Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potatoes

• 3 lb (1.36 kg) sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• ¼ cup (55 g) unsalted butter, melted

• ⅓ cup (65 g) packed brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons water or orange juice

For the Topping

• 1½ cups (about 75 g) mini marshmallows

• ½ cup (55 g) chopped pecans

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the sweet potatoes

Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized, roughly 1-inch cubes. This helps them cook at a consistent rate.

Step 2: Mix the sweet potato seasoning

In a bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla extract, and water or orange juice. Stir until the sugar begins to dissolve.

Step 3: Add everything to the Crockpot

Lightly grease the slow-cooker insert with butter or cooking spray. Add the sweet potato cubes and pour the butter mixture over them. Toss gently to coat all the pieces.

Step 4: Slow cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1½–2½ hours, checking near the end. The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender but not completely falling apart. Cooking time varies with cube size and slow-cooker model.

Step 5: Add the pecans

Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the cooked sweet potatoes. If desired, mix the pecans with the optional brown sugar and cinnamon first.

Step 6: Add the marshmallows

Scatter the mini marshmallows evenly across the top. Cover for about 10–20 minutes, until the marshmallows soften and become gooey. Watch carefully, as marshmallows can melt quickly.

Step 7: Brown the topping (optional)

For a toasted finish, transfer the sweet potatoes to an oven-safe dish and briefly broil the marshmallows under close supervision. Do not put a removable slow-cooker insert under a broiler unless its manufacturer specifically says it is safe.

Step 8: Serve

Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes, then serve warm with the sticky marshmallow topping and crunchy pecans.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving, based on 8 servings.

Actual values depend on the amount of butter, sugar, marshmallows, and pecans used.

Nut Information and Allergens

• Tree nuts: Pecans are included and are a tree nut. Omit them for a nut-free version, and check ingredient labels for cross-contact warnings.

• Dairy: Butter contains milk.

• Gelatin: Some marshmallows contain gelatin, which may not suit every dietary preference. Check the packaging if needed.

• Gluten: The basic recipe contains no wheat ingredients, but verify all packaged products and allergen statements.

Nut-free alternative

Replace the pecans with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, if suitable for the person eating the dish. For a nut allergy, verify that the replacement and other ingredients are free from cross-contact.

Tips for the Best Results

• Keep the cubes even: Similar-sized pieces cook more consistently.

• Avoid excess liquid: Sweet potatoes release moisture as they cook, so don’t add more water unless needed.

• Prevent mushiness: Start checking early, especially when cooking on HIGH.

• Add marshmallows at the end: They can dissolve if cooked for the entire time.

• Balance the sweetness: Reduce the brown sugar to 2–3 tablespoons if you prefer a less-sweet casserole.

• Extra flavor: Add a little orange zest or a pinch of ginger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes. Cook the sweet potatoes with the butter and seasonings, cool and refrigerate promptly, then reheat and add the pecans and marshmallows near serving time.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, but drain them thoroughly and shorten the cooking time. They are already soft, so heat them gently and add the topping near the end.

Can I make it without marshmallows?

Absolutely. Use a pecan topping with a little brown sugar and cinnamon, or leave the topping off entirely.

How should I store leftovers?

Refrigerate within 2 hours in a covered container and use within 3–4 days. Reheat until hot throughout.

Is this a dessert or a side dish?

It can be either. In the United States, sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is commonly served as a sweet holiday side dish.