As the leaves begin to change and a crispness fills the air, I find myself drawn to the comforting embrace of warm, sweet dishes. That’s when I first discovered the joy of Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows—a dish that’s become a staple on my table during cozy gatherings. The smoky scent of cinnamon mingling with the sweetness of brown sugar creates an irresistible aroma that fills my kitchen, promising a delightful experience.
This recipe is a game changer for those busy weeknights when you long for homemade food but time isn’t on your side. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a trusty crockpot, you can whip up a flavorful side that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Imagine serving a warm, creamy blend of sweet potatoes finished with a layer of gooey marshmallows—it's comfort food at its finest!
Let’s dive into this easy, crowd-pleasing dish that transforms humble sweet potatoes into a dreamy delight with minimal effort. Trust me, this recipe is just the sweet escape you’ve been looking for!
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
- This Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows recipe makes meal prep a breeze, allowing you to set it and forget it while it cooks to perfection.
- The combination of flavors from sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and marshmallows creates a deliciously sweet dish that everyone will rave about.
- Its versatility means you can serve it as a side for holiday dinners, potlucks, or even casual weeknight meals.
- Visually stunning with its vibrant orange and fluffy marshmallow topping, this dish is sure to impress your guests and make your table look inviting.
Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes
• Sweet potatoes – 3 lbs, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
• Water or orange juice (optional) – ⅓ cup can add a citrusy twist to enhance flavors.
For the Glaze
• Light brown sugar – ½ cup, packed for caramel sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
• Unsalted butter – ¼ cup, melted to create a rich and velvety base.
• Ground cinnamon – ½ teaspoon, for that warm, comforting aroma everyone loves.
• Ground nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon, which adds a hint of spice to elevate the dish.
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon, to balance the sweetness of the dish.
• Pure vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon, because vanilla makes everything better!
For the Topping
• Mini marshmallows – 2 to 3 cups, to create that dreamy, gooey layer that everyone will love.
With these ingredients, your Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows will not only taste divine but will fill your kitchen with the welcoming scent of a cozy home. Happy cooking!
How to Make Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
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Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel and chop your sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Place them directly into the crockpot, ensuring they’re evenly distributed for even cooking.
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Mix Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir well until all ingredients are smoothly blended, creating a sweet aroma.
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Coat Potatoes: Pour the glaze over the sweet potatoes, making sure to coat each piece. If desired, add ⅓ cup of water or orange juice for extra moisture and flavor enhancement.
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Cook Slow: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. Stir occasionally for a perfect consistency, until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
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Add Marshmallows: About 10–15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the mini marshmallows generously on top. Cover again and let them melt into a gooey, sweet topping.
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Serve Warm: Gently stir the melted marshmallows into the sweet potatoes or serve them as a delightful topping. Enjoy your warm, comforting dish with family or guests.
Optional: Drizzle some extra melted butter over the top for added richness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows Variations
Feel free to make this dish your own by customizing it with any of these delicious ideas!
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Maple Syrup: Swap brown sugar for ⅓ cup maple syrup for a deeper, richer sweetness. Maple's unique flavor adds a delightful twist!
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Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast. The nuts provide a satisfying crunch against the creamy sweet potatoes.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. This unexpected twist brightens the dish and brings out the sweetness beautifully.
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Fruit Fusion: Toss in 1 cup of diced apples or pears for added flavor and natural sweetness. The fruit melds with the sweet potatoes while offering a refreshing bite.
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Orange Zest: Grate the zest of one orange into the glaze for a zesty brightness. This infusion of citrus enhances the overall flavor profile and complements the sweetness perfectly.
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Coconut Cream: Replace the butter with ¼ cup of coconut cream for a tropical twist. This creamy alternative infuses the dish with rich flavor and a hint of exotic sweetness.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the marshmallows before serving for a decadent touch. The dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the sweetness and adds depth.
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Herbal Infusion: Experiment with fresh rosemary or thyme, adding a teaspoon. This surprisingly earthy addition balances the sweetness with its aromatic fragrance.
Embrace these variations and make this dish uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows?
Create a heartwarming meal that enchants those you love with delicious combinations and flavors.
