Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole: A Classic Southern Dish

Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that will impress your guests? Look no further than Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole! This classic Southern dish is a favorite of many and for good reason. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this dish, its ingredients, and the steps to make it.

Overview

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about making Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole. Many people love this classic Southern dish for its creamy texture and delicious flavor, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion. Throughout this piece, we’ll delve into the following areas:

1. What is Paula Deen’s, Sweet Potato Casserole?
2. Ingredients needed to make the dish
3. Step-by-step instructions for making the dish
4. Suggestions for achieving the ideal sweet potato casserole
5. Nutritional information of the dish
6. Serving suggestions
7. Frequently Asked Questions

What is Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole?

Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic Southern dish that is often served as a side dish during Thanksgiving or Christmas. This casserole is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, and is made with mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, vanilla, eggs, and a few other ingredients. It is then topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, which adds a delicious texture and flavor to the dish.

Ingredients needed to make the dish

To make Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (approximately 4-5 medium-sized sweet potatoes)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-step instructions for making the dish

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel and cut your sweet potatoes into small cubes, then place them in a large pot of boiling water. Cook the sweet potatoes until they are tender, then drain them and mash them until smooth.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, milk, melted butter, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish measuring 9×13 inches and smooth it out evenly.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Mix until everything is well combined and forms a crumbly streusel.
6. Spread the streusel evenly over the top of the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
7. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

Techniques for crafting the ultimate Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Use fresh sweet potatoes: While canned sweet potatoes can be used in a pinch, fresh sweet potatoes will give you the best flavor and texture.
2. Boil the sweet potatoes until they are very tender: This will make them easier to mash and ensure that they are fully cooked.
3. Use room temperature ingredients: If you’re using cold ingredients like butter or milk, they can make the sweet potato mixture lumpy. Ensure that all the ingredients are at room temperature prior to mixing.
4. Don’t overmix the sweet potato mixture: Overmixing can cause the casserole to become dense and heavy. Blend the ingredients until they are barely incorporated.
5. Use a high-quality streusel topping: The topping is what makes the casserole extra special, so make sure you use a high-quality streusel topping with plenty of butter, brown sugar, and pecans.
6. Bake the casserole until it’s golden brown and bubbly: This will ensure that the sweet potato mixture is fully cooked and the streusel topping is crispy.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to make a delicious sweet potato casserole that will impress your guests. Enjoy!

Nutritional information of the dish

A serving size of Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole is approximately 1/2 cup. Here’s the nutritional information for a single serving:

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 72mg
• Sodium: 128mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 50g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 35g
• Protein: 4g

Serving suggestions

Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole is a versatile dish that pairs well with many main dishes. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, but can also be enjoyed year-round. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve alongside roasted turkey or ham.
• Enjoy as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak.
• Serve as a vegetarian main dish, with a side of green vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can canned sweet potatoes be used in place of fresh ones?

While it’s possible to use canned sweet potatoes, fresh sweet potatoes will give you the best flavor and texture.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mixture and the streusel ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake the casserole, simply combine the two and bake as directed.

3. Can I freeze this dish?

It is alright to freeze this casserole for a maximum of 3 months. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When you’re ready to eat it, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.

4. Can a different type of nut be used in place of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute the pecans for walnuts or almonds, or omit them entirely if you have a nut allergy.

5. Can I make this dish vegan?

While it’s possible to make this dish vegan, it will require some substitutions. You can use vegan butter and milk, and replace the eggs with a flax egg or applesauce.

Conclusion

Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic Southern dish that is loved by many. Its creamy texture and sweet flavor make it the perfect side dish for any occasion, and it’s easy to make too. Follow the steps in this article, and you’ll have a delicious sweet potato casserole that will impress your guests. Enjoy!