Paula Deen’s Heavenly Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Southern kitchens often celebrate their beloved sweet potato casserole with rich, comforting flavors that dance across your palate.

Generations of cooks have perfected this classic dish, passing down cherished techniques through whispered family secrets.

Layers of creamy mashed sweet potatoes create a velvety base that promises pure indulgence.

Topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, this recipe brings warmth and nostalgia to any gathering.

Marshmallows add a delightful golden crown that melts into the sweet, buttery landscape.

Memories of holiday tables and shared meals come flooding back with each delectable bite.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful of this irresistible southern classic that turns simple ingredients into pure magic.

Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole: What Makes It Stand Out

• Simplify Holiday Cooking: This sweet potato casserole transforms a potentially complex dish into an easy-to-prepare crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and joy to any gathering.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with rich, sweet ingredients like brown sugar, pecans, and vanilla, the recipe guarantees a delectable side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile Celebration Dish: Perfect for holiday meals, family reunions, potlucks, or any special occasion where you want to impress guests with a classic Southern-style comfort food.
• Quick Prep, Big Rewards: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can create a delicious, show-stopping dish without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy home cooks.

Ingredients Behind Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: Creamy and sweet root vegetable that forms the heart of this comforting casserole.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the casserole ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic essence.
• Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy texture in the sweet potato mixture.
• Butter: Adds richness and depth to the casserole base.

• Brown Sugar: Creates a caramelized, sweet layer that complements the sweet potato base.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps to thicken and bind the topping mixture.
• Pecans: Provide a crunchy, nutty texture and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Butter: Helps to create a golden, crispy topping.

• Marshmallows, Ground Cinnamon: Can be added for extra sweetness or spice if desired.

Stepwise Guide to Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 350F (175C) and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Coat the dish with a light layer of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Sweet Potato Blend

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Granulated sugar
• Beaten eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Whole milk
• Melted butter

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Spread the Base

Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 4: Craft the Crunchy Topping

• Brown sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Melted butter
• Chopped pecans

Stir until the ingredients are well combined and create a crumbly texture.

Step 5: Add the Pecan Crunch

Sprinkle the pecan mixture generously and evenly over the sweet potato base, covering the entire surface.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown topping and ensure the casserole is heated through.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes.

Serve warm and enjoy the delightful blend of sweet potatoes and crunchy pecans.

Tips to Boost Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole Flavor

• Swap white sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option that adds a subtle caramel flavor.
• Reduce butter quantity by half and use Greek yogurt to create a lighter, healthier version without compromising taste.
• Toast pecans before adding to the topping for an enhanced nutty aroma and deeper, richer flavor profile.
• Use almond milk or oat milk as dairy-free alternatives to keep the recipe creamy and suitable for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together for an even more delicious result when baked.

Flavor Twists to Add to Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

• Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the topping to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Marshmallow Topping Variation: Skip the pecan topping and cover the sweet potato base with mini marshmallows for a classic holiday-style casserole with a gooey, sweet finish.
• Spiced Autumn Version: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ginger to the sweet potato mixture for a warm, aromatic flavor profile that enhances the natural sweetness.

Pairings That Work with Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

• Festive Holiday Feast Centerpiece: Wow your guests by placing this golden-brown casserole at the center of your holiday table, creating a stunning visual and delicious aroma that instantly elevates the meal's elegance.
• Comfort Food Dessert Twist: Transform the casserole into a decadent dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, creating a warm-cold contrast that melts in your mouth with rich, sweet flavors.
• Southern Brunch Delight: Serve alongside crispy bacon and fluffy buttermilk biscuits for a classic Southern-style brunch that celebrates traditional comfort cooking with a luxurious sweet potato casserole as the star attraction.

Best Ways to Keep Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping the casserole's texture and flavor intact.
• Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and protect from other refrigerator odors.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Restore the casserole's crispy topping by placing it in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, which helps maintain its original golden-brown crunchiness.

FAQs

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Drain them well and mash thoroughly before mixing with other ingredients.

• How do I know if the sweet potatoes are cooked before making the casserole?

Boil or roast sweet potatoes until they’re soft and easily pierced with a fork. Let them cool slightly before mashing.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour in the topping with gluten-free flour or almond flour to make the recipe gluten-free.

Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet potato casserole showcases Paula Deen’s Southern comfort classic with a rich, indulgent twist. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan streusel create a memorable side dish perfect for holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Sweet Potato Base:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Topping:

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light layer of grease.
2. Whisk together mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and melted butter in a large mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Transfer the sweet potato blend into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
4. Create the topping by combining brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and finely chopped pecans in a separate mixing bowl.
5. Generously scatter the pecan topping across the sweet potato base, covering the entire surface with an even layer.
6. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and ensuring the interior is thoroughly heated.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier. Serve while still warm for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

• Check potato consistency by mashing thoroughly to eliminate any lumps, ensuring a silky smooth texture that blends perfectly with other ingredients.
• Consider swapping regular sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a lower glycemic index and more complex flavor profile.
• Customize the topping by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the warm, comforting autumn-like taste of the casserole.
• For gluten-free option, replace wheat flour in topping with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 417 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 47 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 42 mg