Sweet Potato Casserole (Paula Deen Style): Rich, Southern, and Holiday-Perfect

Sweet potato casserole is a Southern classic that strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet. This Paula Deen-inspired version features buttery mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan streusel for the ultimate holiday side dish. Rich, comforting, and dessert-like, it’s a festive favorite your family will request year after year.

This recipe guide brings you all the cozy charm of Paula Deen’s famous sweet potato casserole. From the creamy base to the crumbly topping, we’ll show you how to make it from scratch and serve it with Southern flair.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole (Paula Deen Style)

With creamy, buttery mashed sweet potatoes and a brown sugar pecan topping, this baked casserole is a show-stopping side that works equally well with turkey, ham, or roast chicken.

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Base:

• 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (from about 4–5 medium sweet potatoes)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup milk (whole or evaporated)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup chopped pecans

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Preparing Instructions

Step 1: Make the Sweet Potato Mixture
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, milk, and melted butter. Mix until smooth and creamy. Pour into a greased 9×9-inch or 2-quart baking dish.

Step 2: Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and flour. Stir in melted butter until crumbly, then fold in pecans. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.

Step 3: Bake and Serve
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden and slightly crisp. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings

Serves: 6–8 as a side dish

Presentation & Decoration

Garnish Ideas:

• Add a few whole pecans on top before baking

• Dust with cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm touch

• Drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness

Serving Suggestions:

• Pairs beautifully with roast turkey, ham, or chicken

• Serve alongside stuffing and cranberry sauce at holiday meals

• Add whipped cream and call it dessert!

Best Time to Eat

Holiday Favorite: A must-have on Thanksgiving or Christmas tables
Potluck Ready: Travels and reheats well
Comfort Food Fix: Great anytime you’re craving something warm and sweet

Portion Guide

Individual: About ¾ to 1 cup per person
Group: Double the recipe for a 9×13-inch dish to serve 12–14

Storage & Shelf Life

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezing: Freeze casserole (unbaked or baked) for up to 2 months
Reheating: Warm in oven at 300°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions

Allergy Guide

Gluten-Free: Use GF flour in the topping
Dairy-Free: Swap butter and milk with plant-based alternatives
Nut-Free: Omit pecans or replace with oats for crunch

More Recipes Using Sweet Potatoes

• Sweet Potato Puffs: Fluffy baked bites perfect for appetizers

• Sweet Potato Pie: Classic Southern dessert with a buttery crust

• Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes: Simple side with olive oil and herbs

Tag your creations with #SweetPotatoCasseroleMagic and share your Southern-style holiday favorite—we might feature your version in our next seasonal showcase!