Paula Deen’s Heartwarming Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this creamy sweet potato casserole with unparalleled delight.

Comfort arrives wrapped in a buttery blanket of marshmallow magic.

Memories of grandma’s table dance through each golden-crusted bite.

Nutty pecans create a delectable crunch that contrasts perfectly against smooth, whipped potatoes.

Home cooks treasure this recipe as a cherished holiday tradition.

Rich, decadent layers promise to warm your heart and satisfy every craving.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this classic southern comfort dish.

Why Paula Deen’s Version Is So Loved

• Whip Up Family Comfort: This sweet potato casserole delivers pure homestyle warmth that brings everyone together around the dinner table with its rich, nostalgic flavors.
• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for holiday gatherings or potlucks, the recipe transforms simple ingredients into a decadent side dish that looks impressive yet requires minimal cooking skills.
• Customize with Ease: Swap pecans for different nuts or adjust sweetness levels to match personal preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible for various taste buds and dietary needs.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal prep time and straightforward instructions mean you can create a delicious, restaurant-quality dish without spending hours in the kitchen or requiring advanced culinary techniques.

Paula Deen Sweet Potato Ingredient Checklist

• Sweet Potatoes: A nutritious root vegetable that provides the creamy foundation for this classic Southern side dish.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, rich texture.
• Butter: Provides richness and enhances the overall flavor of the casserole.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to help set the casserole and create a smooth consistency.
• Vanilla: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweet potatoes.
• Milk: Helps create a creamy and moist texture.

• Brown Sugar, Pecans: Combine to create a crunchy, sweet streusel-like topping that adds texture and depth of flavor.
• Flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients together and creates a crisp layer.
• Butter: Helps the topping become golden and provides a rich, nutty flavor.

Easy Steps for Paula Deen’s Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C).

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Sweet Potato Magic

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

Stir everything together until smooth and creamy.

Pour this luscious mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Craft the Crunchy Topping

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

Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly, delightful mixture.

Step 4: Sprinkle and Bake

Generously scatter the pecan topping across the sweet potato base, ensuring complete coverage.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for approximately 30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the casserole looks set and slightly puffy.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Pull the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Serve warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Tips for This Classic Southern Side Dish

• Mash sweet potatoes thoroughly to eliminate lumps and create a silky, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
• Toast pecans lightly before adding to the topping for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crispy texture.
• Cover the casserole with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly during baking to ensure even cooking.
• Swap regular milk with coconut milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives for a lactose-free version of the dish.
• Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during holiday meal preparation.

Paula Deen Flavor Variations You’ll Enjoy

• Vegan Sweet Potato Delight: Replace eggs with mashed banana, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, swap butter for coconut oil, and use maple syrup as a sugar alternative.
• Gluten-Free Nutty Casserole: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, keeping all other ingredients the same for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reduce overall sweetness, and add cinnamon for extra flavor complexity.
• Tropical Pecan Fusion: Incorporate shredded coconut into the topping, replace some pecans with macadamia nuts, and add a splash of rum extract for a Caribbean-inspired profile.

What Goes Best With Her Sweet Potatoes

• Thanksgiving Centerpiece: Place this golden casserole at the heart of your holiday table, creating an inviting and comforting focal point that draws everyone together.
• Dessert Companion: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent sweet touch that complements the rich, warm flavors of the casserole.
• Brunch Delight: Pair with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and fresh buttermilk biscuits to transform this side dish into a hearty morning meal that satisfies weekend cravings.
• Potluck Star: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to family gatherings or community events, knowing it will become the most requested dish on the buffet table.

How to Store This Famous Casserole Dish

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover with foil to prevent topping from burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Add splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

FAQs

• What are sweet potatoes good for?

Sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense, packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants that support eye health, boost immunity, and help regulate blood sugar levels.

• Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes work perfectly. Just drain them well and mash before mixing with other ingredients to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.

• Are pecans necessary for the topping?

While pecans add crunch and flavor, you can substitute with other nuts like walnuts or skip nuts entirely if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version.

• How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown, the edges are slightly bubbling, and the center is set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.

Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines in Paula Deen’s sweet potato casserole, blending creamy mashed potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping. Warm spices and buttery notes create a classic holiday side dish that welcomes guests to the table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups sweet potatoes (cooked, mashed)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup butter (melted)
• 1 cup sugar

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare a casserole dish with a light butter coating to prevent sticking.
2. Create a smooth, creamy mixture by thoroughly blending mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, melted butter, beaten eggs, pure vanilla extract, and whole milk until fully incorporated.
3. Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
4. Craft a crunchy topping by combining brown sugar, all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter in a separate mixing bowl until the ingredients form a crumbly texture.
5. Generously scatter the pecan topping across the entire sweet potato base, covering the surface completely and evenly.
6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and a set center.
7. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the dish stabilize and makes serving easier.
8. Serve warm as a delectable side dish, allowing the rich flavors and contrasting textures to shine.

Notes

• Choose firm, vibrant sweet potatoes with smooth skin for the best flavor and texture.
• Mash the sweet potatoes while they’re still warm to create a smoother, creamier consistency.
• Consider reducing sugar for a healthier version by replacing some with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.
• Swap pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for variety, or use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly option.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 348 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg