Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (2024)

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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This Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole is my favorite easy and hands-off way to make my family’s favorite Thanksgiving side dish. It’s sweet and crunchy, topped with pecans and marshmallows, and perfect to serve alongside roasted turkey.

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (2)

Table of Contents

Why I Love This Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

Once I realized I could make our favorite sweet potato casserole in a crockpot, I was sold. This is the way I make it every holiday now, and it couldn’t be easier or tastier.

  • Easy. This classic sweet potato casserole is a breeze to make in the Crockpot, and it will free up your oven for the rest of the meal. It’s a great alternative to oven-baked and so simple to prep.
  • Sweet. The combination of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and mini marshmallows makes this casserole irresistible.
  • Crunchy. Pecans add a nutty flavor and delightful crunch to this casserole.

Variations on Slow Cooked Sweet Potato Casserole

There are so many ways to jazz up this classic casserole. Try swapping the marshmallows for a pecan streusel topping by combining chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this over the casserole during the last hour of cooking.

You could also drizzle the casserole with a maple syrup glaze or add a pinch of nutmeg to the potatoes as they cook for even more holiday flavor.

For a more savory casserole, add herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to the sweet potatoes and sprinkle them with grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese during the last hour of cooking.

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (3)

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (4)

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How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover crockpot sweet potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

How to Freeze

Freeze sweet potato casserole in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This crockpot sweet potato casserole is great to serve as part of your Thanksgiving or holiday dinner. Try it with a festive main, like Roast Turkey, Smoked Turkey Breast, Prime Rib Roast, Pineapple Ham, or Honey Mustard Pork Tenderloin.

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (5)

Recipe

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

4.50 from 312 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 20 minutes minutes

Cook: 4 hours hours

Total: 4 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (6)

Serves6 people

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This Crockpot sweet potato casserole recipe is such a simple way to make everyone's favorite Thanksgiving side dish! Be sure to make extra as it will disappear quickly!

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (7)

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Ingredients

  • cups brown sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (¾ stick)
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 4 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 cups mini marshmallows divided
  • 1 cup chopped pecans divided

Instructions

  • Stir the brown sugar, butter, water, cinnamon and vanilla together in a crock pot then add the sweet potatoes and stir to combine once again.

    1½ cups brown sugar, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons water, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 4 pounds sweet potatoes, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

    Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (8)

  • Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3 ½-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours or until the sweet potatoes are tender, stir every hour to prevent burning.

  • Stir in 2 cups of the marshmallows and ½ cup of the pecans then sprinkle the top with the remaining pecans and marshmallows.

    3 cups mini marshmallows, 1 cup chopped pecans

    Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (9)

  • Cover once again and let the marshmallows melt on high for another 10-15 minutes.

    Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (10)

  • Uncover and let the sweet potatoes cool for about 20 minutes before serving.

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes so that they cook through evenly.
  • Pecans are traditionally used, but walnuts work great too.

Storage:Store crockpot sweet potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 777kcal (39%) Carbohydrates: 138g (46%) Protein: 7g (14%) Fat: 25g (38%) Saturated Fat: 8g (50%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g Monounsaturated Fat: 10g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 30mg (10%) Sodium: 302mg (13%) Potassium: 1174mg (34%) Fiber: 11g (46%) Sugar: 81g (90%) Vitamin A: 43262IU (865%) Vitamin C: 7mg (8%) Calcium: 157mg (16%) Iron: 3mg (17%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (11)

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (12)

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How to Make Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Step by Step

Make the Sauce: Stir 1½ cups of brown sugar, 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of water, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract together in a crockpot.

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (13)

Cook the Potatoes: Add 4 pounds of peeled and cubed sweet potatoes and stir to combine once again. Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3 ½-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir every hour to prevent burning.

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (14)

Add the Toppings: Stir in 2 cups of the marshmallows and ½ cup of the pecans, then sprinkle the top with the remaining ½ cup of pecans and 1 cup of marshmallows.

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (15)

Melt the Marshmallows: Cover once again and let the marshmallows melt on high for another 10-15 minutes. Uncover and let the sweet potatoes cool for about 20 minutes before serving.

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (16)

How long does it take to cook sweet potato casserole in a crockpot?

This side dish takes 3 ½-4 hours on a high setting, or on low for 6-8 hours. Just set it to go while you are prepping the rest of the meal and your Thanksgiving dinner will be a breeze to make!

Do you need to peel the sweet potatoes before making casserole?

Yes, it’s best to peel the sweet potatoes as the skins can be quite tough and chewy even when cooked. Cut them into similar-sized pieces so that they cook evenly.

Can I substitute canned sweet potatoes for fresh sweet potatoes?

Canned or thawed frozen sweet potatoes can be used in this recipe.

Should sweet potato casserole be firm?

Sweet potato casserole should be set and firm, not loose and runny.

Why does sweet potato casserole get watery?

Sweet potatoes tend to absorb water, so if you boil them before making the casserole, they will release that water as they bake/cook, making the casserole watery. We avoid this by cooking them from raw in a crockpot.

How do you thicken up sweet potato casserole?

