Paula Deen’s Cozy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for Fall Dinners

Sweet potato casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to every southern table.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen flood back with each creamy, marshmallow-topped bite.

Buttery pecans create a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, velvety potatoes.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg dance through the dish, creating an irresistible aroma.

Hearty and indulgent, this casserole feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.

Layers of flavor make this more than just a side dish – it’s a celebration of classic southern cooking.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this mouthwatering recipe that turns simple sweet potatoes into pure magic.

Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Favorites

• Create Hearty Comfort: Dive into a warm, satisfying breakfast casserole packed with crispy bacon, melted cheeses, and tender hash browns that hugs your taste buds with every bite.
• Simplify Morning Cooking: Combine all ingredients in one bowl, mix, and bake – no complicated steps or fancy techniques required, making breakfast preparation a breeze for busy families.
• Perfect Crowd-Pleaser Dish: Ideal for feeding a hungry group during weekend gatherings, brunches, or potluck events where everyone craves a filling and delicious meal that brings people together.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like adding different cheeses, using ham instead of bacon, or tossing in extra vegetables to match personal preferences and dietary needs without compromending the recipe's core deliciousness.

Ingredients for Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: Rich and creamy root vegetables that provide the foundation for this classic Southern side dish.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, caramelized texture.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and add structure to the casserole.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
• Milk: Creates a smoother, more spreadable consistency.

• Brown Sugar, Pecans: Add a delightful crunch and deep caramel-like sweetness to the casserole.
• Flour: Helps create a slightly crisp topping and absorbs moisture.
• Butter: Helps the topping ingredients stick together and brown beautifully.

• Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch dish provides the perfect space for even cooking and serving.

How to Prepare Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13 baking dish and generously coat it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Sweet Potato Magic

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

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks creamy and well-combined. Pour this velvety mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Create the Crunchy Pecan Topping

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

Sprinkle this nutty, sweet mixture generously over the sweet potato base, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown top and bubbling edges. The casserole should be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as a decadent side dish that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Pro Tips for Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

• Opt for fresh, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the most vibrant flavor and color in your casserole.
• Mash sweet potatoes while still warm to achieve a smoother, creamier texture that blends easily with other ingredients.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to the topping to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch.
• Create a lighter version by reducing sugar and using low-fat milk or dairy-free alternatives for a healthier twist.
• Prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during meal preparation.

Flavor Variants for Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

• Marshmallow Crown: Replace pecan topping with a layer of mini marshmallows, toasting them to golden perfection for a classic campfire-style sweet potato casserole.
• Coconut Crunch Edition: Incorporate shredded coconut into the topping, adding a tropical texture and subtle nutty flavor to the traditional recipe.
• Maple Spice Remix: Swap regular sugar with maple syrup and add cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to create a warm, autumnal version of the classic casserole.
• Praline Decadence: Mix crushed praline pecans into the topping for an extra caramelized, rich layer of sweetness that elevates the original dish.

Serving Ideas for Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

• Cozy Family Feast Pairing: Serve this sweet potato casserole alongside roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham for a classic holiday meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Dessert-Like Brunch Centerpiece: Transform this dish into a decadent brunch star by adding a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, making it feel like a sweet morning treat.
• Southern Comfort Side Dish: Complement the casserole with collard greens and cornbread to create a true Southern-style spread that celebrates comfort food traditions.
• Friendsgiving Crowd-Pleaser: Bring this crowd-favorite casserole to potlucks or gatherings, where its rich, sweet flavors will have everyone asking for seconds and the recipe.

Storage Recommendations for Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.
• Allow casserole to cool completely before covering. Store at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute canned sweet potatoes. Just drain them well and mash before using in the recipe.

• How do I know if my sweet potatoes are properly mashed?

The sweet potatoes should be smooth with no large chunks. Use a potato masher or electric mixer to achieve a creamy consistency.

• What if I don't like pecans or have a nut allergy?

You can omit pecans entirely or replace them with rolled oats for a similar crunchy topping. Some people use crushed graham crackers as an alternative.

• Is this dish suitable for make-ahead preparation?

You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook.

Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines through paula deen’s sweet potato casserole, blending creamy mashed potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping. Hearty flavors and comforting textures invite you to savor each delightful spoonful of this classic holiday side dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups sweet potatoes (mashed)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup butter (melted)
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light layer of cooking spray or butter.
2. Blend mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, smooth melted butter, whisked eggs, pure vanilla extract, and whole milk until the mixture reaches a creamy, uniform consistency.
3. Transfer the sweet potato blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
4. Craft the topping by combining rich brown sugar, all-purpose flour, additional melted butter, and roughly chopped pecans in a separate mixing bowl.
5. Generously distribute the pecan topping over the sweet potato base, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and gentle bubbling around the edges.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which helps the dish set and enhances its creamy texture.
8. Serve warm as a delectable side dish, perfect for holiday gatherings or family meals.

Notes

• Swap refined sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a lower glycemic index and more complex flavor profile.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty depth and bring out richer, more intense aromatics in the topping.
• Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato base to elevate the warm, comforting spice notes and create more complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 392 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 44 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg