This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole (Creamy Dairy-Free Holiday Side Dish)
This savory sweet potato casserole is a creamy dairy-free twist on the classic holiday side dish. Instead of sugary toppings and fillings, thinly sliced sweet potatoes are layered with a rich coconut milk sauce, garlic, and onions making this the perfect healthy side dish for the Holidays!
The Thanksgiving countdown is on…and our savory sweet potato casserole without marshmallows MUST be on YOUR table this holiday season. Looks more complicated than it really is… so this will totally impress your guests! And if you don’t want to take the time for the layering, try our other savory sweet potato casserole instead!
You’ll just need a sharp mandolin for this fancy side dish, and all the freshest, highest quality ingredients you can find. It’s sweet without adding any sugar, and creamy without adding any dairy, plus there is a little bit of savory thanks to the onions and garlic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
While I love traditional sweet potato casserole, I don’t love how much sugar is in it. This healthier version is designed like a gratin, with a creamy texture and a more savory flavor. Here are a few more reasons you will love this dish:
- There is a natural sweetness that comes from the sweet potatoes without adding any additional sugar.
- You get that creamy texture without using dairy thanks to the coconut milk.
- This is a great holiday side dish that can replace the normal sugary sweet potato casserole.
- This healthy sweet potato recipe packs loads of nutrients and fiber onto your plate.
- This is an ABSOLUTE show-stopper! Your family will request this for years to come!
For more healthy casserole recipes, try our Roasted Beets and Butternut Squash with Balsamic and Honey, Special Cheesy Potato Casserole, or Rachel’s Homemade Green Bean Casserole.
Is Sweet Potato Casserole Supposed to be Savory?
Traditional sweet potato casseroles are sweet, however this version utilizes the natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes and then balances that sweetness with more savory flavors like onion, garlic, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
Ingredients:
Makes about 5 servings
These are the healthy ingredients that make this dairy-free sweet potato casserole the perfect crowd pleasing holiday side dish.
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced using a mandoline (tip: choose potatoes that are very similar in size/shape)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 1 cup organic, unsweetened canned coconut milk
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp gluten-free flour
- sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, to your taste
- 1 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley as garnish
- 1 Tbsp sliced chives as garnish
How to make savory sweet potato casserole:
- Preheat your oven 350 degrees f.
- Heat the oil in a medium skillet, over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until it softens, about 3 minutes, then add garlic and saute another minute or two.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together coconut milk, paprika, and gluten-free flour.
- Pour the coconut mixture over the onions in the pan, then whisk to combine.
- Lower the heat to a simmer and cook stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the coconut sauce in the bottom of an 8 x 8 oven dish, then layer the sweet potato slices on as shown.
- Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes in your preheated oven.
- Then, uncover the dish, bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, until the potatoes are fork tender and golden-crispy-browned on top.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and chives, and serve.
Enjoy!
❤Rachel
Rachel’s Tips for Best Results
- Buy sweet potatoes that are approximately the same size so when you slice them, the slices are a similar size resulting in more even baking.
- Make sure you use full fat coconut milk for the creamiest finish.
- The sauce will thicken if you let the casserole rest out of the oven after baking for 5-10 minutes.
FAQ’s
Can I make this sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving?
Yes! This is the perfect healthy sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving especially if you are looking for something low in sugar but still delicious!
Can I prep this sweet potato casserole ahead?
Absolutely! You can make the recipe and then stop just before the baking step, place the casserole in the refrigerator. Then just pull it out about 1.5 hours before dinner and bake before serving.
Can I make savory sweet potato casserole without coconut milk?
Yes! You can substitute any dairy free cream alternative or regular heavy cream in this recipe and still get the rich velvety texture.
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced using a mandolin (tip: choose potatoes that are very similar in size/shape)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk, canned, organic
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp gluten-free flour
- sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, to your taste
- 1 Tbsp fresh chopped parsley
- 1 Tbsp sliced chives as garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven 350 degrees f.
- Heat the oil in a medium skillet, over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until it softens, about 3 minutes, then add garlic and saute another minute or two.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk together coconut milk, paprika, and gluten-free flour.
- Pour the coconut mixture over the onions in the pan, then whisk to combine.
- Lower the heat to a simmer and cook stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the coconut sauce in the bottom of an 8 x 8 oven dish, then layer the sweet potato slices on as shown.
- Cover with foil and bake for 60 minutes in your preheated oven.
- Then, uncover the dish, bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, until the potatoes are fork tender and golden-crispy-browned on top.
- Garnish with fresh chopped chives, and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
