Copycat Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

Introduction

Few holiday dishes are as comforting and deeply loved as a rich, buttery Sweet Potato Casserole, and when it comes to Southern cooking, Paula Deen is one of the most iconic names. Her sweet potato casserole has become a signature holiday recipe — creamy, velvety smooth, lightly sweetened, and topped with an unforgettable crunchy pecan streusel.

This Copycat Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole gives you all the warmth, richness, and homestyle charm of the original dish without ever stepping foot in a restaurant or flipping through cookbooks. It captures everything that makes the recipe famous: the sweet potatoes whipped until silky, the hint of vanilla for warmth, the buttery crumble topping that melts into the casserole, and the toasted pecans that bring golden crunch to every bite.

Not only is this casserole delicious, but it also looks beautiful on the table. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly at Thanksgiving gatherings, Christmas dinners, potlucks, and Sunday meals. The aroma alone — warm cinnamon, melted butter, toasted pecans, and roasted sweet potatoes — fills the kitchen with memories of holidays, family, and tradition.

Whether you’re recreating a family favorite, preparing a show-stopping side for your holiday menu, or simply craving comforting Southern food, this copycat version is easy to make, decadent, and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Filling:

• 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4–5 medium sweet potatoes)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup evaporated milk (or whole milk)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• Pinch of salt

For Paula Deen’s Famous Pecan Topping:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• Pinch of salt

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into chunks. Place them in a large pot of water, bring to a boil, and cook for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well, then mash until perfectly smooth.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, softened butter, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until creamy and smooth. You can use a hand mixer for a silky texture.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a deep casserole dish. Smooth the top evenly with a spatula.

Step 4: Make the Crunchy Pecan Topping

In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, melted butter, pecans, and a pinch of salt. Stir until crumbly and evenly coated. This classic Paula Deen topping gives the casserole its signature crunch and sweetness.

Step 5: Add Topping to Casserole

Sprinkle the pecan crumble evenly over the sweet potato filling, covering the top completely.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 30–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp and the filling is heated through. Let cool slightly before serving.

Variation

• Marshmallow-Pecan Combo: Add marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes for a more indulgent, bakery-style finish.
• Maple Sweet Potato Casserole: Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the filling for deeper flavor.
• Nut-Free Version: Replace pecans with oats and crushed cornflakes for a crispy, nut-free topping.
• Extra-Creamy Filling: Blend in 2–3 tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream for ultra-rich texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace flour in the topping with almond flour or gluten-free flour.

COOKING NOTE

Drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly after boiling — excess water can make the casserole watery. For the smoothest filling, mash while still warm, and avoid overmixing once eggs are added. Toasting pecans before adding them to the topping intensifies their flavor and gives a deeper crunch.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside roasted turkey, baked ham, or chicken for a holiday-worthy feast.
• Pair with green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, or cornbread for a classic Southern spread.
• Enjoy as a brunch side with scrambled eggs and biscuits.
• Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup for a dessert-like treat.

Tips

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the filling and topping separately. Refrigerate up to 24 hours and assemble before baking.
• Adjust Sweetness: Sweet potatoes vary in sweetness — taste the filling before baking and adjust sugar as needed.
• Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Canned sweet potatoes work, but fresh ones deliver superior texture and flavor.
• Prevent Sogginess: Ensure sweet potatoes are well mashed and drained to achieve the perfect thick, creamy consistency.
• Crunchier Topping: Add an extra handful of pecans for a bold crunch.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fiber: 4 g

(Values vary based on brands and portion size.)

FAQs

Q1: Can I use canned sweet potatoes to save time?
Yes, but fresh sweet potatoes provide better flavor and texture. If using canned, drain well and reduce added sugar.

Q2: Can this casserole be frozen?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Q3: Is this recipe overly sweet?
It’s sweet, but you can reduce the sugar in both the filling and topping to match your taste preference.

Q4: What can I use instead of pecans?
Walnuts, almonds, or a nut-free oat crumble all work well.

Q5: Can I double the topping?
Yes! Many people enjoy extra crunch — simply double the brown sugar, flour, butter, and pecans.

Conclusion

This Copycat Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole is everything a holiday side dish should be — warm, decadent, buttery, flavorful, and unforgettable. With its silky-smooth sweet potato base and its irresistible crunchy pecan topping, it brings classic Southern comfort to your dinner table.

Easy to prepare, perfect for feeding a crowd, and bursting with cozy, festive flavors, this casserole is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and year-round celebrations.

Serve it once, and your family will ask for it every holiday from now on.

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