Easy Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe: Holiday Magic

Paula Deen’s sweet potato casserole represents comfort food at its finest, transforming humble root vegetables into a luxurious culinary experience.

Creamy, rich, and impossibly smooth, this classic Southern dish melts in your mouth with layers of complex flavors.

Warm spices dance through the velvety mixture, creating a sensory journey that whispers of home-cooked memories.

Soft sweet potatoes provide a golden canvas for delectable seasonings and a crunchy topping that adds delightful textural contrast.

Generations of families have gathered around tables, eagerly anticipating this beloved side dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Hearty and indulgent, the casserole represents more than just food – it symbolizes tradition, love, and shared moments.

Bakers of all skill levels can confidently prepare this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary: get ready to impress.

Why Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole Will Steal the Show

• Elevate Classic Comfort: Transform humble sweet potatoes into a decadent, crowd-pleasing dish that turns an ordinary side into a showstopping masterpiece with minimal effort.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy a dreamy contrast between the silky-smooth, creamy sweet potato base and the crunchy, caramelized nut topping that adds irresistible textural complexity.
• Quick Festive Magic: Whip up this delightful casserole in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or spontaneous comfort food cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: Classic orange root vegetable with rich, creamy texture that forms the base of the casserole.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the sweet potato mixture.
• Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and helps set the casserole.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Vanilla: Enhances overall sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.

• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements sweet potatoes with comforting, classic flavor.
• Nutmeg: Subtle, earthy spice that adds depth to the sweet potato mixture.

• Brown Sugar, Flour: Creates a crumbly, sweet topping with classic caramelized texture.
• Chopped Nuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor to the casserole topping.

• Cream: Enriches the sweet potato mixture, making it extra smooth and luxurious.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Generously grease a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Sweet Potato Filling

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Granulated sugar
• Melted butter
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in heavy cream and mix until well incorporated.

Step 3: Transfer Mixture to Dish

Carefully pour the silky sweet potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly, creating a smooth surface.

Step 4: Craft the Crunchy Topping

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

Use a fork to combine ingredients until they form a crumbly, texture-rich topping.

Step 5: Finish and Bake

Sprinkle the nutty topping generously and evenly over the sweet potato base. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The topping should turn golden brown, and the casserole should be thoroughly heated.

Serve warm and enjoy this classic Southern comfort dish that brings warmth and sweetness to any meal!

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

• Customize Sweetness: Adjust sugar levels to match your taste preferences, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
• Enhance Topping Crunch: Lightly toast pecans beforehand to amplify their nutty flavor and create a more satisfying texture.
• Achieve Silky Smoothness: Whip sweet potatoes thoroughly to eliminate any unwanted lumps, creating a velvety consistency.
• Select Premium Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality sweet potatoes instead of canned for superior taste and texture.
• Maximize Serving Enjoyment: Serve the casserole piping hot straight from the oven to experience its most delectable moment.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

• Refrigeration Preservation: Seal the casserole in a leak-proof glass container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption. Consume within three days for optimal taste and texture.
• Freezer Storage Strategy: Wrap the casserole tightly in multiple layers of aluminum foil and a freezer-safe container to protect against freezer burn. Label with the date and contents. Freeze for up to two months, ensuring the topping remains crisp and the sweet potato base retains its creamy consistency.
• Reheating Revival: Restore the casserole's original warmth and texture by placing it in a preheated oven at 325°F. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and preserve moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing the foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp up the pecan topping.

Creative Variations on Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

• Marshmallow Cloud Topper: Replace the nut-based topping with a layer of fluffy marshmallows, creating a sweet and gooey alternative that kids will love. Sprinkle the marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden, melty finish.
• Bourbon Pecan Revolution: Enhance the original recipe by adding a splash of bourbon to the sweet potato mixture and using bourbon-glazed pecans in the topping. This sophisticated version brings a rich, complex flavor profile to the classic casserole.
• Tropical Sweet Potato Remix: Incorporate shredded coconut and a hint of orange zest into the sweet potato mixture. Top with macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian-inspired twist that transforms the traditional Southern side dish into an exotic experience.
• Maple Bacon Breakthrough: Crumble crispy bacon over the topping and drizzle with pure maple syrup before baking. The combination of sweet, salty, and smoky elements creates an unexpected and irresistible flavor combination that elevates the classic casserole.

Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole: A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

Comfort meets luxury in this Paula Deen sweet potato casserole, a Southern classic that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

Warm spices and creamy textures dance together, creating a memorable side dish for family gatherings.

Rich butter and brown sugar caramelize into a crisp, nutty topping that perfectly complements the silky sweet potato base.

Nostalgic flavors whisper stories of traditional holiday meals passed down through generations.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of sweetness and warmth that connects generations around one shared table.

When culinary magic calls, share this recipe, comment with your memories, and spread deliciousness that speaks directly to hungry hearts.

Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Paula Deen’s sweet potato casserole delivers Southern comfort in a delightful dish. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes crowned with a crunchy pecan topping create a harmonious blend of textures that brings warmth to any holiday table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (720 ml) cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 1 cup (100 g) brown sugar

Dairy and Fats:

• ⅓ cup (76 g) melted butter
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) melted butter
• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream, half and half, or whole milk

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅓ cup (40 g) flour
• 1 cup (100 g) chopped pecans or walnuts

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly mash sweet potatoes until completely smooth, eliminating any lumps for a silky texture.
2. Combine mashed sweet potatoes with granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter (113 grams), large eggs, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Utilize an electric mixer to whip the sweet potato mixture until perfectly uniform and creamy, ensuring no streaks of ingredients remain visible.
4. Gently fold in heavy whipping cream (120 milliliters), incorporating it delicately to maintain the mixture’s light consistency.
5. Preheat the oven to 162 degrees Celsius (325°F) and generously grease a 1.4-liter (1 1/2-quart) ceramic casserole dish with additional butter.
6. Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the prepared dish, smoothing the surface with a silicone spatula to create an even layer.
7. Prepare the crumble topping by combining melted unsalted butter (28 grams), dark brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and finely chopped pecans or walnuts in a separate mixing bowl.
8. Use a fork to blend the topping ingredients, creating a loose, crumbly texture that will provide a delightful crunchy contrast.
9. Evenly distribute the nutty crumble topping across the entire surface of the sweet potato base, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and slight bubbling around the edges.

Notes

• Opt for vibrant, deep-colored sweet potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin for maximum flavor and nutrition.
• Peel and chop potatoes evenly to ensure consistent cooking and smooth texture throughout the dish.
• Experiment with alternative spices like cardamom or star anise to create a unique flavor profile.
• Whip ingredients gently to maintain a light, fluffy consistency without overworking the mixture.
• Consider using coconut sugar or maple syrup as healthier alternatives to traditional white sugar.
• Allow casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help set and enhance flavor melding.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven to preserve the crispy topping and prevent moisture loss.
• Transform this side dish into a make-ahead recipe by preparing components a day before serving.
• Customize topping with pecans, almonds, or a combination for added crunch and nutty depth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 38g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 95mg