The holiday season brings with it a symphony of cherished traditions, and at the heart of many festive tables lies a collection of comforting, delectable side dishes. Among these, the Sweet Potato Casserole holds a special place, often evoking memories of warmth, family, and shared joy. Imagine a dish so inherently delicious, so perfectly balanced between sweet indulgence and savory depth, that it becomes an instant classic. Now, envision preparing this masterpiece with unprecedented ease, freeing up valuable oven space during the busiest cooking days of the year. This is precisely what our irresistible Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole offers – a hassle-free, mouth-watering addition to your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any celebratory meal.
The Ultimate Stress-Free Holiday Side: Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole
This year, let’s redefine holiday cooking. The traditional rush and the constant battle for oven real estate can be overwhelming. That’s why embracing crockpot Thanksgiving dishes has become my mission. The slow cooker, a true kitchen hero, allows you to prepare incredible meals with minimal fuss, ensuring your holiday gathering is filled with cheer, not kitchen chaos.
Our Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole stands out as an absolute game-changer. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a revelation for holiday hosts. This incredibly simple yet profoundly flavorful recipe will have your guests raving while you enjoy a more relaxed preparation process. Its convenience is unmatched, and the resulting taste is nothing short of extraordinary. Here’s why this slow cooker sweet potato casserole is a must-try:
- Liberate Your Oven: Say goodbye to oven Tetris! This recipe requires no oven use, freeing up precious space for your turkey, ham, or other roasted delights.
- Effortless Preparation: From peeling to mashing and combining, the steps are straightforward and simple, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Set It and Forget It: Once assembled, your trusty Crock-Pot takes over, slowly cooking the sweet potatoes to a tender, creamy perfection while you focus on other tasks or simply relax.
- Unforgettable Flavor: We’re talking about a rich, creamy, perfectly spiced sweet potato base crowned with a golden, gooey marshmallow topping. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet and savory that truly elevates any holiday spread. Every bite is pure bliss!
Essential Ingredients for Your Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole
Crafting this delicious casserole requires a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create magic. Below is a quick overview; precise measurements and detailed instructions can be found in the full recipe card further down this page.
- Sweet Potatoes: We recommend using fresh, raw sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture, though canned, drained, and mashed can also be used for extra convenience. Fresh potatoes offer a brighter, more natural sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and contributes to the casserole’s beautiful caramelization.
- Butter: Essential for richness, flavor, and creating that undeniably smooth, creamy texture.
- Orange Juice: A splash of orange juice brightens the overall flavor profile, adding a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the potatoes and spices.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This aromatic blend brings all the classic fall flavors, tying the casserole perfectly to the holiday season. It typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Heavy Cream or Milk: Used to achieve the desired creamy consistency and add a touch of dairy richness. Heavy cream will result in a more decadent casserole.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, comforting aroma.
- Mini Marshmallows: The crowning glory! These melt into a beautiful, golden, sticky topping that everyone loves.
Optional Add-Ins to Elevate Your Dish: Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon streusel, a dash of nutmeg, a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch, or even slivered almonds.
Recommended Equipment for Effortless Preparation
Having the right tools can make all the difference, especially when preparing a holiday feast. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole a breeze:
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker): The star of the show! We highly recommend a model with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after cooking. This feature ensures your casserole cooks perfectly without overdoing it and keeps it ready until serving time, eliminating any last-minute stress. A 6-quart or larger crockpot is ideal for this recipe.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate ingredient measurement, ensuring a consistent and delicious outcome every time.
- Vegetable Peeler: A sharp, comfortable vegetable peeler is crucial for preparing fresh sweet potatoes. The OXO peeler is a favorite for its ergonomic design and efficiency.
- Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least one large bowl to combine your mashed sweet potatoes and other ingredients.
