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
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
Instructions
- Thoroughly mash sweet potatoes until completely smooth, eliminating any lumps for a silky texture.
- 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.
- Utilize an electric mixer to whip the sweet potato mixture until perfectly uniform and creamy, ensuring no streaks of ingredients remain visible.
- Gently fold in heavy whipping cream (120 milliliters), incorporating it delicately to maintain the mixture’s light consistency.
- 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.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture into the prepared dish, smoothing the surface with a silicone spatula to create an even layer.
- 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.
- Use a fork to blend the topping ingredients, creating a loose, crumbly texture that will provide a delightful crunchy contrast.
- Evenly distribute the nutty crumble topping across the entire surface of the sweet potato base, ensuring complete coverage.
- 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