Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (The Best Southern Classic)

There’s something magical about the holidays in the South, laughter filling the kitchen, the scent of cinnamon and brown sugar floating through the air, and that one dish everyone looks forward to year after year: sweet potato casserole. And not just any casserole, Paula Deen sweet potato casserole. Rich, creamy, and crowned with a buttery pecan streusel topping, it’s the kind of comfort food that brings generations together around the table.

In this recipe, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make this beloved Southern classic with easy, step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Paula Deen’s down-home cooking or just searching for the perfect Thanksgiving side dish, you’ll find pro tips, topping variations, and even make-ahead advice to help your casserole turn out perfectly every time.

Get ready to make a dish that’s not just a side, it’s a tradition.

🥔 Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Paula Deen sweet potato casserole, gather these simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one brings that signature Southern flavor and cozy texture we all love!

For the Sweet Potato Base

• 4 cups of mashed sweet potatoes, which is roughly equivalent to 4 to 5 medium-sized sweet potatoes.
• 1 cup granulated sugar (or light brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or evaporated milk for richness)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup chopped pecans

📝 Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Sweet potatoes: Fresh roasted sweet potatoes give the best flavor, but canned sweet potatoes (drained) can be used for convenience.
• Sugar: Brown sugar adds a richer, caramel-like sweetness if you prefer it over white sugar.
• Milk: For dairy-free, try almond milk or oat milk.
• Butter: Coconut oil can be a substitute if you’re avoiding dairy.
• Pecans: If there’s a nut allergy, consider using rolled oats mixed with brown sugar and butter for a crunchy oat topping.

💡 Pro Tip:

Roasting sweet potatoes (instead of boiling) brings out natural sweetness and prevents a watery casserole, a common mistake to avoid!

👩‍🍳 How to Make Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

Follow these easy steps to create the perfect Paula Deen sweet potato casserole that’s sure to impress your family and guests!

Step 1 – Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• If using fresh sweet potatoes, pierce them with a fork and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes until tender.
• Once cooled, peel and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. (If using canned sweet potatoes, drain them well and mash.)

Step 2 – Mix the Sweet Potato Base

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
• Mix until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t overmix! Overmixing can lead to a gummy texture instead of a light, fluffy casserole.

Step 3 – Transfer to Baking Dish

• Pour the sweet potato mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 4 – Make the Pecan Streusel Topping

• In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans.
• Mix with a fork or your fingers until it forms a crumbly topping.

👉 Variation Tip: If you prefer a marshmallow topping, you can sprinkle mini marshmallows over the casserole instead of the streusel.

Step 5 – Add the Topping and Bake

• Evenly distribute the pecan streusel across the top of the sweet potato layer.
• “Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the topping turns golden brown and the filling is hot all the way through.

Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy!

• Give the casserole a short rest before serving to help it set.
• Garnish with a few extra pecans or a light dusting of cinnamon if desired.

👌 Make-Ahead Tip

You can prepare the sweet potato base and topping separately up to 2 days in advance. Assemble just before baking for fresh, crispy results.

⭐ Pro Tips for the Perfect Southern Casserole

Want your Paula Deen sweet potato casserole to turn out restaurant-quality every time? Here are the expert secrets I’ve learned from years of making this beloved dish. Trust me, these tips can make the difference between good and unforgettable!

🔥 1. Roast, Don’t Boil, Your Sweet Potatoes

Boiling sweet potatoes might seem quicker, but it adds a lot of excess water, which can make the casserole filling too loose or watery. Roasting, on the other hand, draws out moisture and concentrates the natural sugars in the potatoes. This gives you a richer, sweeter flavor and a denser, creamier texture.

Pro Tip: Roast your sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes until fork-tender. You’ll immediately notice the deeper color and flavor in your casserole base!

🔥 2. Use Real Unsalted Butter

It’s tempting to grab margarine or butter substitutes, especially if you’re trying to save a few calories, but real butter makes a world of difference. Authentic Southern casseroles like Paula Deen’s rely on butter for richness and depth of flavor. Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of the final dish, which is especially important when balancing the sweetness of the casserole.