- Hamburger Mix and Chop: While a traditional potato masher works perfectly, a hamburger mix and chop tool is surprisingly effective for mashing cooked sweet potatoes right in the slow cooker insert, making cleanup even easier. It breaks down the tender potatoes quickly and efficiently, achieving a smooth consistency. A hand mixer can also be used for an extra-smooth result.
- Slow Cooker Liners: These are fantastic for quick and easy cleanup, making post-holiday chores a distant memory. Simply lift out the liner and discard!
Preparation, Storage, and Reheating Guidelines
Planning ahead is key to a smooth holiday meal. This Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole is highly adaptable for make-ahead convenience.
Make Ahead: One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its make-ahead potential. You can peel and chop your sweet potatoes a day or two in advance, storing them in water in the refrigerator to prevent browning. The brown sugar topping can also be prepared and kept in an airtight container until you’re ready to cook. This proactive approach significantly reduces prep time on the day of serving, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones.
Storage: Leftover sweet potato casserole stores beautifully. Simply transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. This makes for delightful next-day lunches or quick snack options.
Freezing (How to Freeze): To freeze leftovers, it’s best to omit the marshmallows during the initial cooking if you know you’ll be freezing portions. Marshmallows tend to break down and become watery after freezing and thawing, affecting their texture. Store cooled casserole in an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty Ziploc bag. It will maintain its quality for up to three months. Label clearly with the date.
How to Reheat: For best results, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave until warmed through. For larger quantities, transfer the casserole back into a Crock-Pot set to low heat, stirring occasionally until heated evenly. If you want a fresh marshmallow topping, add new mini marshmallows during the last 15-20 minutes of reheating in the crockpot or place under a broiler for a few minutes until golden (watch carefully to prevent burning!).
Creative Recipe Variations to Suit Every Taste
This Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole is incredibly versatile, allowing for simple adjustments to cater to different dietary needs and flavor preferences.
- Substitutions and Dietary Needs:
- Nuts: We often serve pecans or other nuts on the side due to nut allergies among loved ones. This allows guests to add a delicious crunch to their individual servings without compromising the entire dish.
- Dairy: You can use either heavy cream for a richer, more indulgent casserole or milk for a slightly lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
- Vegetarian Option: This dish is inherently vegetarian. However, be mindful that many store-bought mini marshmallows contain gelatin, an animal-derived ingredient. Look for vegetarian-friendly marshmallow brands to ensure your casserole is fully vegetarian.
- Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, follow the vegetarian guidance regarding marshmallows and substitute the heavy cream or milk with a plant-based alternative like full-fat coconut milk or almond milk. Ensure your butter is also plant-based.
- Gluten-Free: The core ingredients of this classic holiday side dish are naturally gluten-free. For those with high sensitivities, always double-check labels on ingredients like pumpkin pie spice or butter to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
- Flavor Enhancements:
- Alcohol-Free: Our recipe is entirely alcohol-free. However, if you enjoy a spirited kick, some variations incorporate a splash of bourbon, whiskey, or even rum for a boozy infusion that adds depth to the sweet potatoes.
- Make It Spicy: For those who love a hint of heat, a drizzle of hot honey over the finished casserole or a pinch of cayenne pepper mixed into the sweet potato base can add an exciting kick. Some sweet potato casserole recipes use hot honey directly.
- Sugar-Free: The original recipe contains 49 grams of sugar per serving. To make it sugar-free, substitute white sugar and brown sugar with sugar-free alternatives. Look for marshmallows and orange juice with no added sugar.
- Adjusting Serving Size: The written recipe yields six generous servings. It’s easy to scale this recipe up or down to meet your needs. When doubling or tripling, you may need to work in batches or use a larger crockpot to ensure even cooking. Keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly with significant adjustments.
Expert Tips for the Best Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole
Achieving sweet potato casserole perfection in your slow cooker is simple with a few helpful pointers:
- Ample Mixing Space: Ensure you have a generously sized mixing bowl to combine all your ingredients effectively. Alternatively, you can add the peeled and diced sweet potatoes directly to your slow cooker insert as you prepare them, then mash and mix everything in place.
