paula deen sweet potato casserole
Discover the perfect Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole recipe with a delicious blend of flavors, ideal for holidays, family dinners, and more!
Ingredients
Before we dive into the magic of creating Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole, let’s gather the ingredients that will make this dish sing with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Sweet Potatoes (4 large) – The star of the show! Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins and add that creamy texture everyone loves. You can use fresh or canned sweet potatoes, though fresh will give you the best flavor and texture.
Butter (1/2 cup) – A key ingredient that brings richness to the casserole. I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning.
Brown Sugar (1/2 cup) – Adds that perfect caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes.
Eggs (2 large) – These will help bind the ingredients together and create a rich, custardy texture.
Milk (1/2 cup) – You’ll need milk to blend everything smoothly and give the casserole its velvety finish. You can use regular milk or opt for a dairy-free alternative.
Cinnamon (1 tsp) – A classic flavor for sweet potato casserole. It brings warmth and spice to the dish.
Nutmeg (1/2 tsp) – Adds a subtle, cozy note that enhances the other flavors.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – For a touch of aromatic sweetness that elevates the dish.
Salt (1/2 tsp) – Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness of the potatoes and sugar.
Topping of Your Choice:
- Pecans 1/2 cup, chopped – For a crunchy, nutty contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Marshmallows 2 cups – For those who love the gooey, sweet topping that’s a signature of many holiday casseroles.
Instructions
- Now it’s time to bring everything together and create a dish that’s sure to impress. Follow these simple steps to make Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole, and you'll have a crowd-pleasing side in no time!
Preheat the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready to bake your casserole to perfection.
Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- If you're using fresh sweet potatoes, peel and chop them into chunks. Place them in a large pot of water and bring it to a boil. Let them cook for about 15-20 minutes until they’re soft and easily mashable. Once tender, drain the water and allow the potatoes to cool slightly before mashing. For canned sweet potatoes, simply drain them and mash with a fork or potato masher.
Mix the Casserole Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar, eggs, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. The brown sugar and spices will bring out the sweet potato’s natural flavor, creating the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Transfer to Baking Dish
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the dish, smoothing it out to make an even layer.
Add the Topping
- Here’s where you can get creative! For a classic touch, sprinkle chopped pecans over the casserole for a crunchy contrast. Alternatively, if you love the sweet, gooey goodness of marshmallows, evenly scatter them over the top for a soft, melty finish.
Bake the Casserole
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. If you used marshmallows, they’ll puff up and turn a beautiful golden color.
Let It Set
- After baking, allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives it a chance to set and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 140mg
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 4g