Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole baking in the oven. This southern classic delivers all the rich flavors you crave, combining creamy, spiced sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping that’s downright addictive. Whether it's a holiday feast or a cozy Sunday dinner, this dish always steals the show.

I discovered this recipe years ago, tucked in the pages of a southern cookbook. One bite, and I knew it was going to be a staple in our family’s holiday traditions. Let’s dive into what makes this casserole so special.

Why You'll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole

Get ready to add a touch of Southern hospitality to your dinner table. This Sweet Potato Casserole has earned its place as a holiday favorite for good reason.

First, it’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The smooth, creamy sweet potatoes are mixed with brown sugar and warm spices, then topped with a crisp, buttery pecan layer. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a hint of elegance.

It’s also incredibly easy to make. Even if you’re not an experienced cook, this recipe comes together effortlessly. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you can make this from scratch without breaking a sweat.

Plus, this casserole is crowd-friendly. It’s large enough to feed a crowd, making it a perfect addition to holiday dinners or potlucks. The sweet, nutty topping is a surefire way to impress guests of all ages.

Finally, you’ll love how versatile this dish can be. It pairs beautifully with savory main courses like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a simple grilled chicken. And if you have leftovers, they taste just as heavenly the next day.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole lies in its classic ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to deliver maximum flavor.

Sweet Potatoes are the star of this dish. Choose firm, unblemished potatoes for the best results. When baked and mashed, they become incredibly smooth and creamy, making a perfect base for the casserole. For convenience, you can roast them in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.

Brown Sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the sweet potato filling and the crunchy topping. I prefer using light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar will intensify the flavors if you like a richer taste.

The spices—cinnamon and nutmeg—bring warmth and complexity. A pinch of each is all you need to complement the natural sweetness of the potatoes without overpowering them. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking if you want a bolder flavor.

The pecan topping is what truly sets this casserole apart. Chopped pecans, combined with melted butter, flour, and brown sugar, create a delectable, crisp topping that contrasts beautifully with the smooth potatoes. Make sure to use fresh pecans for the best texture and flavor.

If you’re in need of any special equipment, a sturdy potato masher or an electric hand mixer will make quick work of mashing the sweet potatoes to the perfect consistency.

How To Make This Sweet Potato Casserole

Creating this delicious Sweet Potato Casserole is simple, and the results are absolutely worth it. Here's how to do it:

1. Prep your sweet potatoes. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into large chunks. Boil them in a large pot of salted water until they’re fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain them well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2. Mash and season. Use a potato masher or an electric hand mixer to mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth. Add in the melted butter, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until everything is well combined, and the mixture is creamy.
3. Spread and prepare the topping. Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the sweet potatoes.
4. Bake to perfection. Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sweet potatoes are hot and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, so the flavors meld together perfectly.

The entire process should take about 45 minutes to an hour, and you’ll be rewarded with a show-stopping dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Storage Options

This Sweet Potato Casserole is just as delicious the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead dish. Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigerate: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also transfer leftovers to an airtight container for added freshness.
• Freeze: To make this ahead for the holidays, prepare the casserole without baking it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. If reheating a single serving, the microwave works too, but the topping won’t be as crisp.

Variations and Substitutions

This casserole is wonderfully adaptable, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!

• Marshmallow Topping: If you love the gooey sweetness of marshmallows, swap the pecan topping for mini marshmallows. Just sprinkle them over the casserole in the last 5-10 minutes of baking and let them get golden and toasty.
• Healthier Version: For a lighter take, reduce the amount of butter and sugar in the sweet potato filling. You can also substitute part of the milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Nut-Free Variation: If you have nut allergies in the family, simply omit the pecans and make a streusel topping with oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar. It’ll still be deliciously crunchy and satisfying.
• Savory Twist: If you prefer a less sweet version, you can add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chopped fresh thyme to the filling for a savory kick that balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

Feel free to experiment and make this dish your own. No matter how you customize it, Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole is guaranteed to bring a touch of southern comfort to your table!

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