Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole (Southern Classic Comfort)

There’s something undeniably heartwarming about Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole. This dish is a star at any gathering, with its creamy, velvety texture and the delightful crunch of pecans on top. Perfect for those chilly fall evenings or holiday feasts, it brings a comforting sweetness that just screams “home.” If you’re looking for a soul-soothing recipe that’s sure to impress, look no further than this classic!

What is Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole?

Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful twist on traditional Thanksgiving sides. Originating from Southern kitchens and made famous by celebrity chef Paula Deen, this dish combines mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, spices, and eggs, creating a rich, custard-like filling. Topped with a buttery pecan streusel, each bite provides a burst of flavor that feels both familiar and extraordinary. It’s surprising just how simple ingredients can come together to create such a heavenly experience!

Why You’ll Love This

This sweet potato casserole is not just a crowd-pleaser; it’s incredibly easy to make! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a dish that looks and tastes like a million bucks. It’s affordable too, making it the perfect addition to your family meals without breaking the bank.

In under an hour, you can transform a few sweet potatoes into a festive centerpiece for your table. Trust me, once you taste Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your holiday celebrations—or even as a cozy weeknight treat!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Making this casserole is a breeze! You’ll need some basic kitchen tools, and with a total cooking time of around 30 minutes, it’s a quick dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

To get started, gather the following ingredients:
. 3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
. 1 cup white sugar
. 1/3 cup butter, melted
. 2 eggs
. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
. 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
. 1/4 cup whole milk or half and half, or heavy cream
. 3 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)
. 1 cup brown sugar
. 1/3 cup flour
. 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, white sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in the whole milk until everything blends smoothly; aim for a creamy, pumpkin pie filling-like texture.
3. In another small mixing bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and the chopped pecans or walnuts to create the topping.
4. Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×9 casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer, ensuring an even distribution.
6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the custard sets in the middle.

What to Serve with Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

This sweet potato casserole pairs beautifully with various dishes, enhancing your meal’s overall experience. Consider serving it alongside classic roasted turkey, a fresh green salad, or even a savory baked ham. For a cozy twist, how about some creamy coleslaw or cornbread? Each bite of Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole balances the savory elements of your meal, making it a delightful addition to any gathering.

Top Tips for Perfecting Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Use fresh sweet potatoes: While canned sweet potatoes can work, fresh ones provide a deeper flavor and better texture.
2. Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, reduce the sugar slightly.
3. Experiment with toppings: Swap pecans for walnuts if you prefer, or add mini marshmallows on top for a sweet treat!
4. Don’t rush the baking: Ensure the casserole is fully set in the middle before removing it from the oven to achieve the perfect texture.
5. Make ahead: You can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance, storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
6. Rest before serving: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking. It helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier!
7. Add a pinch of salt: Just a tiny bit of salt can enhance the sweetness of the dish and balance the flavors perfectly.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Have leftovers from your delicious feast? No problem! Store Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge, where it’ll last for about 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 15–20 minutes or until heated through. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Sweet Potato Casserole

A heartwarming twist on traditional Thanksgiving sides, Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole combines creamy sweet potatoes with a buttery pecan topping, creating a delightful and comforting dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the sweet potato filling

• 3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes Use fresh sweet potatoes for better flavor and texture.
• 1 cup white sugar Adjust sweetness to preference.
• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 2 ea eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup whole milk or half and half or heavy cream

For the topping

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted For topping mixture.
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup flour Substitute with gluten-free flour if necessary.
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts Can substitute pecans with walnuts.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, white sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in the whole milk until everything blends smoothly.

Topping

1. In another small mixing bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and the chopped pecans or walnuts to create the topping.

Baking

1. Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×9 casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
2. Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the sweet potato layer.
3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the custard sets in the middle.

Notes

Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking for easier serving. Store leftovers in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

FAQs

In conclusion, you’ll want to make Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole a staple in your meal repertoire. This dish is not just delicious; it’s filled with love and comfort, perfect for gatherings with friends and family. I encourage you to give it a try soon—your taste buds will thank you! So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor this delightful recipe that will surely become a family favorite. 🍠

More Resources

• Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
• Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
• Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole (Rich, Creamy & Comforting)
• Sweet Potato – Wikipedia
• Paula Deen – Official Website
• Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes – Harvard Health
• Healthy Comfort Food Recipes – Cleveland Clinic