The Best High Protein Sweet Potato Casserole for Thanksgiving!

High protein sweet potato casserole is the best healthy Thanksgiving dessert recipe. A sweet potato souffle base with protein powder and a topping with protein pretzels - delicious and macro-friendly!

You know how sometimes you find one ingredient that just sparks a whole new recipe idea? That happened when I found these high protein pretzels (specifically the Churro flavor!) from a brand I saw on Instagram.

I immediately knew I had to make something creative for Thanksgiving using them, and this high protein sweet potato casserole was born.

Seriously, my husband and I have been happily eating this for the last three nights, and I'm genuinely excited to have more again tonight-especially topped with a scoop of my protein ice cream!

The warm not-too-sweet sweet potato base and the crunchy topping paired with the cool and creamy ice cream - you're going to love this recipe even as Thanksgiving leftovers!

Why this is the best healthy sweet potato casserole recipe?

• No added sugars (not even honey or maple syrup or dates)
• Extra protein from the 2 protein powders!
• No butter or oil (no coconut oil or avocado oil either)
• No flour (a great gluten free recipe with no oat flour either)

Ingredients for High Protein Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: The creamy, sweet base of the casserole. It adds some sweetness and fiber too!
• Unsweetened Almond Milk: Helps create a smooth base and make this sweet potato casserole recipe dairy free if needed.
• Egg Whites: Helps create a light, creamy custard texture.
• Vanilla Protein Powder: To provide sweetness since this is a no sugar sweet potato casserole recipe. I use the protein powder from 1UP Nutrition.
• Unflavored Protein Powder (optional): Used to maximize protein content! I recommend Isopure.
• Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Provides classic flavor.

Topping

• Churro flavor Protein Pretzels: To give a high protein crispy topping! I love the Churro protein pretzels from Kindling!
• Chopped Pecans: Adds crunch to the topping.
• If using regular pretzels, 0 calorie Sugar-free Brown Sugar Substitute like the one from Swerve

See recipe card at the bottom of the page for the measurements!

How to make Healthy Diabetic friendly Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prep Sweet Potatoes

1. Peel the sweet potatoes and chop them into large chunks.
2. Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot of boiling water and boil until they are completely soft (easily pierced with a fork), about 10-12 minutes.
3. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and transfer the flesh to a large bowl.
   Let cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Base

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. To the bowl with the sweet potato, add the almond milk and egg whites.
3. Use a hand mixer to blend until it is completely smooth.
   Tip: The key to this high protein sweet potato souffle texture is blending the cooked potatoes with the milk and egg whites until completely lump-free before adding the powders.
4. Next, add the vanilla protein powder, unflavored protein powder (if using), cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Blend again until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
6. Transfer the sweet potato mixture into an 8x6 or 8x8 inch baking dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

1. Place the pretzels in a bowl and crush them using a muddler, or place in a resealable bag and use a rolling pin.
2. In a small bowl, combine the crushed pretzels and the chopped pecans.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

1. Spread the pretzel and pecan mixture evenly over the top of the sweet potato base in the dish.
2. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges of the casserole are bubbling slightly.
3. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
   Tip: Serve with Protein Ice Cream! I 10/10 recommend having this with my high protein ninja creami ice cream that's actually creamy!

Make Ahead & Storage for heathy sweet potato casserole:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the healthy sweet potato base (Step 2) up to 2 days in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add the topping right before baking.

• Storage: Store leftovers of your added sugar free sweet potato casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave.

Did you try this recipe? I'd LOVE to know!
 Tag @hayls.kitchen on Instagram & leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!