Paula Deen’s Dreamy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Sweet potato casserole with a buttery pecan topping is a Southern comfort classic that brings warmth to any dinner table.

Paula deen’s sweet potato casserole recipe delivers pure indulgence in every delectable bite.

Creamy, smooth potatoes meld perfectly with a crunchy, caramelized nut layer that promises pure delight.

The dish whispers memories of family gatherings and cozy holiday meals.

Packed with rich flavors and nostalgic charm, this casserole transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable side.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of sweet, nutty, and velvety textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole Appeal

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers rich, sweet flavors that bring everyone together with its irresistible blend of creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan topping.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills, simple ingredients, and straightforward mixing steps that make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all levels.
• Holiday Showstopper: Perfect for festive gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas, transforming an ordinary side dish into a memorable culinary experience that guests will love.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Can be partially prepared in advance, allowing busy hosts to reduce kitchen stress and spend more quality time with family and friends during special occasions.

Paula Deen Casserole Ingredient Guide

• Sweet Potatoes: A creamy and nutritious root vegetable that forms the foundation of this classic casserole.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, rich aromatic flavor to the sweet potato mixture.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to create a smooth and cohesive texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Brown Sugar, Flour: Create a sweet and crumbly topping with a delightful caramelized texture.
• Butter: Helps bind the topping ingredients and adds a rich, golden flavor.
• Pecans: Provide a crunchy, nutty element that complements the creamy sweet potato base.

Cooking Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn the oven to 350°F and get it ready for baking.

Step 2: Create Sweet Potato Base

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Sugar
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Beaten eggs
• Melted butter

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Dish

Transfer the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 4: Craft Crunchy Pecan Topping

• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Melted butter
• Chopped pecans

Mix until the topping looks crumbly and well combined.

Step 5: Add Topping Layer

Sprinkle the pecan mixture generously and evenly across the entire surface of the sweet potato base.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown topping and a set center.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.

Tips for Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance health benefits and flavor depth.
• Cut down sugar by using half the amount or replacing with natural sweeteners like maple syrup for a healthier version.
• Swap butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine to accommodate dairy-free dietary needs.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to topping for an extra rich, nutty flavor and improved texture.
• Cover casserole with aluminum foil during last 10 minutes of baking to prevent topping from over-browning.

Paula Deen Casserole Variations

• Vegan Sweet Potato Delight: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and swap sugar with maple syrup for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend in the topping to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Low-Sugar Sweet Potato Bake: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar, and reduce the amount of brown sugar in the topping for a diabetic-friendly option.
• Nut-Free Sweet Potato Crunch: Replace pecans with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds in the topping for those with nut allergies.

How to Serve Paula Deen Casserole

• Sweet Holiday Centerpiece: Create a festive display by placing the casserole in a decorative serving dish surrounded by fresh autumn leaves, cinnamon sticks, and small gourds for a gorgeous thanksgiving table presentation.
• Comforting Side Companion: Pair this rich casserole with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or grilled chicken to balance the sweet and savory flavors of your main course.
• Dessert-Style Twist: Top individual servings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to transform the casserole into a delightful dessert-like experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to save time during busy holiday meal preparations.

Storage Tips for Paula Deen Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish. Wrap tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator 30 minutes before reheating. Cover with foil to prevent topping from burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute fresh sweet potatoes with canned sweet potatoes. Just drain and mash them thoroughly before mixing with other ingredients.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour in the topping with gluten-free flour or almond flour to make the casserole gluten-free.

• Is it possible to prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• What type of pecans work best for the topping?

Whole or roughly chopped pecans work great. Toasting them lightly before adding to the topping can enhance their flavor and provide a nice crunch.

Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

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

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Description

Sweet potato casserole with Paula Deen’s signature style brings Southern comfort to your holiday table. Marshmallow-topped and brown sugar-kissed, this classic dish promises rich, nostalgic flavors you’ll savor with every delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 – 4 large sweet potatoes)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 12 cup (1 stick) melted butter

Secondary Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring a perfectly consistent temperature for baking.
2. Create a velvety base by thoroughly blending mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, salt, vanilla extract, eggs, and melted butter until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Transfer the smooth sweet potato mixture into a generously greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a level surface.
4. Craft a decadent topping by combining brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and finely chopped pecans in a separate mixing bowl, stirring until ingredients are well-incorporated.
5. Generously distribute the pecan topping across the entire surface of the sweet potato layer, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and a firm, set texture throughout the dish.
7. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Smooth or slightly chunky mashed sweet potatoes can dramatically change the dish’s overall mouthfeel, so experiment with different mashing techniques.
• Replace some pecans with rolled oats or add chia seeds for extra fiber and protein, making the casserole more nutrient-dense.
• Reduce refined sugar by substituting some with maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar for a more complex, less sugary flavor profile.
• Use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour to accommodate gluten-sensitive guests without compromising taste or texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 457
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 196 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 48 mg