Paula Deen’s Cozy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe: Homestyle Magic

Sweet potato casserole brings comfort and warmth to any family gathering.

Crispy marshmallows crown this beloved southern classic with irresistible charm.

Layers of creamy mashed sweet potatoes create a delightful canvas for indulgent toppings.

Paula deen’s recipe delivers a nostalgic twist that captures childhood memories.

Nutty pecans add delightful crunch and depth to each decadent bite.

Subtle hints of cinnamon and brown sugar weave magic through this comforting dish.

Let this casserole become the star that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole Essentials

• Sweet Potatoes: Rich, creamy foundation of the casserole with natural sweetness and smooth texture. Choose orange-fleshed varieties for best color and flavor.
• Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and balances flavors.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps bind ingredients together. Whole milk works best for richness.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help the casserole set with a smooth, custard-like consistency.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex flavor and complements the sweet potato's natural taste. Pure vanilla provides the best depth.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Butter: Contributes rich flavor and helps create a smooth, luxurious texture. Use unsalted butter for better control of salt content.

Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole Prep

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Sweet Potato Magic

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

Whip everything together until the mixture looks silky smooth and completely combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Base

Pour the luscious sweet potato mixture into your buttered baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 4: Create Crunchy Pecan Topping

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

Stir until the ingredients form a delightful crumbly texture.

Step 5: Add the Irresistible Topping

Sprinkle the pecan mixture generously and evenly across the sweet potato base, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and looks slightly crispy around the edges.

Tips for Perfecting Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

• Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes with smooth skin for the best flavor and texture.
• Use a potato masher or electric mixer to create a creamy, lump-free sweet potato base for a velvety consistency.
• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the topping to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
• Adjust sugar levels to taste, using less for a more natural sweet potato flavor or adding a touch more for a dessert-like experience.
• Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during holiday meal preparation.

Chill Paula Deen’s Sweet Potatoes For Reheat

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish later.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.
• For quick reheating, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

Paula Deen’s Casserole Pairing Picks

Pair Sweet Potato Harmony with Robust Red Wine

• Select Zinfandel: This bold, fruity wine complements the casserole's rich sweetness with its smooth berry notes and slight spiciness.

Create Protein Balance with Roasted Turkey

• Serve Herb-Crusted Turkey: The savory, tender meat provides perfect contrast to the sweet potato's sugary topping and creates a classic holiday meal combination.

Enhance Dessert Companion with Creamy Counterpoint

• Match Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The cold, smooth vanilla softens the casserole's warmth and adds delightful texture contrast while balancing the nutty pecan crunch.

Craft Beverage Refreshment with Crisp Apple Cider

• Pour Sparkling Hard Cider: The light, slightly tart drink cuts through the casserole's richness and provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Bake in Custom Styles

• Vegan Sweet Potato Delight: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, swap butter with coconut oil, and use maple syrup in place of sugar for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Nutty Casserole: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend in the topping to make the recipe celiac-friendly and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of brown sugar, reduce overall sugar content, and add cinnamon for extra natural sweetness without increasing calories.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Remove pecans from the topping and replace with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture that works for those with nut allergies.

FAQs

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

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

• How do I know when the casserole is fully baked?

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

• Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in the topping to make the entire dish gluten-free.

Paula Deen’s Version That Hits The Spot

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This sweet potato casserole transforms a simple side dish into a crowd-favorite that brings everyone together with its irresistible blend of creamy sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan topping.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up this recipe in just 45 minutes total, with minimal prep work and straightforward mixing steps that even novice cooks can master without stress.
• Holiday Showstopper: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering, this casserole elevates your meal with its classic Southern charm and decadent flavor profile that screams festive celebration.
• Family-Friendly Indulgence: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet, buttery taste and contrasting textures, making it a universally appealing dish that disappears quickly from the dinner table.

Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet potato casserole by Paula Deen brings Southern comfort to your dinner table, blending creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping. Rich, indulgent flavors meld together, creating a memorable side dish you’ll crave at every holiday gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes (3 cups mashed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup melted butter

Sweet Potato Casserole Seasonings:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup milk (120 milliliters)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a spacious rectangular baking vessel with a light butter coating to prevent sticking.
2. Transform cooked sweet potatoes into a silky, luxurious blend by whisking them with granulated sweetener, creamy dairy, farm-fresh eggs, aromatic vanilla extract, liquid butter, and a delicate salt essence until the mixture achieves a velvety consistency.
3. Gently cascade the vibrant orange potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
4. Craft a decadent streusel topping by combining rich brown sugar, finely milled flour, melted golden butter, and roughly chopped pecan fragments in a separate mixing bowl.
5. Lavishly scatter the nutty, caramelized topping across the sweet potato foundation, creating a textural landscape of crumbly goodness.
6. Position the casserole in the preheated oven and allow it to transform, baking until the topping develops a golden-bronze hue and achieves a delightful crisp texture, typically requiring 30-40 minutes of patient anticipation.

Notes

• Choose super-ripe sweet potatoes for maximum natural sweetness and creamier texture.
• For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend in the topping.
• Consider reducing sugar by 25% if using very sweet potatoes or preferring a less sugary dish.
• Toast pecans before adding to topping for deeper, more complex nutty flavor that elevates the entire casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg