There's nothing quite like the classic comfort of Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole during the holiday season. With its creamy sweet potato base and buttery, crunchy pecan topping, this dish is like dessert disguised as a side! As someone who loves a hearty Southern-style meal, this casserole has been a staple at my family gatherings for years, and it never fails to impress.

If you’re looking for a memorable addition to your holiday table, Paula Deen’s sweet potato casserole combines the perfect blend of sweet, buttery, and nutty flavors that make it an instant favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

Prepare yourself for a comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole is everything you want in a holiday side dish.

It’s Easy to Make: Despite its rich flavor, this casserole is straightforward to put together, with easy-to-follow steps and no complicated ingredients. Perfect for holiday cooking when you already have a full menu to prepare.

That Signature Pecan Topping: Unlike a typical sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, Paula’s version uses a pecan and brown sugar crumble topping that creates a deliciously buttery, nutty crunch. It adds texture and a caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sweet potatoes.

Decadently Sweet and Buttery: Paula Deen is known for her love of butter, and this recipe doesn’t hold back! With the addition of butter and brown sugar, it’s just sweet enough to make you feel like you’re indulging without it being overly sugary.

A Crowd-Pleasing Classic: This casserole has the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it loved by adults and kids alike. It’s become a holiday favorite for many because it complements both savory and sweet dishes on the table.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to bring out the dish’s signature flavors.

Sweet Potatoes: Choose fresh, medium-sized sweet potatoes with smooth skin. They’re naturally sweet and creamy, which makes them ideal for this dish. You’ll need about 4-5 large sweet potatoes to get the perfect amount.

Sugar and Butter: For the sweet potato base, Paula uses a mix of white sugar and butter, creating a velvety, rich consistency. The sugar adds a gentle sweetness, while the butter enhances the creamy texture.

Eggs: Adding eggs gives the casserole a slightly fluffy texture and helps it hold together when baked. Be sure to whisk them in well to ensure a smooth consistency.

Milk: A splash of milk adds a touch of creaminess without making the casserole too heavy. You can use whole milk, but half-and-half or even evaporated milk can make it extra rich.

Vanilla and Spices: Vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon give a warm, aromatic flavor that brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

Pecan Topping: This topping is made with chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. It creates a crumbly, caramelized texture on top, giving the casserole its signature crunch and nutty flavor. Make sure your pecans are fresh for the best results!

How to Make Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole

Making Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole is simple, but the results are spectacular. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get it just right.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to keep the casserole from sticking. This will make for easy serving and clean-up later on.

Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into chunks, then place them in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until they’re fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the sweet potatoes and let them cool slightly before mashing.

Step 3: Make the Sweet Potato Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Add 1 cup of sugar, ½ cup of melted butter, 2 large eggs, ½ cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Topping
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of chopped pecans, 1 cup of brown sugar, ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour, and ⅓ cup of melted butter. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly combined. Sprinkle this mixture over the sweet potato layer in the baking dish, covering the entire surface with the crumbly topping.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving – this gives the casserole time to set and makes it easier to scoop out.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole stores well and can easily be enjoyed the next day.

In the Refrigerator: Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.

In the Freezer: For longer storage, freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Once completely cooled, cover it with a layer of plastic wrap followed by foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To Reheat: To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. Uncover for the last few minutes to help the pecan topping get crispy again.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the great things about this Sweet Potato Casserole is its versatility. Here are some ways to adapt the recipe to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, replace the milk with almond or coconut milk, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) in place of the eggs.

Add a Marshmallow Layer: For a fun twist, add a layer of mini marshmallows on top of the pecan topping. They’ll puff up and turn golden, adding a gooey, sweet touch to the casserole.

Try a Crunchy Cereal Topping: Mix crushed cornflakes or gluten-free cereal with the pecans for an extra-crispy topping. It’s a fun variation that adds extra crunch with each bite.

Add More Spices: If you’re a fan of warm spices, add a touch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the sweet potato mixture. These spices pair wonderfully with cinnamon, creating a cozy holiday flavor profile.

Lower the Sugar: For a slightly less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar in the sweet potato mixture to ¾ cup. You’ll still have a deliciously sweet dish with a hint of natural sweetness from the potatoes.

Whether you’re sticking to the original recipe or adding your own twist, Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole is sure to be a hit at your next family gathering. With its creamy filling and irresistible pecan topping, it’s bound to be a recipe you’ll come back to year after year. Enjoy!