Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Creamy mashed sweet potatoes spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg go into Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole beneath a crumbly brown sugar and pecan topping. It bakes at 325°F for about 30 minutes and makes 6 to 8 servings.

The recipe is Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Bake from her official site. She uses a brown sugar, flour, and nut streusel instead of marshmallows. That choice is what gives the dish its crunchy top layer rather than the soft, toasted marshmallow finish most people expect.

The topping mixes with a fork, not a hand mixer or whisk. A fork keeps the butter, brown sugar, flour, and nuts in coarse crumbs rather than blending them into a smooth paste. That crumbly texture is what caramelizes into a crisp crust during baking rather than melting flat.

Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Author: Sandra Cooking Method:Baked Cuisine:American Courses:Side Dishes

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 30 minutesCook time: 30 minutesRest time: minutesTotal time:1 hour Cooking Temp:100 CServings:8 servingsEstimated Cost:25 $Calories:420 kcal Best Season:Available

Description

At 325°F rather than the more common 350°F, the filling sets gently without the edges pulling away before the center is ready. One casserole dish, ten ingredients, serves 6 to 8.

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Filling

• 3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup sugar
• ⅓ cup butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ cup heavy cream, half and half, or whole milk

Streusel Topping

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 1½-quart casserole dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Beat with a handheld electric mixer until smooth.
3. Add the cream and mix well.
4. Pour the filling into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the topping ingredients together with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Do not overmix.
6. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the filling.
7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set.

Keywords:Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

FAQs

Why does this use a streusel topping instead of marshmallows?

Paula Deen’s official recipe uses a pecan streusel rather than marshmallows, which gives the top a caramelized, crunchy finish. It goes on before baking, so there is no second trip to the oven to melt a topping. Marshmallows work as a swap for those who prefer them but produce a softer, sweeter result without the crunch.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the filling in the casserole dish up to a day ahead and refrigerate covered without the topping. Add the streusel just before baking so it goes on dry and crumbles evenly rather than absorbing moisture overnight. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes since the dish is coming from cold.

How do I cook the sweet potatoes for this?

Three cups mashed is about 2 large or 3 medium sweet potatoes. Bake them whole at 400°F for 45 to 60 minutes until fully soft, then scoop and mash before mixing. Boiling works as an alternative, but baking concentrates the sweetness rather than diluting it in water.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes work as a shortcut when you need to cut prep time. Drain them thoroughly and mash well before mixing, since extra liquid from the can will make the filling looser than intended. Use about 3 cups of drained, mashed canned sweet potato in place of the fresh baked amount.

What pairs well with this on a holiday table?

Sweet potato casserole pairs best with something savory and vegetable-forward to balance the sweetness at the table. Paula Deen’s green bean casserole sits naturally next to this dish since the cream of mushroom base contrasts the spiced sweet potatoes. Together they cover both ends of a holiday side spread.

Is there another Paula Deen sweet casserole worth making?

For a sweet side that goes in a completely different direction, Paula Deen’s pineapple casserole uses crushed pineapple and cheddar cheese for a sweet and savory combination with no overlap with this dish. It bakes faster and works as either a side or a light dessert. The two sit well together on the same table without repeating flavors.