If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday side dish or a sweet comfort food to warm up your week, these Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows are exactly what you need. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes, gently slow-cooked with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, then topped with golden, gooey marshmallows—it’s pure heaven in a bowl.
This dish is not only festive and nostalgic, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work for you, freeing up your oven and your time.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup water or milk (for creaminess)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows (or more, to taste)
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, chopped pecans for topping
Preparation
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
- Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks. Place them directly into your crockpot insert.
Step 2: Add Flavorings
- Add brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract to the crockpot. Pour in water or milk. Stir gently to coat the sweet potatoes evenly.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Mash the Potatoes
- Once cooked, mash the sweet potatoes directly in the crockpot using a potato masher or fork. Make it smooth or leave it a bit chunky—your call!
Step 5: Add the Marshmallows
- Sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top of the mashed sweet potatoes. Cover and continue cooking on HIGH for 10–15 minutes, or until the marshmallows are soft and melty.
Step 6: Serve
- Scoop into a serving bowl or serve directly from the crockpot. Garnish with chopped pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Variation
- Toasted Marshmallow Top: Transfer to a casserole dish and broil for 2–3 minutes to brown the marshmallows
- Pecan Crumble Topping: Replace marshmallows with a streusel of brown sugar, butter, flour, and pecans
- Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk
- Spiced Up: Add ground ginger, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice for extra fall flavor
- Maple Twist: Swap brown sugar for pure maple syrup
Cooking Note
Cooking time can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker’s heat level and the size of the sweet potato chunks. Stir once during cooking if possible to avoid sticking.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner
- Serve with ham, turkey, or roast chicken
- Pair with green beans, cranberry sauce, or stuffing
- Serve in individual ramekins for holiday parties
- Use leftovers as a filling for savory-sweet hand pies or wraps
Tips
- Cut sweet potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream before adding marshmallows
- Want more texture? Leave some small chunks when mashing
- To make it ahead, cook the base a day before and reheat with marshmallows on serving day
- Use parchment under the lid to prevent moisture from watering down the mash
Time Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: 6–7 hours
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. 8 servings)
- Calories: ~270
- Protein: ~2g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~8g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Sodium: ~180mg
Note: Nutrition may vary based on toppings and portion sizes.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
- Yes, but reduce the cook time significantly and skip the water. Mash and warm with other ingredients.
Do I need to stir during cooking?
- Not necessary, but if you’re around, give it one stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Can I add the marshmallows from the beginning?
- It’s best to add them at the end to prevent melting into the potatoes.
Can I make this in advance?
- Yes! Prepare everything except the marshmallows and store in the fridge. Reheat and top before serving.
How do I make this without marshmallows?
- Use a pecan crumble topping or serve it plain for a more savory sweet potato dish.
Conclusion
Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows are everything you love about classic holiday dishes—sweet, buttery, warm, and topped with fluffy melted marshmallows. And thanks to the slow cooker, they’re unbelievably easy and hands-off.
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just craving a nostalgic side, this recipe delivers in both flavor and convenience. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and always a hit at the table.