- Savory Green Beans: The crispness of green beans adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet, creamy potatoes, making every bite delightful.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots drizzled with honey bring an extra layer of sweetness; the vibrant color also harmonizes beautifully on your plate.
- Roasted Chicken: Juicy, seasoned chicken complements the sweetness of the dish, offering a savory balance that rounds out your meal perfectly.
- Crispy Fried Onions: Add a crunchy kick! These lend texture and a delicious salty contrast that elevates the flavor profile of the sweet potatoes.
- Cornbread Muffins: Fluffy cornbread serves as a hearty companion, soaking up the sweet glaze from the dish while adding a comforting, sturdy element.
- Apple Cider: A warm mug of spiced apple cider beautifully enhances the sweet flavors, creating a cozy atmosphere for chilly days.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For dessert, the creaminess of vanilla ice cream over warm sweet potatoes with marshmallows is a heavenly indulgence you won’t forget!
Make your meal special with these pairings, delighting your family and friends in every bite.
Make Ahead Options
These Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can prep the sweet potatoes and glaze up to 24 hours in advance to save valuable time. Simply peel and chop the sweet potatoes, then mix the glaze in a bowl. Pour the glaze over the sweet potatoes in the crockpot but don’t add the marshmallows yet. Cover and refrigerate overnight. When you're ready to cook, just pop it into the slow cooker without thawing, setting it to LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. Add the marshmallows about 10–15 minutes before serving for that perfect gooey topping. This way, you’ll have a delicious side ready to impress with minimal last-minute effort!
How to Store and Freeze Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
Fridge: Keep any leftover Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions of the dish in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water or orange juice to restore moisture and warmth. Heat slowly in the microwave or on the stove, stirring occasionally.
Serving: Enjoy the sweet potatoes warm, optionally topping them with more melted marshmallows for an extra indulgent treat!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows, be sure to cut your sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch chunks to ensure even cooking.
- A common mistake is adding too much liquid; just a splash of water or orange juice is enough to enhance the flavor without making the dish too watery.
- Stirring the sweet potatoes occasionally while they cook helps to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the dish.
- Finally, for the best melted marshmallow topping, add them in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, allowing just enough time for them to become gooey without burning.
Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Look for sweet potatoes that are smooth, firm, and free from dark spots or blemishes. The skin should be tight, and they're ideally a rich orange to golden color. Avoid soft or shriveled potatoes, as these are a sign of age.
What is the best way to store leftover Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows?
Very! Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before sealing. To reheat, simply microwave or warm them on the stovetop, adding a touch of water or orange juice to restore moisture.
Can I freeze Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the sweet potatoes to cool completely. Then, portion them into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags—be sure to remove as much air as possible. They will be good for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly.
What should I do if my sweet potatoes are too watery?
No worries! If you find your sweet potatoes are too watery after cooking, you can thicken them up. Simply remove the lid of the crockpot and cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes. This allows some of the excess moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mash them slightly to create a thicker consistency.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! If you’re preparing this dish for guests with allergies, be aware that marshmallows generally contain gelatin, which can be a concern for vegetarians. For a vegetarian-friendly option, look for gelatin-free marshmallows! Additionally, if cooking for pets, ensure the dish is free from harmful ingredients like salt and sugar before offering any bites.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Very! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and glaze and store them separately in the fridge for 1-2 days before cooking. When you're ready, just combine and cook in the crockpot. This way, you can have a warm, homemade dish ready with minimal work on busy days!
Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel and chop your sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Place them directly into the crockpot, ensuring they’re evenly distributed for even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir well until all ingredients are smoothly blended, creating a sweet aroma.
- Pour the glaze over the sweet potatoes, making sure to coat each piece. If desired, add ⅓ cup of water or orange juice for extra moisture and flavor enhancement.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally for a perfect consistency, until the potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
- About 10-15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the mini marshmallows generously on top. Cover again and let them melt into a gooey, sweet topping.
- Gently stir the melted marshmallows into the sweet potatoes or serve them as a delightful topping. Enjoy your warm, comforting dish with family or guests.
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