There’s something so heartwarming about comfort food, isn’t there? When I think of cozy gatherings with friends and family, my mind instantly drifts to a warm, creamy crockpot sweet potato casserole. The beauty of this dish is that it practically cooks itself! Just toss everything into the crockpot, and let it work its magic while you enjoy your company. I remember my grandmother always making this casserole for Thanksgiving, and it was a showstopper every time. The sweet aroma wafting through the house is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Trust me, you’ll want this in your life!
Ingredients List
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this delicious crockpot sweet potato casserole. It’s so easy, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro by the end of it!
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
First things first, you’ll want to peel those sweet potatoes. A good vegetable peeler works wonders here—just make sure to remove all the skin. Once they’re peeled, it’s time to cube them. I like to cut them into about 1-inch pieces for even cooking. You can also cut them smaller if you want them to cook faster, but just be careful not to make them too tiny, or they might get mushy. The goal is to have uniform pieces so they all cook at the same rate.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. I usually start with the brown sugar and melted butter, stirring them together until it’s all blended. Then, add the milk and the rest of the ingredients. Mix everything together really well! This step is super important because it ensures that all those lovely flavors infuse into the sweet potatoes as they cook. You want every bite to be sweet and spiced just right!
Combining in the Crockpot
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Place the cubed sweet potatoes in the crockpot. Pour your delicious mixture over them, making sure to evenly distribute it. Use a spatula or a big spoon to stir everything together gently. This way, you’ll ensure all the sweet potatoes are coated in that tasty goodness. It’s okay if some of the sweet potatoes peek through the mixture; they’ll soak up all the flavors as they cook!
Cooking the Casserole
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. If you’re unsure when to check for doneness, about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, poke a sweet potato piece with a fork. If it goes in easily, they’re done! If not, give them a little more time. You want them to be tender but not falling apart.
Adding the Marshmallows
Here comes the fun part! During the last 15 minutes of cooking, carefully open the lid and sprinkle the mini marshmallows on top of the casserole. Don’t forget to cover it back up to let those marshmallows get all melty and gooey. It’s seriously the best part! You’ll want to keep an eye on them, as they’ll start to puff up and turn golden.
Serving Suggestions
Once everything’s cooked and those marshmallows are perfectly toasted, it’s time to serve! Scoop out generous portions of the casserole while it’s still warm. I love to top mine with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for that added crunch and flavor! It’s a great touch, especially if you’re serving this dish at a gathering. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this delightful crockpot sweet potato casserole! Keep in mind that these values are estimates per serving, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 200mg
This casserole is not just delicious; it also packs a bit of nutritional goodness with those sweet potatoes! They’re rich in vitamins and fiber, making this dish a comforting yet satisfying addition to your meal. Enjoy it guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make—just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work!
- The creamy, comforting flavor of sweet potatoes paired with marshmallows is like a warm hug on a plate.
- Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving dinner or a cozy family gathering.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser! Everyone from kids to adults will love this sweet and savory dish.
- You can customize it by adding nuts or adjusting the sweetness to suit your taste.
- It’s a great make-ahead option—just set it and forget it until mealtime!
- The leftovers are fantastic and can be enjoyed the next day, making it a wonderful choice for meal prep.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail this crockpot sweet potato casserole! Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly:
- Cut Evenly: Make sure to cut your sweet potatoes into uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly. If you have some small pieces and some big ones, the small ones might turn to mush while the big ones are still firm. Aim for about 1-inch cubes for the best results!
- Adjust Sweetness: Don’t be afraid to tweak the amount of brown sugar based on your taste. If you like it a bit sweeter, add a touch more; if you prefer it less sweet, you can cut back. Taste the mixture before pouring it over the sweet potatoes to see if it strikes your fancy!
- Keep the Lid On: Try not to peek too often while it cooks! Every time you lift the lid, you let heat escape, which can extend cooking time. Trust the crockpot—it knows what it’s doing!
- Marshmallow Magic: For those mini marshmallows, sprinkle them on gently during the last 15 minutes. This way, they’ll melt beautifully without overcooking. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use flavored marshmallows for an extra twist!
- Experiment with Toppings: If you want to switch things up, consider adding some chopped pecans or walnuts on top before serving. It adds a nice crunch and complements the creamy texture of the casserole.
- Make it Ahead: This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Just prep it and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. You can even throw it in the crockpot frozen; just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
With these tips, you’ll be a sweet potato casserole pro in no time! Just remember to enjoy the process and savor the delicious results. Happy cooking!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some common queries about this delicious crockpot sweet potato casserole:
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to a day before you plan to cook it. Just assemble everything in the crockpot and keep it covered until you’re ready to cook. If you’re in a pinch, you can even throw it in the crockpot frozen; just make sure to adjust the cooking time a bit longer!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it in the microwave or in the crockpot on low until warmed through. It’s just as tasty the next day!
Can I substitute the sweet potatoes with something else?
While sweet potatoes are the star of this dish, you can use butternut squash or pumpkin for a different twist! Keep in mind that the cooking times might vary slightly, so just check for tenderness along the way.
What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
No marshmallows? No problem! You can skip them entirely or use regular-sized marshmallows instead—just be sure to adjust the amount and check them while they melt to avoid burning. You can also top it with nuts or a drizzle of maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You bet! To make it vegan, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk, like almond or coconut milk. The recipe will still taste amazing!
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
Great question! About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, use a fork to poke a sweet potato piece. If it goes in easily, they’re ready! You want them tender but not mushy, so keep an eye on them.
There you have it! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you create the best crockpot sweet potato casserole ever!
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Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole: 6 Easy Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy crockpot sweet potato casserole that you can make for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potatoes by peeling and cubing them.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the sweet potatoes to the crockpot and pour the mixture over them.
- Stir to combine everything well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until sweet potatoes are tender.
- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, add mini marshmallows on top and cover again until melted.
- Serve warm and enjoy your casserole.
Notes
- Make sure to cut sweet potatoes into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- You can adjust the sugar based on your taste preference.
- For added texture, consider topping with chopped nuts before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: crockpot sweet potato casserole
