Name: Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 1/2 pounds yams or sweet potatoes; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon allspice; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder (or smoked paprika); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons coconut sugar or brown sugar (optional); 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1/4 cup orange juice; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1/4 cup coconut oil; 1/2 cup hot water

Why Make This Recipe

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole is a delicious and wholesome dish that is perfect for any occasion. It brings a unique twist on a traditional casserole, making it suitable for vegans and those looking for healthier sides. This recipe is not only packed with nutrients from sweet potatoes but also bursts with flavors from spices and natural ingredients. Plus, it is simple to make and can easily impress guests at a dinner gathering!

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

Before starting, many home cooks like to have these basic tools ready:

How to Make Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

2 1/2 pounds yams or sweet potatoes (organic is best especially when leaving the peel on)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder (or use smoked paprika)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons coconut sugar or brown sugar (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup hot water

Directions:

Start by mixing the spices. Add cinnamon, allspice, coriander, ancho chile, salt, pepper, and coconut sugar together in a small bowl.
In another bowl, combine the minced rosemary, orange zest, orange juice, maple syrup, coconut oil, hot water, and 2 teaspoons of the spice mix.
Wash the yams thoroughly. There is no need to peel them! Slice the yams using a mandoline to about 1/8 inch thick.
Arrange the yam slices in a 9×13 baking pan. A neat trick is to stack 5-6 slices and then fan them out sideways in the casserole dish—no oiling necessary.
Pour the orange and coconut oil mixture evenly over the top of the yams. Sprinkle the remaining spice mixture over everything.
Cover the pan and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes until the yams are tender and the edges are slightly crusty.

How to Serve Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Once your Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole is finished baking, let it cool slightly before serving. It makes a fantastic side dish for any meal or can be enjoyed as a light main dish. Pair it with a fresh salad or some steamed veggies for a complete, nutritious meal.

How to Store Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Tips to Make Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding some chopped nuts on top before baking for some crunch.
If you like it sweeter, feel free to increase the maple syrup amount according to your taste.
Make sure to slice the yams evenly so they cook uniformly.

Variation

You can switch things up by adding some cooked black beans or lentils to the casserole for a protein boost. Another idea is to substitute the orange juice with apple juice for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use regular potatoes, but the flavor will be different, and the texture may be slightly firmer.

2. Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

3. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.