- Cooking Temperature and Time: We often opt for cooking on high heat for 3-4 hours to get this dish ready relatively quickly, which is perfect for Thanksgiving mornings when time is of the essence. However, if you prefer a longer, gentler cook, you can set your crockpot to low for 7-8 hours. The longer cooking time on low can sometimes result in an even deeper flavor integration. Always ensure the sweet potatoes are fork-tender before mashing.
- Mashing Consistency: Whether you prefer a perfectly smooth puree or a slightly chunkier texture, make sure the sweet potatoes are thoroughly mashed and combined with the other ingredients before adding the topping.
- Marshmallow Topping: If you’re adding marshmallows, wait until the last 30-45 minutes of cooking. If your crockpot lid allows, you can remove the lid for the last 15-20 minutes to allow the marshmallows to toast. For a beautifully browned, slightly crisp topping, consider transferring the casserole to an oven-safe dish and broiling it for a few minutes (watch very carefully!) right before serving.
- Taste and Adjust: Before the final cook, always taste your sweet potato mixture. Adjust sugar, salt, or pumpkin pie spice to your personal preference.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Casserole
Our oven-free Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole, with its delightful sweet and savory balance and fluffy marshmallow topping, is the perfect companion to a wide array of holiday and everyday dishes. Here are some menu planning suggestions to inspire your next Thanksgiving, Christmas, or festive gathering:
Classic Holiday Sides
- Pineapple Stuffing: The tanginess of pineapple stuffing provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the sweet potato casserole.
- Carrot Soufflé: Another sweet and comforting vegetable side that harmonizes beautifully.
- Creamed Corn Casserole: A rich, creamy corn dish that adds a different texture and flavor dimension.
- Crock Pot Mashed Cauliflower: A lighter, savory alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, also freeing up stovetop space.
- Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes: For those who can’t get enough mashed goodness, a savory potato dish complements the sweet casserole.
- Jiffy Cornbread with Sour Cream: A simple, buttery cornbread offers a wonderful textual contrast and a touch of homestyle goodness.
Main Dishes to Complete Your Feast
The sweet notes of the casserole pair exceptionally well with robust main courses.
- Crock Pot Turkey: Another fantastic slow cooker option to free up your oven, ensuring a moist and tender bird.
- Crock Pot Bourbon Maple Pork Loin: The sweet and savory notes in this pork loin echo and complement the casserole beautifully.
- Crock Pot Guinness Corned Beef & Cabbage: A hearty, flavorful main dish for a comforting meal.
- Crock Pot Chicken & Stuffing: A complete meal in itself, this pairing offers a satisfying balance.
- Crock Pot Orange Glazed Ham: The citrusy glaze of the ham creates a wonderful flavor bridge with the orange juice in the casserole.
- Crock Pot Coke Glazed Ham: Another sweet and sticky ham option that’s a perfect partner.
- Bourbon Baked Ham: A traditional, elegant ham that pairs wonderfully with sweet potato flavors.
Delicious Desserts to Follow
- Eggnog Cookies: A festive treat that keeps the holiday spirit going.
- 4 Ingredient Christmas Crack: An easy, addictive dessert that’s perfect for sharing.
- Easy Holiday Reindeer Chow: A fun, kid-friendly snack mix.
- Church Window Cookies: Colorful and nostalgic, a delightful no-bake option.
- No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Dip: A light and fruity dip, great for a crowd.
- Easy Eggnog Cake with Eggnog Glaze: For those who love eggnog, this cake is a perfect end to the meal.
- Ambrosia Salad: A refreshing, fruit-filled classic that lightens the palate.
- Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball: A sweet and savory appetizer or dessert dip.
- Cranberry Fluff Salad: A light, fruity, and festive side or dessert.
Festive Drinks for Toasting
- Eggnog White Russian: A creamy, festive cocktail perfect for the holidays.
