Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Paula Deen's Sweet Potato Casserole filling your kitchen during the holidays. With its velvety sweet potato base and crunchy, nutty topping, this dish is a perfect blend of creamy and crisp textures.

this Recipe

I remember the first time I made this casserole—it was a Thanksgiving I’ll never forget. My family couldn’t stop raving about the balance of sweetness and the satisfying crunch of the pecans. Now, it’s a staple on our holiday table, and I’m excited to share this cherished recipe with you!

Why You’ll Love This Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

Prepare to fall head over heels for this iconic Southern dish. Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a heartwarming experience.

First, the silky texture of the sweet potato layer is unmatched. Thanks to the perfect combination of sweet potatoes, butter, and cream, every bite melts in your mouth.

The crunchy pecan topping adds a delightful contrast to the soft sweet potato base. With brown sugar and pecans caramelizing beautifully in the oven, this topping feels almost like dessert.

This casserole is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for turkey or ham, or even sneaking a slice for breakfast the next day, it fits seamlessly into any meal.

Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters can’t resist the combination of sweet and savory flavors. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole lies in its carefully chosen ingredients, each contributing to its irresistible flavor and texture.

• Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish. For the best results, choose fresh, medium-sized sweet potatoes. They should feel firm with no soft spots. Baking them before mashing enhances their natural sweetness.
• Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and flavor to both the sweet potato base and the topping. Be sure to use softened butter for easy mixing.
• Sugar: This recipe uses granulated sugar for the sweet potatoes and brown sugar for the topping. The brown sugar caramelizes with the butter and pecans to create that signature crunch.
• Pecans: Coarsely chopped pecans provide the perfect texture for the topping. If you’re looking for a twist, you can mix in walnuts or almonds.
• Heavy Cream: This adds a luxurious creaminess to the mashed sweet potatoes. You can substitute with half-and-half if desired, but for the authentic Paula Deen experience, stick with heavy cream.

No special equipment is needed beyond a mixing bowl, a baking dish, and a sturdy potato masher. A hand mixer can also come in handy for achieving an extra-smooth sweet potato layer.

How To Make Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

Making this Sweet Potato Casserole is straightforward and rewarding. Let’s walk through it step by step.

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
   Start by baking or boiling your sweet potatoes until they’re tender and easy to mash. If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F, prick the potatoes with a fork, and bake for about 45 minutes. If boiling, peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks, then cook in salted water for 15-20 minutes.
2. Mash the Sweet Potatoes
   Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, mash them in a large bowl. Add in the butter, granulated sugar, eggs, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
3. Make the Topping
   In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, pecans, butter, and a touch of flour. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the sweet potato layer.
4. Bake to Perfection
   Preheat your oven to 350°F if it’s not already. Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and slightly crisp. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

The total time from prep to plate is about an hour, making this dish perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Storage Options

This Sweet Potato Casserole is as practical as it is delicious, with several storage options to keep leftovers fresh.

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to cover the dish tightly to prevent the topping from softening.
• Freeze: For longer storage, wrap the cooled casserole (without the topping) tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Add the topping fresh before reheating for the best texture.
• Reheat: To reheat, place the casserole in a 350°F oven until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Variations and Substitutions

This casserole is versatile enough to suit a variety of preferences and dietary needs.

• Nut-Free: If you’re avoiding nuts, try using crushed graham crackers or oats for the topping instead of pecans.
• Low-Sugar Option: Cut back on the sugar in the sweet potato base and opt for a topping with oats and a drizzle of honey.
• Vegan-Friendly: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace the eggs with flaxseed meal.
• Spiced-Up Version: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture for a warm, spiced twist.

Feel free to get creative—this recipe is forgiving and adapts beautifully to experimentation.

Whether you're making this Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole for a holiday feast or a special Sunday dinner, it’s sure to impress. The combination of creamy sweet potatoes and that irresistible pecan topping is one that never goes out of style. Try it today, and watch it become a favorite in your household too!

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