Why Make This Recipe
Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful dish that brightens up any table. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or even just a comforting meal at home. With its sweet and creamy flavor, topped with crunchy pecans, it’s sure to please everyone. This casserole combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a buttery crust, making it a favorite among both kids and adults.
How to Make Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3–4 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Boil or bake the sweet potatoes until they are soft. Once cooked, peel them and mash until smooth.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until everything is combined.
- Spread in Dish: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Make Topping: In another bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans. Stir until well combined to create a crumbly topping.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the sweet potato filling.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
- Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole
Serve the casserole warm as a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like roasted ham, turkey, or chicken. You can also enjoy it as a standalone dish, perhaps with a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
How to Store Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for a longer time, consider freezing it. After it cools, place it in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Tips to Make Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor.
- Make sure the sweet potatoes are cooled before mixing with other ingredients to prevent curdling the eggs.
- For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture for added warmth.
Variation
For a healthier option, substitute the granulated sugar with maple syrup or honey. You can also replace the pecans with walnuts or omit them altogether if you have nut allergies.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it on the day you plan to serve it.
2. Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Just make sure to drain them well and mash them before mixing with the other ingredients.
3. How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is done when the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil or bake the sweet potatoes until they are soft. Once cooked, peel them and mash until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until everything is combined.
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- In another bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans. Stir until well combined to create a crumbly topping.
- Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the sweet potato filling.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.