As the aroma of sweet potatoes wafts through the air, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me—this isn’t just any side dish; it’s a comforting embrace in the form of my Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows. This easy-to-make recipe is designed for those cozy family gatherings where flavors mingle and memories are created. With its creamy sweet potato base, topped with a crunchy pecan streusel and fluffy marshmallows, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nostalgia. Not only is this dish gluten-free, but it also brings a delightful sense of holiday cheer without being overly sweet. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or simply craving a taste of home, this casserole is sure to impress. Are you ready to bring a touch of warmth and joy to your table with this sweet treat?

Why are Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows a Must?

Nostalgic Comfort: This dish brings back childhood memories, filling your home with delightful aromas reminiscent of festive family gatherings.
Easy Preparation: Simple enough for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs; your crockpot does most of the work.
Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for holiday meals, it pairs beautifully with turkey or ham, becoming a star at any dinner table.
Versatile Ingredients: Whether you choose fresh or canned sweet potatoes, this recipe allows for easy substitutions like walnuts or a layer of cranberry sauce for added zest.
Gluten-Free Goodness: Delightful indulgence that meets gluten-free dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the comfort of this casserole.
Give this festive dish a try, and for a hearty side, check out my recipe for Baked Sweet Potatoes too!

Sweet Potatoes With Marshmallows Ingredients

For the Casserole
• Sweet Potatoes – The star ingredient; use fresh or canned, but if using fresh, ensure they’re cooked and mashed first.
• White Sugar – Enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes for a delightful flavor boost.
• Butter – Adds richness and depth; make sure to melt it for both the mixture and topping.
• Evaporated Milk – Creates a creamy texture, giving the casserole its luscious mouthfeel.
• Eggs – Essential for binding, these will keep your casserole from falling apart.
• Vanilla Bean Paste – Infuses a warm, sweet flavor that elevates the entire dish, making sweet potatoes with marshmallows irresistible.

For the Topping
• Pecans – Provide a satisfying crunch; feel free to substitute with walnuts or omit for a nut-free version.
• Light Brown Sugar – Introduces a touch of caramel sweetness to the streusel topping, enhancing its flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – Helps bind the topping, creating the perfect streusel texture for that crunchy finish.

Try this comforting recipe, which brings the magic of sweet potatoes with marshmallows right to your table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sweet Potatoes With Marshmallows

Step 1: Prepare Sweet Potatoes
Start by cooking your sweet potatoes until tender; you can bake them at 400°F for about 45 minutes, boil them for 20 minutes, or microwave them on high for 8-10 minutes. Once they are cool enough to handle, peel the skin off and mash them in a large bowl until smooth, creating a delicious base for your sweet potatoes with marshmallows.

Step 2: Mix Base
In the bowl with the mashed sweet potatoes, add in white sugar, ½ cup of melted butter, evaporated milk, beaten eggs, and vanilla bean paste. Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined and have a smooth consistency. This creamy mixture will be the heart of your Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole, so ensure it’s well blended.

Step 3: Transfer to Crockpot
Pour the sweet potato mixture into your crockpot, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Make sure your slow cooker is set to low heat, preparing for a long, slow cook that will enhance the flavors in your casserole. This step ensures that the casserole cooks uniformly and achieves the perfect texture.

Step 4: Prepare Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of melted butter, chopped pecans, light brown sugar, and all-purpose flour to create your crunchy streusel topping. Blend until everything is combined, then sprinkle this topping generously over the sweet potato mixture in the crockpot. This will create a delightful contrast to the creamy base when baked.

Step 5: Cook
Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden and the sweet potato mixture is bubbly and hot. This slow cooking method allows all the flavors to marry beautifully, making your sweet potatoes with marshmallows a memorable dish.

Step 6: Marshmallow Finish
During the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking, open the lid and add a handful of marshmallows on top of the casserole. Close the lid and let them melt slightly; the result will be a fluffy, sweet topping that elevates your sweet potato casserole to new heights of cozy comfort.

How to Store and Freeze Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. The flavors tend to intensify, making your sweet potatoes with marshmallows even more delightful upon reheating.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to prevent ice crystals.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Add a few extra marshmallows before reheating for a gooey finish.

Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the casserole at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety and quality.

Make Ahead Options

These Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows are a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you precious time during busy holidays! You can prepare the sweet potato mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply cook and mash the sweet potatoes, then mix them with the sugar, butter, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla. Store this mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The topping can also be prepped up to 3 days ahead; just combine the pecans, brown sugar, and flour, and keep it separate until you’re ready to cook. On the day of serving, pour the sweet potato mixture into the crockpot, add the prepared topping, and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Finish with the marshmallows during the last few minutes for that perfect fluffy finish! This way, your casserole remains just as delicious while making your meal planning a breeze.

