If you are searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that sparkles with classic Southern charm, look no further than the Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. This delightful casserole combines velvety mashed sweet potatoes with warm spices and a buttery, crunchy pecan topping, making it an unforgettable addition to any meal. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, this recipe brings warmth, sweetness, and texture in every spoonful, bringing smiles all around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, easily accessible ingredients, each chosen to create the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. From the natural creaminess of the sweet potatoes to the rich crunch of the pecan topping, every component adds an essential layer to this dish.
- 3 large sweet potatoes (peeled, chopped): The star ingredient, providing a naturally sweet and smooth base.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: Adds rich sweetness with a touch of molasses flavor for depth.
- â…“ cup melted unsalted butter: Brings creaminess and binds the filling beautifully.
- 2 eggs: Help set the filling firmly while keeping it tender.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness with its warm, fragrant aroma.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Offers a cozy, spicy note that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty warmth to the mixture.
- ¼ cup cream: For luscious creaminess that keeps the casserole moist.
- 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (for topping): Ensures the topping bakes up golden and crisp.
- 1 cup light brown sugar (for topping): Sweetens the crunchy topping with rich flavor.
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour: Binds the topping ingredients and gives structure.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Delivers a crunchy, buttery contrast to the smooth casserole.
How to Make Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Start by boiling the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes until they are tender, about 20 minutes. Once cooked, drain the water and mash them until perfectly smooth. This step sets the creamy foundation for your casserole, so take your time to get the texture just right. Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly before moving on to preserve the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
While the potatoes cool, preheat your oven to 325°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Greasing the pan ensures the casserole won’t stick and makes serving easier later on. This prep step helps everything bake evenly and guarantees a perfectly cooked dish.
Step 3: Mix the Filling Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed sweet potatoes with light brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cream. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, luscious filling that carries all the warm, sweet flavors that define this recipe.
Step 4: Transfer Filling to Baking Dish
Pour the sweet potato mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. This even layer will help ensure consistent cooking and presentation. Your filling is now ready to be topped with that irresistible pecan crust.
Step 5: Make and Apply the Topping
Mix the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, salt, and chopped pecans in a separate bowl until well combined. Sprinkle this nutty topping evenly over the sweet potato filling. This crunchy layer is what makes the Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe so special and keeps everyone coming back for more.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. The filling will set while the topping turns a beautiful golden brown, creating a crisp, caramelized finish that complements the creamy potatoes underneath perfectly.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once baked, serve the casserole warm so the flavors and textures shine their brightest. This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, with each bite offering a cozy warmth and satisfying crunch.
How to Serve Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, sprinkle some extra chopped pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon on top right before serving. A few fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or thyme can add a subtle earthiness and a pop of color if you want to get creative without overpowering the classic flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside traditional Southern mains such as roasted turkey, glazed ham, or fried chicken. Pair it with simple green beans, sautéed collards, or a crisp salad for balance. The rich sweet potato casserole adds warmth and sweetness that perfectly complements savory and salty dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also prepare mini versions for appetizers or add a dollop of whipped cream cheese frosting to create a dessert-inspired twist. Whichever way you choose, the Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe adapts beautifully to any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it great for quick weekday meals or snacks. Just be sure to cover it well to maintain moisture and prevent the topping from going soggy.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, this casserole freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results, preserving all that delicious texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, which helps keep the topping crisp. Microwaving works too for convenience but may soften the topping slightly. For the best experience, a gentle reheating in the oven is always worth it.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh sweet potatoes are preferred for the best texture and flavor, canned sweet potatoes can be a handy substitute in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well and mash thoroughly before using to avoid excess liquid in your casserole.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can swap the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or another non-dairy cream substitute. The sweet potato’s natural moisture helps keep the casserole creamy, so these swaps work nicely without compromising flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole a day ahead?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the day before and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving. This is a great time-saver, especially for busy holiday meals or gatherings where you want to minimize last-minute prep.
How can I make the topping extra crunchy?
To boost the crunch, toast the chopped pecans lightly in a dry skillet before mixing them into the topping. This brings out their natural oils and adds a deeper nutty flavor, creating an even more irresistible crust.
What can I serve this casserole with for a full holiday meal?
This casserole pairs exceptionally well with classic holiday mains like roast turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib. Add sides like green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and homemade rolls to create a memorable, well-rounded feast.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring a little Southern hospitality and a lot of deliciousness to your table, the Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is the perfect choice. Its rich flavors, creamy texture, and crunchy topping make it a beloved staple that will undoubtedly become a favorite in your home too. Dive in and enjoy every soulful bite!
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Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting Southern classic featuring smooth mashed sweet potatoes enriched with warm spices and vanilla, topped with a buttery, crunchy pecan streusel. This delightful dish is baked to golden perfection, making it a perfect side for holiday feasts or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Filling
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- â…“ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup cream
Topping
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Boil the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes in water for about 20 minutes until tender. Drain the water and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Allow to cool before proceeding.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325℉ (163℃) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cream. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and uniform mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the sweet potato filling into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Make Topping: In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, and chopped pecans until well combined and crumbly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer in the casserole dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, until the filling is set and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown color.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the casserole warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For an extra creamy texture, you can substitute heavy cream for the cream used in the filling.
- Allow the mashed sweet potatoes to cool before mixing with eggs to prevent scrambling.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time; assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
- Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and texture in the topping.
- If you prefer a less sweet dish, adjust the brown sugar quantities according to taste.
