger or more mace to taste.
- Mace: this is a great substitute for nutmeg while doing AIP. It boosting blood circulation and has a wonderful aroma. Yum!
- Sea salt: this wonderful salt is packed with flavor and lots of minerals. You can substitute with Kosher salt, just be sure to adjust the recipe to at least half, as sea salt tends to be saltier.
- Honey: an amazing natural sweetener that is gentle on your blood sugar levels. Feel free to substitute with maple syrup.
For the topping:
- Sliced tigernuts: These small tubers (think carrots and turnips) are a great substitute for nuts while on AIP. If you aren't on AIP, you could substitute with sliced almonds.
- Banana chips: this unusual snack is a great way to add crunch to the topping. They are sweet and loaded with nutrients. Substitute with more tigernuts or plantain chips.
- Coconut sugar: A natural sweetener that comes from the sap of coconut flowers. It helps slow glucose absorption, making it a great low glycemic sugar. Substitute with maple sugar if going coconut free.
- Avocado oil: this neutral-tasting oil is great in baked goods and contains lots of omega-6 fatty acids. Feel free to swap it out with coconut oil or olive oil.
How to make this easy side dish
- Preheat the oven to 425 F. Poke several holes in the sweet potatoes with a fork or knife and then place in the oven for 1 hour. Once done, let cool until you’re able to handle them, remove the skins and put the flesh of the sweet potatoes into a bowl.
- Add the other ingredients for the potatoes and then use a hand mixer or potato masher to mix them until smooth. Scoop into a baking dish.
- Mix the toppings ingredients in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the top of the sweet potato mash. (If making ahead of time,stop at this point and put in the fridge until close to serving.)
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes.
Can you make this sweet potato side ahead of time?
This is a great side dish to make ahead!! Simply follow the recipe below. Then cover and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you need it, reheat it in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.
Can you make these coconut-free?
This easily becomes a coconut-free recipe with a simple swap. For the topping, simply switch out the coconut sugar for maple sugar. Now the recipe is coconut-free!
Holiday Recipes Video
Check out this video if you're interested in making an easy make-ahead holiday dinner including this sweet potato casserole! (This also includes the Salted Chocolate Tart recipe)
Discover other delicious AIP Holiday Recipes!
The AIP Holidays eBook is chock full of delectable recipes that will be sure to make your holidays wonderful – without feeling like you're missing out on the amazing food!
Want other Paleo and AIP holiday recipes? Try one of these!
Brussels Sprouts with Apples, Shallots and Pistachios (Paleo, W30, AIP-mods): This Brussels sprouts dish is filling and delicious and can be served for a regular weeknight dinner or for a special holiday meal.
Veggie Kugel Recipe from the New Yiddish Kitchen: This Veggie Kugel, from cookbook The New Yiddish Kitchen, is a healthy version of the popular Jewish side dish.
Paleo Sweet Potato Pie: Can't get enough sweet potatoes? Try this mouthwatering sweet potato pie. It's that perfect gluten-free dessert that's just heavenly!
Salted Chocolate Tart (Paleo, AIP): This is a stunning no-bake dessert – and can be frozen for up to 6 months. So if you only need it for yourself, make the whole thing and treat yourself for months to come!
More Helpful AIP Resources in the Freebie Library
If you find this recipe helpful, you may really enjoy the resources in my Paleo & AIP Freebie Library! There's a “dump” freezer meal plan, a list of AIP-compliant breakfast toppings, and so much more. Plus, you'll get even more ideas sent to your inbox! Get the password here.
Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
If you make this delicious AIP casserole, I'd love to hear how it turned out! Either comment below or share a pic on Instagram and tag me @thrivingautoimmune!
Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
For the potatoes
For the topping
- 3/4 cup sliced Tigernuts
- 1/2 cup Banana Chips
- 1/4 cup Coconut Sugar (Or Maple Sugar; you can use less if desired)
- 1/4 cup Avocado oil (Or coconut oil, or Olive Oil)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 F. Poke several holes in the sweet potatoes with a fork or knife and then place in the oven for 1 hour. Once done, let cool until you’re able to handle them, remove the skins and put the flesh of the sweet potatoes into a bowl.
- Add the other ingredients for the potatoes and then use a hand mixer or potato masher to mix them until smooth. Scoop into a baking dish.
- Mix the toppings ingredients in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the top of the sweet potato mash. (If making ahead of time,stop at this point and put in the fridge until close to serving.)
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes.
Notes