Expert Tips for Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

Perfectly Cooked Sweet Potatoes: Ensure they are tender before mashing; undercooked sweet potatoes can lead to a lumpy casserole.
Butter Ratio Matters: Use precisely ½ cup melted butter in the mixture and 3 tablespoons for the topping for the best flavor and texture.
Timing for Marshmallows: For a fluffy melt, add marshmallows during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking; adding them too early may make them overly gooey.
Texture Check: Stir the sweet potato mixture until completely smooth; this guarantees a delightful creamy base for your sweet potatoes with marshmallows.
Storage Solutions: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days; it’s just as delicious reheated!

What to Serve with Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Elevate your holiday feast by pairing comforting dishes that enhance the flavors of this luscious casserole.

Roasted Turkey: The savory, tender slices of turkey balance the sweet, rich flavors of your sweet potatoes with marshmallows, creating harmony on the plate.
Honey-Glazed Ham: With its smoky sweetness, honey-glazed ham complements the caramel notes in the casserole beautifully, making every bite a delightful surprise.
Garlic Green Beans: The crispness and garlicky punch of sautéed green beans provide a refreshing contrast, adding a touch of brightness to your meal.
Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce adds a zing that cuts through the sweetness of the casserole, perfectly balancing flavors while celebrating seasonal tastes.
Cornbread Muffins: Soft and slightly sweet, cornbread muffins make the ideal vessel for scooping up bits of the casserole, enhancing the overall comfort of your meal.
Pumpkin Pie: For dessert, a slice of pumpkin pie wraps up your holiday feast with spiced notes that echo the warmth of your sweet potato casserole, leaving guests with a cozy feeling.
Maple-Infused Tea: Serve a warm cup of maple-infused tea for a soothing beverage that resonates with the sweet flavors of your dish, inviting guests to linger and chat.

Sweet Potatoes With Marshmallows Variations

Feel free to make this comforting dish uniquely yours by exploring these delightful twists!

Nut-Free: Omit the pecans and use sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without allergens.
Spiced Up: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture for an inviting warmth that enhances the festive flavors.
Savory Touch: Mix in ½ cup of sautéed onions or garlic for a savory bite that beautifully contrasts with the sweetness.
Fruity Fusion: Layer in some cranberry sauce in between the sweet potato mix for a burst of tartness that brightens each bite.
Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk for evaporated milk, and use dairy-free butter for a rich, tropical flavor.
Extra Crunch: Toss some crushed graham crackers in with the pecans for a delightful crunch and added sweetness.
Spiced Marshmallows: Use flavored marshmallows, like cinnamon or vanilla, during the final cooking phase for a twist on the classic taste.
Hearty Addition: Fold in some cooked quinoa or oats for added texture and a boost of nutrients in your sweet potato casserole.

These variations won’t just make the recipe your own, they may just become family classics, too! For more inspiration, try out my comforting Creamy Scalloped Potatoes or the delightful Cranberry Orange Sweet Rolls.

Sweet Potatoes With Marshmallows Recipe FAQs

What type of sweet potatoes should I use?
You can choose between fresh or canned sweet potatoes for this recipe. If you go for fresh, I recommend cooking them until they’re fork-tender, which can take about 20 minutes if boiling, or 45 minutes at 400°F if baking. Canned sweet potatoes are an easier option; just drain and mash!

How should I store leftovers of the casserole?
Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. This way, you can enjoy the delightful flavors again, and the taste often gets even better after a day or two in the fridge.

Can I freeze the Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole?
Yes, you can! To freeze the casserole, make sure it cools completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes.

What can I do if my sweet potato mixture seems too lumpy?
If you find your sweet potato mixture has lumps, don’t fret! Simply use a hand mixer or a potato masher to blend it until smooth after cooking. Alternatively, you can also use a food processor for a super creamy texture. Just make sure to mix until all lumps are gone for that perfect fluffy base.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Very! This sweet potatoes with marshmallows recipe is naturally gluten-free, which makes it a fantastic choice for those with gluten sensitivities. If you’re allergic to nuts, you can substitute the pecans with sunflower seeds or simply omit them entirely for a nut-free version.

How do I prevent the marshmallows from becoming too gooey when cooking?
If you prefer a light, fluffy marshmallow topping, I suggest adding the marshmallows during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. This timing allows them to melt just enough while keeping that puffy texture that everyone loves!