Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

There's nothing quite like the smell of a warm sweet potato casserole baking in the oven, especially when it's Paula Deen's classic version. The sweet aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramelized pecans fills the kitchen, making it a comforting treat that feels like a big, warm hug.

this Recipe

This casserole has become a staple at our family gatherings, especially during the holidays. My first time making it was years ago, and I was instantly hooked by the combination of velvety sweet potatoes and a crunchy, buttery topping that balances the sweetness perfectly. It’s so loved, we’ve even made it for brunch just to enjoy it more often.

Why You'll Love This Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

Get ready to add a new favorite dish to your holiday table! Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole isn't just a classic for good reason – it’s an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that’s hard to beat.

First off, this casserole strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The creamy, smooth sweet potatoes are elevated by a touch of brown sugar and warm spices, while the topping adds a satisfying crunch from chopped pecans and buttery goodness. It's a dish that pleases everyone from kids to grandparents.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly simple to make. With minimal prep time and a straightforward process, you can whip this up even if you’re juggling multiple holiday dishes. The recipe comes together in about an hour, making it perfect for when you need an easy yet crowd-pleasing side.

This dish is also very versatile. You can easily adjust the sweetness or use different nuts depending on your preference. It's one of those recipes you can personalize to your taste without sacrificing the deliciousness that makes it a hit year after year.

Lastly, you’ll love how beautifully this casserole reheats. It’s great for making ahead, so you can focus on spending time with your guests instead of being tied to the kitchen. A true time-saver that still delivers mouthwatering flavor.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this sweet potato casserole comes from a simple, well-chosen lineup of ingredients. Each component contributes to a perfect balance of flavors, making this dish unforgettable.

The sweet potatoes are the star, of course. Make sure to choose large, firm sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. Roasting or boiling them before mashing helps to bring out their natural sweetness. If you're in a time crunch, canned sweet potatoes can work, but fresh is always best.

Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that complements the natural sugars in the sweet potatoes. Combined with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, this casserole is bursting with warm, holiday-friendly flavors. If you prefer a slightly less sweet version, you can adjust the amount to your taste.

The eggs act as a binder, giving the casserole a light, fluffy texture. Be sure to let the mashed sweet potatoes cool slightly before adding the eggs to avoid scrambling them. This step ensures a smooth, cohesive dish.

Now, let's talk about that topping: a delicious blend of chopped pecans, flour, butter, and brown sugar. The pecans add a wonderful crunch, while the butter creates a golden, caramelized crust. You can swap pecans for walnuts if desired or even mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

Lastly, if you have a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, these tools will help ensure the sweet potatoes are perfectly smooth. No one wants lumps in their casserole, so take a little extra time to make sure everything is well combined.

How To Make This Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

Creating this rich and decadent sweet potato casserole is easier than you think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it’s heating, peel and chop your sweet potatoes into even chunks. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and let them cool slightly.

Next, mash your sweet potatoes until smooth. You can use a potato masher, but for the silkiest texture, a hand mixer works wonders. Add in the brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure they’re fully incorporated. This ensures the casserole will bake up light and fluffy.

Transfer the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, smoothing out the top. Now, it’s time to make the irresistible topping. In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle it evenly over the sweet potatoes, covering the entire surface.

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling slightly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the topping to set. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

From start to finish, this dish will take about an hour. The end result is a beautifully golden, fragrant casserole that’ll be the highlight of your holiday spread.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they store beautifully! You can keep the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container to maintain freshness.

For longer storage, the casserole can also be frozen. Just let it cool completely before wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F until warmed through.

Reheating is a breeze. Simply pop the casserole in the oven at 300°F for about 20 minutes, or until it’s heated evenly. If you’re reheating a single portion, the microwave will do the trick, but the oven keeps the topping crispy.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.

For a healthier twist, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the sweet potato filling and the topping. Maple syrup or honey can be used as natural sweeteners, giving the dish a subtle, caramel-like flavor.

Prefer a nut-free version? No problem! Swap out the pecans for sunflower seeds or skip the topping altogether and finish it with a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. It will still be absolutely delicious.

You can also add a layer of mini marshmallows if you like a sweeter, more decadent topping. Just scatter them over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, golden finish.

If you love a hint of spice, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the sweet potato mixture. It pairs beautifully with the sweetness and adds a subtle warmth that surprises your taste buds.

Feel free to experiment with the flavor profile! This casserole is forgiving and easily customizable to your preferences. No matter how you make it, you’re in for a treat.

Print