Pro Tip: If you’re using salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt in the filling to keep the flavors balanced.

🔥 3. Don’t Overmix the Filling

When you overmix the sweet potato filling, you risk breaking down the starches too much, which can lead to a dense, gummy casserole. Instead, mix the ingredients just until they’re combined and smooth.

Pro Tip: Use a hand mixer on low speed or a sturdy whisk. If you see streaks of egg or butter disappearing, that’s your cue to stop mixing.

🔥 4. Toast Your Pecans for Maximum Flavor

Toasting pecans before adding them to the streusel topping is a game-changer. It enhances their natural nuttiness and adds an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

Pro Tip: Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Watch closely, they can burn quickly!

🔥 5. Make It Ahead to Save Time

Holiday meals are stressful enough without last-minute scrambling. The good news? This casserole is perfect for making ahead.

Pro Tip: Prepare the sweet potato filling and streusel topping separately. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. On the day you’re serving, simply assemble and bake. This also allows the flavors to meld and deepen.

🔥 6. Taste and Adjust Sweetness Before Baking

Sweetness levels can vary based on the potatoes you use and your personal preference. Always taste the sweet potato mixture before adding eggs, you can’t adjust sweetness easily once the eggs are mixed in.

Pro Tip: If it’s not sweet enough, add a tablespoon of sugar or maple syrup at a time until you hit the perfect balance.

🔥 7. Drain Canned Sweet Potatoes Thoroughly

If you’re using canned sweet potatoes for convenience, make sure to drain them thoroughly. Canned varieties often sit in syrup or water, which can introduce unwanted moisture and dilute the rich, creamy texture of your casserole.

Pro Tip: After draining, pat them dry with paper towels before mashing to remove any residual liquid.

👑 Bonus Tip: Let the Casserole Rest Before Serving

Just like a good lasagna, letting the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking allows it to firm up slightly and makes serving cleaner and easier. It also prevents those first few bites from being too hot to enjoy!

🧁 Topping Variations for Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

One of the best things about Paula Deen sweet potato casserole is how easy it is to customize the topping to suit your family’s taste. Here are some delicious variations to inspire your perfect version!

🥜 Classic Pecan Streusel Topping (The Traditional Favorite)

This is the topping that’s made Paula Deen’s casserole famous. Sweet, buttery, and crunchy, it complements the soft, creamy sweet potatoes perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

• Mix the brown sugar, flour, and butter until crumbly.
• Stir in the chopped pecans.
• Sprinkle evenly over the casserole before baking.

Pro Tip: Toast the pecans beforehand to add extra depth and crunch!

🍬 Marshmallow Topping (For the Sweet Tooth Crowd)

If your family loves a sweeter, more dessert-like casserole, marshmallows are a classic choice, especially popular with kids!

How to Use:

• Omit the streusel topping.
• Bake the casserole for 25 minutes, then top with 2 to 3 cups of mini marshmallows.
• Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until golden and gooey.

Pro Tip: For extra flair, use a kitchen torch to lightly brown the marshmallows before serving!

🌾 Oat Crumble Topping (A Healthier Crunch)

Looking for a slightly healthier option that still delivers a satisfying crunch? An oat crumble is a great alternative to the traditional streusel.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup almond flour or whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or butter
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

• Mix all ingredients until crumbly.
• Sprinkle over the casserole before baking.

Pro Tip: This topping also happens to be dairy-free and vegan-friendly!

🌰 Nut-Free Option (Allergy-Friendly Choice)

For families with nut allergies, skip the pecans and try this delicious alternative:

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup crushed graham crackers or crushed cornflakes
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions:

• Combine and sprinkle over the casserole before baking.

Pro Tip: For extra texture, mix in a tablespoon of shredded coconut or sunflower seeds.

🏅 Why This Recipe Works

There’s a reason this Paula Deen sweet potato casserole has become a must-have on Southern holiday tables year after year. Let me share why this recipe delivers every time, and why it’s worth making it from scratch.