- Spiced Cranberry Cocktail: A vibrant and aromatic drink that screams holiday cheer.
- Cranberry Moscow Mule: A refreshing twist on a classic, with a holiday cranberry kick.
- RumChata Pudding Shots: A fun, adult-friendly treat to get the party started.
- Pomegranate Breeze Martini: Elegant and fruity, a sophisticated choice.
- Mulled Cherry Cider Cocktail: Warm and comforting, perfect for a chilly evening.
When to Serve This Delightful Casserole
While often associated with major holidays, the versatility of this Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole means it can grace your table on many occasions:
- Holiday Feasts: A non-negotiable for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
- Family Dinners: Simple enough for a comforting weeknight meal.
- Potlucks and Gatherings: Easily transportable and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Sunday Suppers: A perfect addition to a hearty Sunday meal.
- Anytime You Crave Comfort: This dish is pure comfort food, ideal whenever you need a sweet and satisfying side.
More Crockpot Thanksgiving Dishes to Simplify Your Holiday
If you’re looking to fully embrace the slow cooker revolution this holiday season, here are more fantastic Crock Pot recipes that will make your life easier and your table more abundant:
- Crock Pot Ham
- Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese
- Crock Pot Garlic Potatoes
- Crock Pot Glazed Carrots
- Crock Pot Mashed Cauliflower
- Crock Pot Turkey
- CrockPot Green Bean Casserole
Keep an eye out for even more delicious slow cooker recipes. We’ve shared many CrockPot vegetarian recipes to ensure everyone at your holiday table finds something delightful to enjoy.
We sincerely hope this Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole becomes a treasured part of your holiday traditions, offering a little less stress and a lot more flavor during the festive season. It’s a testament to how simple changes in preparation can make a huge impact on your overall holiday experience.
If you find yourself running short on Crock-Pots, don’t worry! Classic holiday sides like this epic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole can be easily prepared in the oven, and delicious Cracker Barrel Carrots can be whipped up on the stovetop. There’s always a way to create a memorable feast!
Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to explore our extensive collection of copycat recipes, indulgent dessert recipes, and an array of other convenient CrockPot Recipes.
Follow Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for all our latest recipe posts and culinary inspiration!
Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole
This Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole is an ideal dish for family meals or special holiday gatherings. It’s incredibly easy to make and delivers an absolutely amazing taste that everyone will love!
Rating: 5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 694 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 80 oz sweet potato (canned, drained and mashed)
- ⅓ cup Butter (melted)
- 2 Tablespoons White Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Orange Juice
- 2 Eggs (beaten)
- ½ cup Milk
- ⅔ cup Brown Sugar
- ⅔ cup chopped pecans (Optional)
- 4 Tablespoons All Purpose Flour
- 4 teaspoons Butter (melted)
Instructions
- Combine the mashed sweet potatoes, ⅓ cup melted butter, 2 tablespoons white sugar, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar in a large bowl.
- Beat in the orange juice, eggs, and milk until well combined. Transfer the mixture to your Crock-Pot.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans (if using), ⅔ cup brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and 4 teaspoons melted butter. Whisk together until a crumbly topping forms.
- Evenly spread the pecan and brown sugar topping over the top of the sweet potato mixture in the Crock-Pot.
- Cover the Crock-Pot and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or until the sweet potatoes are heated through and the topping is set.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole
Amount Per Serving
Calories 694 | Calories from Fat 207
% Daily Value*
Fat 23g (35%)
Saturated Fat 9g (56%)
Cholesterol 89mg (30%)
Sodium 359mg (16%)
Potassium 1408mg (40%)
Carbohydrates 115g (38%)
Fiber 13g (54%)
Sugar 49g (54%)
Protein 10g (20%)
Vitamin A 54145IU (1083%)
Vitamin C 10mg (12%)
Calcium 182mg (18%)
Iron 3mg (17%)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Recipe originally shared on October 30, 2013. Updated in September 2020.