Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

The Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole is a holiday favorite for a reason! This Southern-inspired casserole takes creamy, spiced sweet potatoes and tops them with a buttery, crunchy pecan topping that adds just the right amount of sweetness and texture.

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I first tried this recipe at a family Thanksgiving, and it quickly became a must-have for every holiday gathering. With its irresistible combination of creamy and crunchy, this casserole is comfort food at its finest. And the best part? It’s easy enough to make even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

This Sweet Potato Casserole brings all the warmth, sweetness, and Southern charm you could want in a holiday side dish. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your table this season!

For starters, this dish is pure comfort. The creamy sweet potatoes combined with a rich, buttery topping make each bite incredibly satisfying. It’s sweet but not overly so, making it a great complement to savory holiday dishes like roasted turkey or ham.

It's also quick and easy to prepare. In just a few steps, you’ll have a casserole that looks and tastes like it took hours. Paula Deen’s recipe is straightforward, so even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll have no trouble creating this crowd-pleaser.

The texture is amazing. The soft, fluffy sweet potatoes are perfectly paired with a crunchy pecan topping, offering a delightful mix of textures. This combination is what takes the dish to the next level, making it a standout addition to your meal.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! If you have guests with dietary needs, this recipe can be easily adapted with a few swaps, so everyone at the table can enjoy it.

Ingredients Notes

The ingredients in this Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole are simple and straightforward, yet each plays a vital role in creating that perfect flavor and texture.

• Sweet Potatoes: The base of this casserole is, of course, sweet potatoes. Choose fresh, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, as they’re naturally sweet and become wonderfully creamy when cooked.
• Granulated Sugar: Added to the sweet potatoes, this bit of sugar brings out their natural sweetness even more. You can adjust the amount depending on how sweet you like your casserole.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla gives the filling a lovely depth of flavor. The subtle warmth of vanilla adds a hint of richness that complements the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes.
• Milk: Milk helps create a creamy consistency. Paula’s recipe typically uses whole milk, but you can substitute with heavy cream for an even richer filling or use almond milk for a dairy-free option.
• Eggs: Eggs act as a binder and give the casserole a fluffy texture. Be sure to use room temperature eggs for the smoothest result.
• Brown Sugar and Pecans for the Topping: This pecan topping is essential to the casserole’s appeal. Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor, while the pecans bring that satisfying crunch.

For equipment, you’ll need a 9x13 baking dish and a potato masher or electric mixer to achieve the perfect texture.

How to Make This Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

Making this Sweet Potato Casserole is a breeze. Here’s how to prepare it step-by-step for a result that’s guaranteed to impress.

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Start by cooking the sweet potatoes until they’re soft. You can boil them in a large pot of water for 15-20 minutes, or, for a richer flavor, bake them in the oven at 400°F for 45-50 minutes.
2. Mash and Mix: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, peel them and transfer to a mixing bowl. Add granulated sugar, milk, butter, vanilla extract, and eggs. Use a potato masher or electric mixer to blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sugar or vanilla if desired.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Grease a 9x13 baking dish and pour the sweet potato mixture in, spreading it evenly across the dish. This will be the base layer of the casserole, giving you that soft, fluffy interior.
4. Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, pecans, flour, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well mixed and crumbly. This will be the delicious, crunchy topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the sweet potato layer, making sure to cover the whole surface.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are slightly bubbling. The topping should be crisp, while the sweet potatoes underneath remain soft and creamy.

In just under an hour, your Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole will be ready to serve – warm, aromatic, and full of holiday flavor!

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this casserole stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Freezer: You can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months! To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. When you’re ready to serve it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated.
• Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can also be prepared a day in advance. Assemble the sweet potato layer and topping separately, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply add the topping and bake as directed.

Variations and Substitutions

While Paula Deen’s recipe is a classic, there are plenty of ways to make it your own! Here are a few ideas to try:

• Add Marshmallows: If you love the sweetness of marshmallows on your casserole, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. They’ll melt slightly, adding a sweet, gooey finish.
• Swap Pecans for Walnuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts make a great substitute. They bring the same crunch and earthy flavor that pairs well with the sweet potatoes.
• Lighten It Up: Substitute half of the butter with coconut oil or replace the whole milk with almond milk for a lighter, dairy-free option. You can also reduce the sugar slightly without losing too much sweetness.
• Spice It Up: For an extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the sweet potato mixture. This gives the casserole a hint of warm spice that’s perfect for fall.
• Nut-Free Option: If you have guests with nut allergies, replace the pecan topping with crushed gluten-free graham crackers or oats for a similar crunchy texture without the nuts.

No matter how you customize it, this Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole is sure to be a hit. It’s a recipe that combines the best of Southern comfort with a rich, sweet flavor that’s perfect for any holiday feast. Enjoy every warm, delicious bite!

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