🍠 Easy Made Sweet Potato Casserole by Paula Deen

This sweet potato casserole is a classic Southern side dish made famous by Paula Deen. Sweet, creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel — it’s the perfect addition to holiday dinners, family gatherings, or any time you crave comfort food.

💖 Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Casserole

• Smooth, sweet, and buttery sweet potato base
• Crunchy pecan topping adds texture and flavor
• Classic Southern recipe with rich, indulgent taste
• Perfect for holidays or special dinners

🥄 Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Base:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4–5 medium sweet potatoes)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Pecan Topping:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

🧁 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
4. In a separate bowl, combine pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter to make the topping. Sprinkle evenly over the sweet potatoes.
5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
6. Let cool slightly before serving.

💡 Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole

• Use cooked, mashed sweet potatoes (boiled or roasted) for a smooth texture.
• Toast pecans lightly before adding to the topping for extra flavor.
• This dish can be made a day ahead; cover and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
• Adjust sweetness to taste by reducing or increasing sugar in the sweet potato mixture.

🍠 Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe Card

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes about 4 large sweet potatoes
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter melted
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

For the Pecan Topping:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Method

 

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook Sweet Potatoes: Peel and boil or bake sweet potatoes until soft. Mash them until smooth.

Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Make Pecan Topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Mix until crumbly.

Top Casserole: Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer.

Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 35–45 minutes, or until topping is golden and filling is set.

Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For extra richness, stir in 2–3 tbsp of cream or half-and-half into the sweet potato filling.

You can toast pecans lightly before mixing for a deeper nutty flavor.

This casserole can be prepared a day ahead; cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

For a sweeter, more decadent version, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the top before baking.

❓ FAQ

🍠 A Classic Southern Comfort

Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole is creamy, sweet, and topped with a crunchy pecan layer — a comforting side dish that’s perfect for holidays or anytime you want a touch of Southern indulgence.