Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

The Best Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Sweet potato casserole crafts ordinary ingredients into a magical comfort dish that warms hearts and sparks joy at family gatherings.

Slow-cooking techniques elevate humble root vegetables into a decadent side that blends creamy textures with subtle sweetness.

Hearty and nourishing, this casserole represents more than just a recipe—it embodies culinary tradition and shared memories.

Soft, velvety sweet potatoes create a luxurious base that melts effortlessly with rich, complementary flavors.

Marshmallow and pecan toppings add delightful contrasts of crispy and smooth sensations that dance across taste buds.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how simple techniques can create extraordinary dining experiences.

Each bite tells a story of comfort, connection, and delicious simplicity.

Why Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Is a Holiday Staple

  • Effortless Slow Cooker Magic: This recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a creamy, dreamy side dish with minimal hands-on time, letting your crockpot do all the hard work while you relax.
  • Texture Paradise: Expect a silky-smooth sweet potato base topped with a crunchy, caramelized pecan crumble that delivers an incredible contrast of creamy and crispy in every single bite.
  • Holiday Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for thanksgiving or family gatherings, this make-ahead casserole reduces kitchen stress and brings a warm, comforting southern-style dish to your table with zero complicated techniques.

Must-Have Ingredients for Sweet Potato Casserole

Base Ingredients:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Classic holiday vegetable with rich, creamy texture and natural sweetness.
  • Orange Juice: Adds brightness and subtle citrus flavor to complement sweet potatoes.
  • Salt: Essential for enhancing overall flavor profile of the dish.
Creamy Elements:
  • Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious richness and smooth consistency to mashed potatoes.
  • Butter: Adds depth of flavor and silky texture to the sweet potato base.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Pecans, Chopped: Crunchy nut that brings nutty warmth and textural contrast to the casserole.
  • Brown Sugar: Offers deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create a golden topping.
  • Flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients and creates a slight crumbly texture.
  • Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements sweet potato's natural sweetness.
  • Melted Butter: Helps ingredients stick together and adds rich flavor to the topping.

Crockpot Method for Sweet Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Sweet Potato Base

Place sweet potatoes in a 6-quart slow cooker with orange juice and salt. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours until potatoes become incredibly soft and tender.

Step 2: Create Creamy Potato Mixture

Once potatoes are cooked, uncover and add heavy cream and butter. Mash thoroughly with a potato masher until the mixture becomes silky smooth and luxurious.

Step 3: Craft Crunchy Pecan Topping

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Chopped pecans
  • Brown sugar
  • Flour
  • Cinnamon
  • Salt

Mix ingredients until they form a delectable, crumbly topping.

Step 4: Finish with Nutty Crunch

Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly across the mashed sweet potatoes. Cover and continue cooking for 30-60 minutes until the topping warms through and becomes slightly melted.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from crockpot and serve this warm, comforting casserole as a delightful side dish that will impress family and friends.

Tips for a Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Potato Selection Matters: Choose medium-sized, uniform sweet potatoes for even cooking and consistent texture in your casserole.
  • Moisture Magic: Add a splash of orange juice to prevent potatoes from drying out and enhance their natural sweetness during slow cooking.
  • Mashing Technique: Use a potato masher or hand mixer for ultra-smooth, creamy sweet potato base without lumps or stringy bits.
  • Topping Timing: Sprinkle pecan mixture in the last hour of cooking to keep nuts crunchy and prevent burning or becoming soggy.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then slow cook when ready to serve for stress-free entertaining.

Sweet Potato Casserole Leftover Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate: Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss.
  • Freeze: Package leftovers in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date to track freshness.
  • Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed casserole in the microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds. Alternatively, bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent the pecan topping from burning.

Sweet Potato Casserole Pairing Ideas

  • Pair with Roasted Turkey: The creamy sweet potato casserole perfectly complements the savory, rich flavors of roasted turkey, creating a harmonious balance that elevates your holiday meal.
  • Serve with Crisp Riesling: A slightly sweet Riesling wine cuts through the richness of the casserole, its bright acidity and fruity notes enhancing the dish's warm, nutty undertones.
  • Match with Bourbon Glazed Ham: The caramelized, sweet pecan topping beautifully contrasts with the salty, smoky flavors of a bourbon-glazed ham, making for a delightful flavor combination.
  • Complement with Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: The sweet and crunchy casserole finds its perfect partner in maple bacon brussels sprouts, adding a savory depth and textural contrast to the meal.

Creative Twists for Sweet Potato Casserole

  • Maple Praline Crunch: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup and add chopped praline pieces for extra sweetness and crunch.
  • Marshmallow Swirl Edition: Top the casserole with mini marshmallows during the final cooking stage, creating a gooey caramelized layer.
  • Bourbon Spice Fusion: Incorporate a splash of bourbon into the mashed sweet potatoes and add ground nutmeg to the pecan topping for a rich, warm flavor profile.
  • Coconut Caramel Blend: Mix shredded coconut into the pecan topping and drizzle caramel sauce over the finished casserole for a tropical-inspired variation.
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Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet potato casserole brings Southern comfort to your holiday table with marshmallow-topped perfection. Creamy, caramelized sweet potatoes blend rich flavors and warm spices that welcome you home in one delightful dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Mashed Sweet Potatoes:

  • 3 lbs (1.36 kilograms) sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Creamy Additions:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter

Pecan Topping:

  • 4 tablespoons (60 grams) melted butter
  • ¾ cup (90 grams) chopped pecans, toasted
  • ⅓ cup (70 grams) packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Gently place cubed sweet potatoes into the crockpot, infusing them with zesty orange juice and a pinch of salt, ensuring even distribution throughout the cooking vessel.
  2. Secure the lid and allow the sweet potatoes to slowly transform, becoming incredibly tender through a low and slow cooking process lasting 3-4 hours on high heat or 5-6 hours on low temperature.
  3. Once the sweet potatoes reach a supremely soft consistency, unveil the crockpot and introduce rich heavy cream and velvety butter, then vigorously mash until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
  4. Craft the decadent pecan topping by whisking together molten butter, roughly chopped pecans, granulated brown sugar, delicate flour, warm cinnamon, and a subtle salt accent in a separate mixing bowl.
  5. Generously cascade the prepared nutty mixture across the smooth sweet potato landscape, creating an even, tempting layer of crunchy potential.
  6. Replace the crockpot lid and allow the topping to gently warm and slightly meld for an additional 30-60 minutes, developing a rich, caramelized essence that will elevate the entire dish.

Notes

  • Slow Cooker Magic: This hands-off method transforms sweet potatoes into a creamy, dreamy side dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Time-Saving Technique: Cooking on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours allows for flexible meal preparation without constant monitoring.
  • Creamy Perfection: Heavy cream and butter create an ultra-smooth, luxurious texture that elevates traditional sweet potato mash.
  • Crunchy Topping Trick: The pecan mixture adds a delightful caramelized crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft sweet potato base.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components in advance and assemble just before the final cooking stage for stress-free entertaining.
  • Nutrition Boost: Sweet potatoes pack a powerful punch of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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