If you’re looking for the best vegan sweet potato casserole, this classic recipe is creamy, comforting and topped with a buttery brown sugar crumble that’s perfectly crisp after baking. It’s completely dairy-free, naturally gluten-free and ready in just 30 minutes, making it an easy addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas menu.
One of my favourite things about this recipe is how simple it is to make. There are no complicated ingredients or hard-to-find vegan substitutes. It is just wholesome pantry staples that come together to create a rich, fluffy sweet potato filling with a deliciously crisp topping.
Although my mum has always been the sweet potato fan in the family, this casserole has become one of my favourite holiday side dishes. Even guests who aren’t vegan enjoy it, and nobody ever misses the dairy or eggs.
Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday Thanksgiving feast or bringing it to a fall family gathering, this dairy-free sweet potato casserole is always a crowd-pleaser.
Why This Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole Works
One of the best things about this vegan sweet potato casserole is that it keeps everything people love about the classic recipe while using simple, plant-based ingredients. It’s creamy, comforting and topped with a buttery brown sugar crumble that makes it perfect for any holiday meal.
A Creamy, Fluffy Sweet Potato Filling
The mashed sweet potatoes are blended with non-dairy milk, vegan butter and warm spices to create a smooth, creamy filling that’s rich and comforting without needing any dairy or eggs.
A Buttery Brown Sugar Topping
Instead of marshmallows, this recipe is finished with a simple brown sugar topping that bakes into a deliciously crisp, caramelised crust. It adds just the right amount of sweetness while letting the flavour of the sweet potatoes shine. If you’re looking for a sweet potato casserole without marshmallows, this buttery brown sugar topping is the perfect alternative.
Naturally Gluten-Free
Because this recipe doesn’t use any flour or breadcrumbs, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it an easy side dish to serve when you’re feeding guests with different dietary needs.
Simple Pantry Ingredients
You don’t need any complicated vegan substitutes to make this casserole. Everything comes together with easy-to-find ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.
Perfect for Holiday Meals
Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas or a family gathering, this casserole is easy to prepare ahead of time and pairs beautifully with all your favourite holiday dishes.
Why You Will Love This Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
- Ready in just 30 minutes. With only about 10 minutes of hands-on prep, this casserole is an easy addition to your holiday menu.
- Perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the sweet potato filling in advance and simply add the topping before baking, making holiday entertaining much less stressful.
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free. A great option for serving guests with different dietary needs without making multiple side dishes.
- Made with simple pantry ingredients. There’s no need for complicated vegan substitutes you can just everyday ingredients that come together beautifully.
- A holiday favourite everyone will enjoy. The creamy sweet potato filling and buttery brown sugar topping make this a comforting side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any family dinner.
Preparing and Cooking the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling the sweet potatoes if you prefer a smoother casserole. If you don’t mind a little extra texture, you can leave the skins on, they’re completely edible.
For the quickest cooking time, cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes before boiling. If you’d rather keep things simple, you can also boil them whole, though they’ll take a little longer to become tender.
Cook the sweet potatoes until they’re easily pierced with a fork, then drain them well before mashing. Removing as much excess water as possible will help keep the filling rich and creamy instead of watery.
If you’re getting a head start on your holiday meal, you can cook and mash the sweet potatoes a day in advance before assembling the casserole.
How To Make Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook until they are easily pierced with a fork, about 10–15 minutes. Drain them well before mashing to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large bowl. Mash with a potato masher for a slightly rustic texture, or use a food processor if you prefer an extra smooth filling.
Add the non-dairy milk, vegan butter, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Mix until everything is fully combined and the sweet potatoes are smooth and creamy.
Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into a casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spoon or spatula.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and softened vegan butter until crumbly. If you’d like extra crunch, stir in chopped pecans or walnuts.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and caramelised around the edges and the casserole is heated through. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Can You Make Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! If you’re looking for a make-ahead sweet potato casserole, this recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any holiday gathering.
Prepare the sweet potato filling as directed, then spread it into your casserole dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
I recommend waiting to make the brown sugar topping until just before baking. This helps it stay crumbly and crisp instead of softening in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to bake, sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole and bake as directed until the topping is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
This is truly the best recipe to serve alongside my Vegan Meatloaf for any occasion.
Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
This classic vegan sweet potato casserole is so easy to make and whips up in no time. It is healthy and gluten-free too. You can even make it in advance of your event to save some time. The brown sugar topping really adds a delicious flavor and the spices bring it all together.
Ingredients
- 4 Large sweet potatoes, washed and diced
- 1 Cup non-dairy
- 1/4 Cup vegan butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Tsp garlic powder
- 1 Tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- For the topping:
- 1/3 Cup brown sugar
- 3 Tbsp vegan butter
Instructions
Fill a pot with water and bring to a simmer. Add the sweet potatoes and a generous salt sprinkle. Cook until the potatoes are fork tender. Drain and discard the water.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Use a potato masher or a food processor to mash/puree the sweet potatoes.
Add the non-dairy milk, vegan butter, salt and pepper and spices and stir to combine. The potatoes should be tender and fluffy, sort of like mashed potatoes.
Transfer to a baking dish and use a spoon to ensure that the sweet potato mixture is smooth in the dish.
In a separate bowl combine the brown sugar with the vegan butter. Sprinkle on top of the casserole and take to the oven. Of course, you can always add more brown sugar if you want a sweeter topping. You can also add chopped nuts.
Bake for 20 minutes or until the crumble is caramelized on top.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 193Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 27mgSodium 152mgCarbohydrates 27gFiber 3gSugar 13gProtein 2g
Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole FAQs
Can I make vegan sweet potato casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sweet potato filling up to 24 hours in advance and spread it into your casserole dish. Cover and refrigerate, then add the brown sugar topping just before baking for the best texture.
Can I leave the skins on the sweet potatoes?
Absolutely. The skins are completely edible, so it’s up to you. For the smoothest, creamiest casserole, peel the sweet potatoes first. If you don’t mind a little extra texture, you can leave the skins on.
Can I add marshmallows instead of the brown sugar topping?
Yes! If you prefer a more traditional sweet potato casserole, you can replace the brown sugar topping with vegan marshmallows, such as Dandies. Add them during the last few minutes of baking so they become golden without burning.
What plant milk works best?
Unsweetened oat milk, soy milk and almond milk all work well in this recipe. For the best flavour, use an unsweetened variety so the casserole doesn’t become overly sweet.
Can I add pecans or walnuts?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch to the brown sugar topping. Simply stir them into the topping mixture before sprinkling it over the casserole before baking.
What should I serve with vegan sweet potato casserole?
This casserole pairs perfectly with other holiday favourites like vegan stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and vegan gravy. It’s a classic side dish for both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.
I hope you love this vegan sweet potato casserole as much as my family does! Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas or a cozy family dinner, it’s an easy easy vegan Thanksgiving side dish that’s just as perfect for Christmas dinner.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a rating below to let me know how it turned out, or share your favourite way to serve it.
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This sounds delicious and I think it’s going to be the perfect companion to the vegetable pot pie I plan on making for when my family visit me later this month.
What size dish do you recommend this be baked in?