🍠 It Honors Southern Tradition

This recipe stays true to the classic flavors that define Southern comfort food: sweet potatoes roasted to perfection, real butter for richness, and a pecan topping that provides the perfect sweet-salty crunch. It’s a faithful recreation of Paula Deen’s beloved dish, with a few modern tweaks to make it even better.

👩‍🍳 Tested and Perfected

I’ve personally made this casserole dozens of times for family gatherings, Friendsgivings, and Sunday dinners. After testing different sugars, topping textures, and baking times, I’ve fine-tuned the process so it’s easy for anyone to follow, whether you’re a seasoned cook or making sweet potato casserole for the first time.

🔎 Customizable for Every Taste

Not everyone loves the same level of sweetness or the same toppings, so this recipe gives you flexibility. Whether you prefer the traditional pecan streusel, gooey marshmallows, or a healthier oat crumble, there’s a variation to suit every family’s preferences. And for those with dietary restrictions, easy substitutions are built right in.

🔥 Pro Tips That Make a Difference

Most online recipes just list steps, but here, you get professional tips that can prevent common mistakes, like watery filling or bland topping. I share why roasting sweet potatoes enhances flavor, how to balance sweetness, and even the best way to toast pecans without burning them.

🌟 Make-Ahead Friendly

Holiday meals are busy enough. This casserole can be prepped in advance, saving you time and stress on the big day. That’s why so many readers have told me it’s become their “go-to” Thanksgiving and Christmas recipe.

🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips

One of the best things about Paula Deen sweet potato casserole is that it stores beautifully, perfect for holiday leftovers or making ahead to ease the cooking rush.

🧊 How to Store Sweet Potato Casserole

• Refrigerator:
  Once completely cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can move it into a sealed, airtight container.
  🕒 Storage time: Up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer:
  You can freeze both fully baked and unbaked sweet potato casserole.
  • Wrap the casserole dish tightly with two layers of foil or plastic wrap.
  • Label with the date.
  • 🕒 Freezer time: Up to 2 months.

Pro Tip: For easy reheating, freeze the casserole in smaller, portion-sized containers.

🔥 How to Reheat Sweet Potato Casserole

Reheating from the refrigerator:

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Cover the casserole loosely with foil to protect the topping from overbrowning.
• Heat for 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.

Reheating from frozen:

• If possible, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 30-40 minutes, covered with foil.
• For unthawed casseroles, bake at 300°F for 50-60 minutes until hot in the center.

Pro Tip: To keep the streusel topping crispy, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

❄️ Can You Freeze Leftover Casserole with Marshmallow Topping?

Yes, but note that marshmallows may become a bit sticky and less fluffy after freezing and reheating. If possible, freeze the casserole without marshmallows and add fresh marshmallows when reheating for the best texture.

FAQs About Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole

📝 Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Paula Deen sweet potato casserole has earned a place at so many holiday tables, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and comforting. Whether you stick with the classic pecan streusel or experiment with marshmallows or oat toppings, this dish never fails to bring smiles and second helpings.

I hope this recipe becomes a beloved tradition in your home, just as it has in mine. Don’t be afraid to make it your own, and remember, cooking is about creating memories as much as it is about the food.

If you tried this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Feel free to drop a comment and let us know any tips or variations you tried. And don’t forget to rate the recipe, it helps others find and enjoy it, too.

Happy cooking and happy holidays!

🍽 More Southern Comfort Recipes to Try!

If you loved this Paula Deen sweet potato casserole, you’ll definitely want to try some of my other reader-favorite Southern and comfort food recipes:

• 🥣 Paula Deen Corn Casserole – another Southern holiday must-have!
• 🍗 Southern Fried Chicken Livers Recipe – crispy, flavorful, and a true classic.
• 🧀 Sweetie Pie’s Mac and Cheese – rich, creamy, and downright irresistible.
• 🍝 Chicken Spaghetti with Velveeta Cheese and Rotel – cheesy, hearty comfort food at its best.
• 🥘 Stuffed Pepper Casserole (Pioneer Woman) – easy, filling, and perfect for weeknights.

👉 Explore all my Southern recipes and bring more homestyle favorites to your table!