Get ready for the easiest sweet potato casserole you will ever make! This crockpot sweet potato casserole takes a beloved classic and simplifies it for busy schedules. Enjoy creamy, tender sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel. It is a perfect dish for holidays, freeing up oven space, or a comforting side any night of the week. This recipe is a true game-changer!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole
This crockpot sweet potato casserole truly shines for its convenience and delicious results.
- Effortless Preparation: It is a true “set it and forget it” recipe. Your slow cooker does all the hard work.
- Rich Flavor: Enjoy a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes in every bite.
- Tender & Crunchy: Experience incredibly tender sweet potatoes complemented by a delightful pecan topping.
- Frees Up Oven Space: This is a huge bonus during busy holiday cooking, giving you room for other dishes.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone at your table will ask for a second helping of this delightful side.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your amazing crockpot sweet potato casserole. You’ll need fresh sweet potatoes, warming spices, and a few pantry staples. We separate the topping ingredients to ensure a perfectly crispy finish.
For the Casserole Base:
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Salt (to taste)
For the Topping:
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons chopped toasted pecans
Notes & Substitutions
Selecting the right sweet potatoes makes a difference; Garnet or Jewel varieties work best for their sweetness and creamy texture. To understand the subtle differences, a comparison between Jewel and Garnet sweet potatoes can be helpful. If you only have salted butter, omit the added salt from the base and adjust to taste later. Dark brown sugar provides a deeper molasses flavor, but light brown sugar or even maple syrup can be substituted for a slightly different sweetness. Feel free to customize your spices with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth. If pecans are not an option, walnuts or crumbled gingersnap cookies make excellent nut-free alternatives for the topping.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized equipment for this easy slow cooker recipe.
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Large mixing bowls
- Vegetable peeler and sharp knife
- Potato masher or a hand mixer
Instructions
Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create the best crockpot sweet potato casserole. This method ensures tender potatoes and a perfectly warm, crunchy topping with minimal effort.
Preparing Sweet Potatoes
Begin by thoroughly washing your sweet potatoes. Use a vegetable peeler to remove their skins completely. Next, carefully cut each peeled sweet potato into uniform 1-inch cubes. This crucial step ensures all the potatoes cook evenly in the slow cooker.
Making the Casserole Base
Take a large mixing bowl and combine your cubed sweet potatoes with the rest of the casserole base ingredients. Add ½ cup dark brown sugar, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon water, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and salt to taste. Stir everything together until the sweet potato cubes are evenly coated with the delicious mixture.
Cooking in the Crockpot
Transfer the coated sweet potatoes into your 6-quart slow cooker. Ensure they are spread in an even layer. Secure the slow cooker lid firmly. Cook the sweet potatoes on the LOW setting for 8 hours, or on HIGH for 4 hours. The cooking is complete when the potatoes are undeniably fork-tender.
Mashing the Sweet Potatoes
Once cooked, carefully remove the lid from the slow cooker. Use a potato masher to mash the sweet potatoes directly in the pot. You can mash them until completely smooth or leave them slightly chunky, depending on your preferred texture.
Adding the Topping
In a separate small bowl, prepare the topping mixture. Combine 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 2 tablespoons chopped toasted pecans. Sprinkle this delightful topping evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes in the slow cooker. Re-cover the slow cooker with its lid and continue to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. This short cooking time allows the topping to warm through and become wonderfully fragrant, completing your delicious crockpot sweet potato casserole.
Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole
Achieve perfect results with these helpful tips for your crockpot sweet potato casserole.
- Prevent Watery Casserole: Do not add extra liquid beyond the recipe. Ensure your slow cooker lid fits snugly to minimize condensation. For optimal results and to ensure your dish is safe, it’s always wise to follow general slow cooker food safety guidelines.
- Ensure Even Cooking: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. This guarantees every piece cooks through at the same rate.
- Achieve Perfect Texture: Avoid overcooking; mash as soon as potatoes are fork-tender. Overcooked potatoes can become mushy.
- Flavor Enhancement: Briefly toast your pecans before adding them to the topping for a deeper, nuttier flavor. Adjust spices to your preference.
- Make Ahead Recommendations: Assemble the sweet potato base the night before and refrigerate. Cook the next day as directed.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Serving Suggestions
This versatile crockpot sweet potato casserole is fantastic for many occasions. Serve it as a classic holiday side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork loin, or ham for an elevated weeknight meal. For an extra touch of indulgence, offer it with an additional pat of butter or a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover crockpot sweet potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, use the microwave for quick individual servings. Alternatively, warm larger quantities in an oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or use your slow cooker’s “warm” setting.
Variations & Add-ins
Customize your sweet potato casserole with these exciting ideas.
- Marshmallow Topping: Add mini marshmallows during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. This allows them to melt and toast beautifully.
- Streusel Topping: For a heartier crunch, swap the pecan topping for a streusel made with oats, flour, brown sugar, and cold butter.
- Different Nuts: Experiment with walnuts or slivered almonds in place of pecans.
- Citrus Zest: A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest brightens the flavors.
- Adult Twist: Stir in a tablespoon of bourbon or rum with the vanilla for a sophisticated touch.
Nutrition Information
This nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients and serving size provided. Actual values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 9g
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 58g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 60mg |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 30g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use frozen sweet potatoes? Yes, you can! Thaw them completely and drain any excess water before adding them to the slow cooker to avoid a watery casserole.
- How do I prevent my crockpot sweet potato casserole from being too watery? Ensure you do not add extra liquid. Also, make sure your lid fits tightly to prevent condensation from dripping back into the dish.
- What size crockpot is best for this recipe? A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe’s yield, allowing enough space for even cooking.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can peel and cube the sweet potatoes and mix them with the base ingredients the day before, then refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Can I add marshmallows to my crockpot sweet potato casserole? Yes, you can! Add a layer of mini marshmallows during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
This crockpot sweet potato casserole is the ultimate solution for a comforting, delicious, and incredibly easy side dish. It delivers all the beloved flavors of a classic sweet potato casserole without tying up your oven. Enjoy the convenience, the creamy texture, and the delightful pecan topping. Make this amazing recipe a staple in your kitchen and simplify your meal prep, especially during the busy holiday season!