If you prefer a thicker casserole, add 2-3 tablespoons of flour to the sweet potatoes to help them thicken up as they cook. You can also stir in some cornstarch towards the end of the cook time.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the whole dish the night before and keep covered and refrigerated until ready to cook. Once cooked, the casserole will keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge.

More Sweet Potato Recipes We Love

  • Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
  • Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  • Baked Sweet Potatoes
  • Candied Sweet Potatoes

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (17)

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Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make a sweet potato casserole not runny? ›

Eggs and cream help stabilize the dish and prevent it from becoming too runny (a common complaint with many sweet potato casserole recipes). Make it as smooth or chunky as you like!

How do you know when a sweet potato casserole is done? ›

you should see it firm, but still paste like. Once it bulges and you start to see cracks, it will be overcooked. You don't need anything of those fancy gadgets for casserole! You can grab a potato masher or whisk and mash them up.

Why put egg in sweet potato casserole? ›

The egg is the all-important binder in a sweet potato casserole: it enriches and stiffens the mixture without making it heavy. Make sure to cool the mash slightly before adding the egg so it doesn't scramble, and to stir well so there are no streaks of cooked egg white in the finished dish.

How do you thicken up sweet potato casserole? ›

The casserole needs at least 15-20 minutes to cool before serving. The casserole sets up as it cools. However, if you prefer a really thick sweet potato casserole, you can add about 2-3 tablespoons of flour to your sweet potato batter and this will help the mixture to thicken.

What makes sweet potato casserole runny? ›

Boiling drains out flavor and also makes the sweet potatoes wet. If you bake the sweet potatoes and don't add liquid, you will not have watery sweet potato casserole. Add more potato and no liquid also you could use potato flakes to thicken them to the texture you like.

How do you make a casserole less runny? ›

Simply whisk equal parts butter and flour together. Then, roll the thick paste into little teaspoon-sized balls. Add one ball to your casserole at a time, waiting about a minute before adding another one, until you get the right thickness.

Can you overcook sweet potatoes? ›

Mushy Texture: Sweet potatoes contain a lot of moisture, and overcooking can cause them to become mushy and overly soft. Instead of a firm and slightly tender texture, they may turn into a puree-like consistency. Loss of Flavor: Overcooking can lead to a loss of flavor in sweet potatoes.

Can you eat sweet potato casserole left out overnight? ›

Cooked sweet potato should be kept in the refrigerator and eaten within 5 to 7 days, says Richard. "Cooked food should not sit at room temperature more than two hours before putting it in the refrigerator or freezer (or one hour when the temperature is above 90°F)," she notes.

Can you leave sweet potato casserole out overnight? ›

How long can this sweet potato casserole sit out? Like most foods being served, this should not sit out for more than 2 hours according to the USDA.

Why do Americans put marshmallows on sweet potato casserole? ›

Most people point to a 1917 pamphlet by the Angelus Marshmallow Company as the first time sweet potatoes and marshmallows came together. This company is believed to be the first to commercially-produce and sell the squishy white marshmallows we know, roast, and snack on today.

What is sweet potato casserole made of? ›

Whisk together the butter, mashed sweet potatoes, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, salt and eggs in a large bowl. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. For the topping: Combine the flour, brown sugar, butter and salt in a medium bowl until moist and the mixture clumps together. Stir in the pecans.

Are candied yams and sweet potato casserole the same thing? ›

While both are sweet sides, they are different. Sweet potato casserole involves mashing the potatoes, turning them into a custard of sorts, and then topping them with marshmallows and/or pecans before baking. We don't do any of this when making candied sweet potatoes!

How many sweet potatoes for 3 cups? ›

Note: 3 cups sweet potatoes is about 3-4 large sweet potatoes.

Should I rinse canned sweet potatoes? ›

Canned sweet potatoes are typically cooked and packed with a syrup or sweetened liquid to enhance their flavor and preserve their texture. Rinsing can help reduce the amount of added sugars on the surface, but it won't significantly alter the nutritional composition.

How can I thicken my slow cooker casserole? ›

A slurry is a mixture of flour and water, whisked together until smooth and added towards the end of cooking; it's a super-simple way to thicken any soup. For slow cooker soups, add your slurry with at least 30 minutes of cook time left so that the raw flour can cook and thicken the soup. Need a gluten-free option?

What do I do if my potato bake is too runny? ›

Try letting the dish rest for 10 minutes or so to let the water get absorbed and let the sauce thicken. Try cooking your recipe longer.

Should sweet potato casserole be firm? ›

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture, then pop it into the oven and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You will know it's done when the topping is lightly browned and the center of your casserole is set and firm.

How do you keep a casserole moist? ›

Pro Tip: Avoid Dry Casserole.

The best way to prevent it from drying out is to add a little bit of water, around ¼ cup, to the top of it. Allow the water to seep between the food and the sides of the baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil to seal in the moisture.

How do you remove excess water from sweet potatoes? ›

Freezing sweet potatoes drives excess water out of the potato, resulting in an interior with more concentrated flavor. Freezing also lowers the starting temperature of the potato, allowing more time for amylase enzymes to convert starch to sweet-tasting maltose.

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