Paula Deen’s Dreamy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when a delectable sweet potato casserole graces dinner tables.

Warm memories of childhood gatherings sweep through my mind whenever I prepare this classic dish.

Comfort and nostalgia blend perfectly in every creamy, marshmallow-topped bite.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this recipe, passing it down with love and care.

Crispy pecans scattered across the top add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, velvety sweet potato base.

My grandmother’s secret was always using fresh, locally grown sweet potatoes for maximum flavor.

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 casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the topping turns golden brown and the edges are slightly bubbly. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.

• Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, the recipe contains eggs and butter, making it not vegetarian-friendly. Vegans would need to make significant ingredient substitutions.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole Secrets

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a mouthwatering blend of sweet and nutty flavors that makes everyone at the table smile, perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners.
• Super Simple Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward mixing and layering, allowing even novice cooks to create a delicious side dish without stress.
• Customize Your Delight: Easily adaptable with optional ingredients like marshmallows or different nuts, giving home cooks the freedom to make the recipe uniquely their own.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making meal planning and entertaining significantly easier for busy households.

Ingredients For Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: A creamy and nutritious root vegetable that forms the base of this classic Southern casserole.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps enhance the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the casserole ingredients together.
• Milk: Creates a smooth and rich texture in the sweet potato mixture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a velvety consistency.

• Brown Sugar, Flour, Pecans: A classic Southern crumble topping that adds crunch and extra sweetness.
• Butter: Helps bind the topping ingredients and creates a golden, crispy layer.

• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweet potatoes.

Follow These Steps For Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

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

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous butter or cooking spray coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Sweet Potato Mixture

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Milk
• Melted butter

Whip everything until it’s silky smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Spread the Base Layer

Pour the luscious sweet potato blend into your prepared baking dish.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface, creating a gorgeous golden foundation.

Step 4: Craft the Crunchy Topping

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

Mix these ingredients until they form a crumbly, delightful topping.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

Sprinkle the pecan mixture generously and evenly over the sweet potato base, ensuring every inch gets some nutty goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and looks irresistibly bubbly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your decadent sweet potato creation!

Tips To Nail Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

• Boil or steam sweet potatoes until tender, then mash while warm for a smoother, creamier texture.
• Cover the casserole with aluminum foil if the pecan topping browns too quickly during baking.
• Prepare the casserole a day before and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time on busy cooking days.
• Substitute dairy milk with almond or coconut milk, and use dairy-free margarine for a lactose-intolerant friendly version.
• Reduce granulated sugar by 1/4 cup if you prefer a less sweet side dish or are watching sugar intake.

Creative Twists On Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

• Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk, swap butter for coconut oil, and use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend in the topping. Use certified gluten-free ingredients.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Reduce brown sugar in topping and use chopped walnuts instead of pecans.
• Marshmallow Topped Variation: Skip the pecan topping and cover the sweet potato layer with mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking for a classic holiday style.

Serving Suggestions For Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

• Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Place the golden-brown casserole as a stunning main dish during Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs.
• Dessert-Style Serving: Top each portion with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to transform this side dish into a decadent sweet treat.
• Brunch Companion: Pair the casserole with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and fresh buttermilk biscuits for a hearty weekend morning meal that'll satisfy everyone at the table.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat individual portions and stuff inside warm crepes or use as a delicious filling for morning pastries, adding a delightful twist to traditional breakfast options.

How To Keep Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Fresh

• Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap casserole securely in aluminum foil or freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date to track freshness.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 1520 minutes until heated through, checking occasionally.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Sweet potato casserole invites comfort and warmth to Southern holiday tables with its rich, marshmallow-topped indulgence. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes nestled beneath a crisp, caramelized pecan topping promise a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Sweet Potato Base:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 large sweet potatoes)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

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

Optional Garnish:

• Marshmallows (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
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 velvety, uniform consistency.
3. Transfer the sweet potato blend into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to create an even, smooth surface.
4. Craft the crumbly topping by combining brown sugar, all-purpose flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans in a separate bowl, ensuring all ingredients are well-integrated.
5. Distribute the pecan topping uniformly across the sweet potato base, covering the entire surface with a generous layer.
6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and slight bubbling around the edges.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes, which helps the texture settle and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Always use fresh, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the most vibrant flavor and richest color in your casserole.
• Mash sweet potatoes while they’re still warm to achieve a smoother, creamier texture without lumps.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to the topping to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch.
• For a lighter version, replace some butter with Greek yogurt and reduce sugar by a quarter to make the dish slightly healthier without losing its delicious essence.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg