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This Healthy Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole is a lightened-up twist on a classic holiday side dish! Made with layers of tender sweet potatoes and crisp apples, it’s baked to perfection with a golden cinnamon-pecan topping. Naturally sweet, gluten free, and full of cozy fall flavor, this easy casserole is perfect for Thanksgiving or any family gathering!
What You’ll Love
- Light and wholesome: A healthy sweet potato casserole that skips the heavy sugar and butter but keeps all the flavor.
- Perfect for holidays: A crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side dish that looks beautiful on the table.
- Easy to make ahead: Assemble it the day before and bake just before serving.
- Naturally sweet: Sweet potatoes and apples bring out the best fall flavors without refined sugar.
- Family approved: Even the kids love this!
How to Make Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole
- Layer the base: Thinly slice the sweet potatoes and apples. Arrange them in alternating layers in a greased casserole dish.
- Mix the topping: Stir together melted ghee (or butter), maple syrup, cinnamon, and chopped pecans until combined.
- Bake until tender: Bake at 375°F until the sweet potatoes are soft and the topping is crisp and golden brown.
- Serve warm: This cozy casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, chicken, or ham.
Tips for Success
- Use firm apples: Try Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady for the best texture.
- Slice evenly: Consistent slices ensure even baking.
- Add more crunch: Toast the pecans before adding for extra flavor.
- Make it dairy free: Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of ghee.
- Meal prep friendly: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat easily.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this baked sweet potato and apple casserole alongside your favorite fall or holiday recipes like Roasted Cauliflower Rice Stuffing with Sausage or Spicy Green Bean and Mushroom Skillet. It’s the perfect make-ahead Thanksgiving side dish that everyone will love!
This dish has it all! It’s cozy, naturally sweet, and full of texture. The perfect balance of simple and special. To make your holiday prep even easier, grab my free Thanksgiving Planning Guide for menu ideas, prep tips, and ways to keep your Thanksgiving stress-free. Enjoy!!
Lightened Up Sweet Potato Apple Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2 inch slices
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp ghee or coconut oil*, melted
- pinch of salt
- 2 large apples, peeled and sliced into rings
- 1/2 cup fresh apple juice or cider
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a large baking sheet, and arrange the sweet potato slices into a single layer on the pan. Transfer to the oven, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until sweet potatoes are softened. Remove from oven. Turn the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a small bowl, mix together coconut sugar, cinnamon, pecans, ghee, and salt.
- Now prepare the casserole. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Arrange a layer of sweet potatoes on the bottom, then top with a layer of apples. Spoon or spread some of the sugar/pecan mixture over the apples. Repeat for another layer. End with a layer of sweet potatoes on top. Spoon the last of the mixture on top. Finally, top with apple juice or cider.
- Cover and transfer the casserole dish to the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, remove the lid, and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
