Paula Deen’s Dreamy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement over this Paula Deen sweet potato casserole that promises pure comfort.

Warm, creamy potatoes nestled beneath a crunchy pecan topping create magic on dinner plates.

Memories of grandma’s traditional sides dance through each delectable bite.

Soft orange vegetables mingle with brown sugar and butter, creating a luxurious side dish.

Maple-like sweetness whispers through each spoonful, inviting smiles and second helpings.

Comfort arrives in a casserole dish, beckoning you to savor every delicious moment.

Dive into this classic Southern recipe that turns ordinary sweet potatoes into an extraordinary experience.

What Makes Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole So Good

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Discover a mouthwatering Southern classic that brings families together with its rich, creamy texture and irresistible sweet pecan topping.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Master this simple recipe with basic cooking skills, requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward steps that even novice cooks can confidently tackle.
• Versatile Holiday Showstopper: Perfect for thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering where you want to impress guests with a delectable side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this casserole in advance, storing it in the refrigerator and baking just before serving, which saves precious time during busy meal preparations.

Ingredients For Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: A hearty root vegetable that provides the creamy and rich foundation for this classic casserole.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm and aromatic notes.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a smooth, custard-like texture.

• Butter: Provides richness and a smooth, velvety consistency to the sweet potato mixture.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a creamy texture.

• Salt: Balances and highlights the sweet flavors in the dish.

• Brown Sugar: Creates a caramelized, sweet layer on top of the casserole.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients and provides structure.
• Pecans: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the casserole topping.

How To Prepare Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare Sweet Potatoes

Peel the sweet potatoes and boil them until they become soft.

Mash the potatoes thoroughly until they reach a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 3: Create Sweet Potato Mixture

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Milk
• Salt

Stir everything together until well blended and smooth.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 5: Craft the Crunchy Topping

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

Sprinkle this delicious topping evenly over the sweet potato layer.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. Watch for a golden brown topping that’s bubbling around the edges.

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving up this delectable southern-style side dish.

Tips For Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

• Opt for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the richest, most vibrant color and sweetest flavor in your casserole.
• Drain sweet potatoes completely to prevent a watery texture that might make your dish less creamy.
• Mash potatoes while warm to achieve a smoother, more velvety consistency without lumps.
• Enhance the topping's crunch by toasting pecans briefly before chopping to intensify their nutty flavor.
• Prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making holiday meal prep easier.

Flavorful Spins On Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

• Vegan Sweet Potato Mash: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, swap butter with coconut oil, and use maple syrup as a sugar alternative.
• Gluten-Free Pecan Crumble: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, keeping the rest of the recipe ingredients the same.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reduce overall sweetness while maintaining the classic sweet potato casserole flavor profile.
• Marshmallow Topping Option: Skip the pecan crumble and top the sweet potato mixture with mini marshmallows for a nostalgic, kid-friendly version.

What Goes Best With Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

• Southern Holiday Feast Companion: Serve alongside roasted turkey or ham for a classic Southern-style holiday meal that celebrates comfort and tradition.
• Dessert Transformation: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn this casserole into a decadent dessert that blends warm, sweet flavors with cool creaminess.
• Brunch Delight: Pair with crispy bacon and fluffy scrambled eggs for a hearty weekend brunch that brings Southern hospitality to your morning table.
• Potluck Showstopper: Bring this casserole to community gatherings, where its rich, nutty topping and creamy sweet potato base will make you the star of the potluck.

Best Ways To Store Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

• Store leftover sweet potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness.
• Cool the casserole completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation and soggy topping.

FAQs

• Are sweet potatoes healthy for this casserole?

Sweet potatoes are nutritious, packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. They provide more nutrients compared to regular potatoes, making this casserole a healthier dessert option.

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute fresh sweet potatoes with canned ones. Just drain and mash them thoroughly. Canned sweet potatoes save time and still deliver great flavor for the casserole.

• How do I know if the sweet potatoes are cooked properly?

Sweet potatoes are done when a fork easily pierces through them without resistance. They should be soft and tender, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes of boiling.

Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet potato casserole from Paula Deen combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping. Comfort flavors blend perfectly for a delightful Southern-style side dish you’ll crave at holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs

Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Other Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking dish with light greasing.
2. Boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender, then drain and mash thoroughly until silky and smooth.
3. Whisk together mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, melted butter, milk, and salt until fully incorporated and creamy.
4. Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly across the surface.
5. Create the pecan topping by combining brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter in a separate bowl.
6. Distribute the nutty topping uniformly over the sweet potato base, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and slight bubbling around the edges.
8. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes, which helps the filling set and enhances flavor development.
9. Serve warm as a delectable side dish that showcases the rich, comforting flavors of sweet potatoes and crunchy pecans.

Notes

• Maximize sweetness by selecting ripe, deep orange sweet potatoes with vibrant color and smooth skin.
• Create a smoother texture by using a hand mixer or food processor when mashing sweet potatoes, avoiding lumps for a silky consistency.
• Reduce sugar content by substituting half the sugar with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey for a healthier version.
• Make the dish gluten-free by replacing regular flour in the topping with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the crispy pecan crunch.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg