Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 195 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 2 (29 ounce) cans sweet potatoes, drained; 0.33333334326744 cup butter, melted; 2 tablespoons white sugar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 0.5 cup milk; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 tablespoon orange juice; 0.33333331346512 cup chopped pecans; 0.33333334326744 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons butter, melted

Cook Time: 180 minutes

Save space in your oven on Thanksgiving with this Crock-Pot sweet potato casserole. It's the perfect side dish to free up oven space and impress your guests with minimal effort.

Crock-Pot Sweet Potato Casserole Ingredients

For the sweet potatoes: 2 (29 ounce) cans sweet potatoes, drained, cup butter (melted), 2 tablespoons white sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, cup milk, 2 eggs (beaten), 1 tablespoon orange juice
For the topping: cup chopped pecans, cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons butter (melted)

How to Make Crock-Pot Sweet Potato Casserole

Follow these simple steps for a delicious and hassle-free casserole:

Prepare the sweet potatoes: Drain the sweet potatoes and place them in a large bowl. Mash them with a potato masher until smooth.
Add the ingredients: Stir in the melted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Next, add the milk, beaten eggs, and orange juice. Mix everything until well combined.
Transfer to the slow cooker: Once the sweet potato mixture is ready, transfer it to a greased slow cooker.
Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and melted butter. Mix them together to form a crumbly topping.
Assemble and cook: Spread the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or until heated through and the topping is golden brown.

Can You Make This Sweet Potato Casserole in the Oven?

If you'd prefer to make this casserole in the oven, simply layer the sweet potato mixture and topping in a prepared baking dish. Bake at 325F for about 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

More Thanksgiving Slow Cooker Inspiration

Need more ideas to make your Thanksgiving meal a breeze? Check out these other easy, slow-cooker side dishes:

Slow Cooker Stuffing
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"I love this recipe," says suebee2001. "Ive been using it for a few years, and it's a hit every time. It's so convenient to make in the slow cooker, leaving more space in the oven for other dishes!"

"This is delicious and VERY easy," according to DETSHER77. "I omitted the orange juice and added vanilla extract. I also doubled the topping, which really made the dish."

"Delicious and so easy to make," shares MARIANNEH. "I added some pumpkin pie spice, but otherwise stuck with the recipe. It was a big hit at our family Thanksgiving dinner."

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 406
Fat: 14g (18% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 6g (32% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 77mg (26% Daily Value)
Sodium: 103mg (4% Daily Value)
Carbohydrates: 66g (24% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 4g (15% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 35g
Protein: 6g (13% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 20mg (22% Daily Value)
Calcium: 112mg (9% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (9% Daily Value)
Potassium: 848mg (18% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

History and Origins

The sweet potato casserole has its roots deeply embedded in American cuisine, especially in the Southern United States. Its history dates back to the late 19th century when sweet potatoes were widely grown in the South and became a staple food. The dish itself was likely influenced by European settlers who introduced the concept of casseroles, blending their culinary techniques with locally grown ingredients. While its exact origins are hard to pinpoint, sweet potato casserole has become a beloved holiday dish, particularly at Thanksgiving, where it serves as a sweet, comforting side dish. Over the years, variations have emerged, incorporating everything from marshmallows to pecans, but the dish has always maintained its essence as a warm, sweet, and savory treat.

Regional Features

While sweet potato casserole is enjoyed across the United States, it holds particular significance in the Southern and Southwestern regions, where sweet potatoes are abundantly grown. In the South, the casserole often includes ingredients like brown sugar, butter, and sometimes pecans, which enhance its rich flavor. The dish is typically served during the fall and winter months, especially around major holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Additionally, the use of a slow cooker or Crock-Pot in making this casserole is a modern regional adaptation, reflecting the growing trend of convenient, space-saving cooking methods in busy households.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Sweet potato casserole stands apart from other similar dishes like mashed sweet potatoes or baked sweet potatoes due to its rich, sweet, and nutty topping. Unlike mashed sweet potatoes, which are usually served as a simple, savory side dish, sweet potato casserole often features a topping made from brown sugar, butter, and nuts, creating a sweet contrast to the natural earthiness of the potatoes. The inclusion of marshmallows, often added as a final layer, gives the casserole a unique texture and flavor profile, making it a hybrid between a side dish and a dessert. This distinguishes it from other potato casseroles, such as those made with white potatoes or hashbrowns, which are typically more savory and less sweet.

Where It Is Typically Served

Sweet potato casserole is most commonly served during holiday gatherings, particularly at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is often found as part of a larger meal that includes roast meats, cornbread, green beans, and cranberry sauce. However, this dish has made its way into everyday family dinners as well, thanks to the convenience of slow cooking. It's not unusual to find it served at potlucks, church gatherings, or any event where a large group is expected. The casserole is known for its ability to be made ahead of time, allowing hosts to focus on other aspects of their meal preparation while the slow cooker takes care of this beloved dish.

Interesting Facts

1. The use of marshmallows in sweet potato casserole is often credited to the invention of the modern version by the Campbell Soup Company in the 1950s. They marketed a recipe that included their canned sweet potatoes and topped it with mini marshmallows, which became an instant hit during the holiday season.

2. While this dish is traditionally made with sweet potatoes, yams are often used as a substitute. Though they are often mistaken for one another, sweet potatoes and yams are botanically different. Sweet potatoes tend to be softer and sweeter, while yams are starchier and less sweet. The confusion between the two comes from marketing and regional differences, but sweet potatoes are more commonly used in casseroles.

3. In some Southern variations, sweet potato casserole is topped with crunchy items like pecans, or even a layer of crunchy cereal, adding an extra layer of texture. The nutty topping, combined with the sweet and creamy base, makes it a uniquely satisfying dish.

4. The casserole has become so popular that it has found its way into other cuisines around the world. Variations of sweet potato casseroles can be found in countries with a history of sweet potato cultivation, such as parts of Africa and Asia. However, none are as universally associated with holidays as the American version.

FAQ about Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Yes, you can. To make this casserole in the oven, layer the sweet potatoes and topping in a prepared baking dish. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble the casserole and topping, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply cook in the slow cooker or oven as directed when ready to serve.

Yes, you can use fresh sweet potatoes. Bake or boil the sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them and proceed with the recipe as usual.

Yes, you can adjust ingredients to suit your preferences. For example, you can substitute the butter with margarine or plant-based butter for a dairy-free version, or omit the eggs for an egg-free casserole. You can also adjust the amount of sugar or swap it for a different sweetener if desired.

Absolutely! You can add mini marshmallows, coconut flakes, or a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg on top. Some people also like to add crushed pineapple or chopped apples for added flavor.

Yes, you can substitute the pecans with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts, depending on your preference.

To make the casserole less sweet, reduce the amount of both white and brown sugar. You can also omit the orange juice if you prefer a less sweet taste.

Yes, adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can enhance the flavor of the casserole. You can add them to the sweet potato mixture or sprinkle them on top before cooking.

The casserole is done when the topping is golden brown and the sweet potato mixture is hot and bubbly. If cooking in the slow cooker, check it after 3-4 hours on high. In the oven, it usually takes about 30 minutes at 325°F (163°C).

Yes, you can make this casserole without eggs. Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or another egg substitute such as applesauce or a vegan egg replacer.

Yes, you can cook the casserole on low for 4-5 hours instead of on high. The cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker, so it's a good idea to check for doneness after 4 hours.

Comments

Matthew Clark

12/03/2024 10:41:23 PM

This dish was absolutely delightful! I decided to make a larger batch for our Thanksgiving feast by doubling the recipe, and following the advice of other reviewers, I quadrupled the topping. I alternated layers of the sweet potato mixture with the topping three times, and near the end, I sprinkled mini-marshmallows on top. Using a crock pot liner was a brilliant idea as it prevented the casserole from burning and made washing up a breeze. Overall, this dish was fantastic! We will definitely be enjoying it again in the future.

Carolyn Collins

01/02/2023 05:00:04 PM

Delicious! I opted for fresh yams and gave them a quick cook in my Instant Pot before transferring them to the slow cooker mode. I set it on high for an hour, then switched to low for three more. I accidentally doubled the crumble mixture and misread the butter measurement, using four TABLESPOONS instead of teaspoons - but it turned out perfectly fine! I skipped the orange juice as I didn't have any, and it didn't seem to make a difference. This dish was a hit with everyone!

Deborah Thompson

08/23/2023 11:38:18 PM

Wow, what a delightful surprise! Despite my initial concerns about making a sweet potato casserole in a crockpot, this recipe turned out to be absolutely fantastic. I decided to bake 6 sweet potatoes at 400 degrees for 75 minutes, then peeled and mashed them instead of using canned yams, following the advice of others. The difference was remarkable, and I can't imagine ever going back to using canned sweet potatoes again. Following more recommendations, I increased the amount of regular and brown sugars by an extra tablespoon and doubled the topping. After setting the crockpot on High for 3 hours, I added marshmallows to half of the casserole during the final 45 minutes of cooking. Removing the lid for the last 30 minutes allowed the topping to develop a delicious crunchy texture. The anticipation to dig in was almost unbearable! The end result? An absolute hit! Everyone at our Christmas gathering couldn't stop raving about the casserole, with many going back for seconds and even thirds. I can't sing enough praises for this recipe and the helpful tips shared by others. Thank you for making our Christmas feast even more special!

Janet Smith

11/25/2022 06:57:01 AM

I prepared this dish for Easter using five large fresh sweet potatoes. After boiling and mashing them until tender, I followed the recipe closely. To enhance the presentation, I added mini marshmallows on top and placed the pan under the oven broiler to give them a golden finish. My family absolutely adored this dish and everyone went back for seconds. What I loved the most was that it is both simple to make and not overly sweet. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful recipe. - Cheri

Larry White

01/07/2023 10:56:20 PM

This dish was incredibly simple to prepare in advance. I decided to enhance it by incorporating 4 oz. of crushed pineapple from the start and sprinkling small marshmallows on top during the final 30 minutes of cooking at my destination. To give it an extra touch, I used a torch to caramelize the marshmallow topping, and surprisingly, someone even asked for burnt marshmallows. In response to a couple of requests, I omitted the pecans from the recipe. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this dish and would absolutely make it again.

Brandon Lee

12/31/2022 07:13:22 PM

This dish is AMAZING! I multiplied the recipe and increased the topping by four times - trust me, you'll want to do the same. I opted for fresh sweet potatoes and pre-cooked them to simplify things on the day of serving. It's absolutely delicious to have it warm throughout the holidays. And guess what? Everyone is asking for the recipe!

Victoria Adams

05/04/2025 12:11:57 PM

Such a breeze. Absolutely fantastic. Much appreciated!

Frank Clark

02/24/2023 07:25:03 AM

I discovered this recipe on this site a few years back. Without a doubt, it is the most delicious sweet potato recipe I have ever tried. It's simple to make and the flavor is incredible! The entire family adores it, especially during our Thanksgiving gathering where I cook for about 20 people. I always double the recipe because it's just that good.

Janet Wilson

10/12/2024 08:48:12 PM

I followed the recipe tips and baked it in the oven. The result was fantastic - sweet with a delightful crunchy top.

Joshua Wright

11/21/2022 07:23:32 PM

This dish was a hit with everyone! I decided to trust my instincts and doubled the topping, which turned out to be a great choice. The only adjustment I would make next time is to use less butter in the potatoes, as the topping already provides enough richness for my taste. I will definitely be making this dish again! Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!

Christopher Harris

03/15/2023 03:39:15 AM

I found it lacking in sweetness and missed the crunchy top that baked dishes typically have. The texture was all the same, which was quite underwhelming. I initially wanted to save oven space by trying this dish for Thanksgiving, but I think I'll stick to baked dishes in the future.

Jeffrey Miller

03/31/2023 01:37:17 AM

Absolutely Fantastic! I always double the recipe and quadruple the topping - trust me, it's worth it. I opt for fresh sweet potatoes and pre-cook them to simplify things on the day of serving. Nothing beats the comfort of this dish warming up the holiday feast all day long. Everyone is always asking for the recipe!

Jerry Jackson

07/25/2023 10:13:47 AM

Thanksgiving was a huge success thanks to this dish. And we didn't even have to use the oven!

audio version

Cook Time: 40 minutes