Name: Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole - Easy Holiday Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 to 4 medium sweet potatoes); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup milk; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup melted butter; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1/3 cup melted butter

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Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

The Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole is a true Southern classic that brings warmth, comfort, and nostalgia to any table. It is rich, buttery, and perfectly sweet, with a silky smooth sweet potato base and a golden brown pecan topping that adds the right amount of crunch. This dish captures everything people love about home-cooked Southern food simple ingredients, balanced flavors, and pure comfort.

More Casserole Recipes

The texture is the star of the show. The base is made from tender baked sweet potatoes whipped with butter, sugar, milk, and eggs, creating a velvety, custard-like layer that melts in your mouth. On top, a crumble of brown sugar, butter, and chopped pecans bakes into a crisp caramelized crust that tastes almost like dessert. When the spoon cuts through both layers, you get creamy and crunchy in one perfect bite.

What makes this Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole special is how versatile and forgiving it is. It can be served as a side dish with roast turkey or ham during the holidays, or as a main breakfast item alongside an egg and cheese casserole or even a slice of sweet French toast. It can fit in any menu, from festive family dinners to simple comfort meals at home. Paula Deen’s version highlights the magic of Southern cooking by taking humble ingredients and turning them into something truly memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will love this Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole for several reasons that go beyond just the taste. As a chef, I appreciate how this dish balances flavor, texture, and ease of preparation.

First, it is incredibly simple to make. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find. You can make this dish without needing advanced cooking skills. It is a perfect introduction to Southern-style casseroles for beginners.

Second, the flavor profile is balanced and comforting. Sweet potatoes have a natural earthy sweetness that blends beautifully with brown sugar and butter. The touch of vanilla adds warmth while the pecans introduce a nutty depth. Each component complements the other, creating a harmonious flavor that feels complete and satisfying.

Third, it is a crowd favorite at any gathering. Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner, a Sunday brunch, or a family reunion, this casserole always earns compliments. It looks beautiful when baked, smells inviting, and delivers consistent results every time.

Lastly, this dish offers flexibility. You can prepare it a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it fresh before serving. You can also easily adjust the level of sweetness or crunch according to personal taste, making it suitable for everyone at the table.

Preparation and Cooking Time, also Serving

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8 to 10 portions

This casserole serves about 8 to 10 people depending on portion size. It is perfect for holiday tables or family-style meals.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Base:

3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 to 4 medium sweet potatoes)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup melted butter

For the Topping:

1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup melted butter

Substitution Notes

You can use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of regular milk for a richer taste.
For a nut-free version, replace pecans with crushed cornflakes or oats for texture.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the base by 1/4 cup without affecting consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by washing and scrubbing the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Pierce them several times with a fork. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45 to 55 minutes or until very soft when pierced. Alternatively, you can boil them in water until tender. Once done, allow them to cool slightly, peel, and mash until completely smooth. For a perfectly creamy texture, use a potato masher or a hand mixer to remove all lumps.

Step 2: Make the Sweet Potato Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, milk, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Mix well until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth, thick, and creamy. Taste at this stage to check sweetness and adjust if needed. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Topping

In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Stir with a fork until the mixture resembles a coarse crumble. Make sure all the pecans are coated evenly. This topping will bake into a crunchy, caramel-like crust.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato base. Spread it gently with your hands or a spoon so that every part of the surface is covered. Avoid pressing it down too firmly, as you want the topping to stay crumbly and crisp.

Step 5: Bake

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the filling is set. The edges will slightly puff, and the topping will have a caramelized texture.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the casserole to firm up slightly and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve

The Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole is best served warm. You can scoop it directly from the baking dish or slice it into neat squares for a cleaner presentation. Sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans on top for visual appeal and texture.

For a balanced holiday meal, pair it with roasted turkey, honey-baked ham, or chicken. It also works wonderfully with savory breakfast dishes like an egg and cheese casserole or a platter of sweet French toast for a cozy brunch. A small drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream can transform it into a dessert-style treat.

To elevate presentation for a dinner table, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes. Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg for aroma and a festive look.

Additional Tips

For ultra-smooth texture, blend the sweet potato mixture using a hand blender before baking.
Always use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned puree for better flavor and natural sweetness.
Toast pecans lightly before adding them to the topping to enhance their nuttiness.
If making ahead, assemble the casserole completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
To prevent overbaking, check the casserole at the 30-minute mark. The top should be golden and slightly bubbling.
Allow the casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving for the best consistency.

Recipe Variations

Mini Sweet Potato Cups: Make the casserole mixture and spoon it into muffin tins with topping for individual servings. Perfect for parties or brunch buffets.
Marshmallow Topping: Replace the pecan crumble with a layer of mini marshmallows. Bake until puffed and lightly browned for a dessert-like twist.
Coconut Sweet Potato Casserole: Add shredded coconut to the topping mixture for a tropical flavor and a chewy texture contrast.
Savory Twist: Reduce sugar by half and add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a little cheese to make it more suitable for savory meals.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute flour in the topping with almond flour or oat flour to make it gluten-free.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
Freezing Unbaked: Assemble the casserole but do not bake. Wrap tightly in two layers of plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed.
Freezing Baked: You can also freeze leftovers. Cut into portions, wrap individually, and freeze. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warm.

Nutritional Information Approximate values per serving

Calories: 420
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Sugar: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 160mg

These values may vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Final Words

The Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole is a celebration of Southern comfort and simple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Its creamy, buttery base and caramelized pecan topping make every bite rich and satisfying. Whether served during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or an ordinary family dinner, this dish always brings people to the table with smiles.

Cooking this casserole at home allows you to adjust sweetness, texture, and toppings to your liking. It’s a recipe that welcomes creativity and rewards effort with consistent, delicious results. Once you try this Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole, it is bound to become a family tradition a dish that embodies warmth, love, and the joy of homemade food.

FAQ’s

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes or yams. Make sure to drain and mash them well before using. Fresh sweet potatoes, however, provide a better texture and natural sweetness.

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole a day before baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best results.

You can replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even crushed graham crackers for a nut-free crunch.

Yes, substitute the butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine and use plant-based milk instead of regular milk.

Reheat uncovered in the oven to help the topping stay crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the topping.

Definitely. Its sweet, creamy flavor makes it a great dessert when paired with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

It pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, ham, or any savory main dish. It also complements other holiday casseroles and easy breakfast casserole recipes.