If you're looking for a cozy, hands-off side dish that feels like a warm hug, the Marshmallow Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes Recipe is just what you need. This dish blends the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with a golden layer of gooey marshmallows, which caramelize beautifully whether you keep them soft or give them a quick toast on top. Perfect for holiday dinners, casual weeknight meals, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort, it's a reliable go-to that never disappoints.
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Why This Recipe Works
This Marshmallow Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes Recipe balances smooth, tender sweet potatoes with the rich, toasted sweetness of marshmallows for an irresistible combination. It uses the slow cooker's low, steady heat to bring out a silky texture without any babysitting.
- Consistent Texture: The slow cooker gently softens the sweet potatoes until creamy but not mushy, ensuring you get perfect bite after bite.
- Deep, Balanced Flavor: The cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar blend in the glaze layer add subtle warmth that elevates the natural sweetness without overpowering it.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of items that you likely already have in your pantry, making this an accessible, fuss-free recipe.
- Fast Prep, Big Payoff: With just 10 minutes of prep and mostly hands-off slow cooking, it frees up your time while filling your home with a toasty, inviting aroma.
Ingredient Game Plan
Choosing quality ingredients sets this Marshmallow Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes Recipe apart. I always pick firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin-they hold up nicely during slow cooking without falling apart.
- Sweet Potatoes: Look for ones free from bruises, as these cook evenly and taste sweeter.
- Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for a more delicate molasses flavor that won't overpower the dish.
- Unsalted Butter: Melting it first makes mixing easier and lets you control the salt level.
- Mini Marshmallows: Smaller marshmallows melt faster and cover every corner with gooey sweetness.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Cook Marshmallow Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Start by peeling your sweet potatoes and cutting them into uniform 1-2 inch chunks. This size helps them cook evenly and prevents mushiness. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until the glaze is smooth and fragrant. Toss the sweet potato chunks in this glaze, making sure every piece is coated well. You'll notice the cinnamon's warm notes coming alive here-it's the foundation of this recipe's comforting flavor.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
Transfer the glazed sweet potatoes into your crock pot. Spread them out evenly so the heat can circulate well around each piece. Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for about 4 to 5 hours, or HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours if you're short on time. You'll know they're ready when a fork slides through the potatoes effortlessly, and the kitchen fills with that sweet, buttery aroma you just can't resist. This slow cooking builds the rich, mellow flavor that's the heart of this Marshmallow Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes Recipe.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly on top and cover the crock pot again until they melt-usually about 10 minutes. If you like a toasted, golden marshmallow crust like I do, transfer the sweet potatoes to a casserole dish and broil for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye as they can brown quickly. The contrast between the fluffy, melted marshmallows and the silky potatoes is absolutely worth the extra step.
Pro Moves I Swear By
Over time, I've learned some small tweaks make this Marshmallow Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes Recipe truly shine. Don't rush the cooking-low and slow develops the best texture and flavor. When adding marshmallows, spreading them evenly lets every forkful have that signature gooey finish. And if you want a little crunch on top, just a quick broil does wonders without drying out the potatoes beneath.
- Doneness Cue: Use a fork test-the potatoes should give easily but not fall apart.
- Temperature Trick: Keep the crock pot on LOW if time allows; it yields silkier potatoes.
- Make-Ahead Move: Prepare the glazed potatoes the night before and refrigerate; slow cook the next day.
- Skip This Pitfall: Avoid overcrowding the crock pot, or cooking times will extend and texture suffers.
Serve It Up
Finishing Touches
I like serving this Marshmallow Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes Recipe straight from the crock pot to the table-the melted marshmallows stay warm and irresistibly gooey. A simple sprinkle of chopped pecans or a dash of flaky sea salt on top adds just enough texture contrast and a little savory pop that brightens the flavors beautifully.
Great Pairings
This sweet potatoes dish pairs wonderfully with savory mains like roasted turkey, baked ham, or grilled chicken. For balance, add something fresh and crisp like a simple green salad or sautéed greens. I find the sweet and savory combo keeps the meal exciting and well-rounded.
Easy Plating Wins
For casual dinners, scoop generous spoonfuls into rustic bowls or wide serving dishes. When guests come over, transfer to a pretty casserole with a sprinkle of extra marshmallows and toasted pecans on top for a seasonal, festive look. It's simple yet impressive and invites everyone to dig in.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Marshmallow Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The marshmallows will firm up and the sweetness deepens overnight, so just bring them back to a gentle warmth before serving to revive that gooey texture.
Freezer Notes
While sweet potatoes freeze well, marshmallows tend to change texture and become sticky. If you want to freeze, keep the sweet potatoes and marshmallows separate; freeze the potatoes in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh marshmallows when reheating.
Reheating Marshmallow Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes Recipe Without Drying Out
To reheat, gently warm leftovers in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to preserve moisture-start with 1-2 minutes and check. Alternatively, warm in a 325°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes. If the marshmallows have hardened, add a few fresh ones on top and broil briefly to restore that melty finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
While fresh sweet potatoes yield the best texture in this Marshmallow Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes Recipe, you can use frozen chunks if necessary. Just thaw them completely and reduce cooking time slightly, checking tenderness often to avoid overcooking.
Yes, you can! Just chop regular marshmallows into smaller pieces so they melt evenly and cover the potatoes well. Mini marshmallows just melt faster and create that classic gooey topping.
Absolutely! The sweet potatoes glazed with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon are delicious on their own. You can sprinkle a handful of toasted pecans or coconut flakes for texture instead of marshmallows if you prefer.
To veganize this Marshmallow Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes Recipe, use a plant-based butter substitute and vegan marshmallows (available at many stores). The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan friendly.
Final Thoughts
I love how this Marshmallow Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes Recipe makes holiday cooking feel less hectic. Tossing everything in the crock pot early frees up your oven and your attention for other dishes-and the sweet, toasty aroma filling the house is an instant mood booster. Whether you're making a festive feast or a comforting weeknight meal, it's a reliable recipe you'll enjoy coming back to again and again.
PrintComplete Recipe
Marshmallow Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Delight in the comforting sweetness of Marshmallow Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes, perfectly tender chunks of sweet potatoes slow-cooked with a buttery brown sugar glaze, cinnamon, and vanilla, topped with gooey melted mini marshmallows. This easy, hands-off recipe makes a deliciously warm side dish ideal for holiday dinners or cozy family meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 5 large sweet potatoes (peeled and chopped into 1-2 inch chunks)
Glaze
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized 1 to 2 inch chunks to ensure even cooking.
- Mix Glaze: In a bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt until thoroughly mixed to create a sweet, flavorful glaze.
- Combine in Crock Pot: Place the sweet potato chunks in the crock pot and pour the glaze evenly over them. Stir gently to coat the sweet potatoes with the mixture.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Cover and cook on LOW heat for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours until the sweet potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Add Marshmallows: Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the cooked sweet potatoes and cover. Allow the marshmallows to melt naturally in the crock pot, or transfer to a broiler-safe dish and broil for 1 to 2 minutes for a toasted, golden finish.
- Serve: Serve warm directly from the crock pot or transfer to a casserole dish for serving, enjoying the comforting blend of sweet potatoes and marshmallow topping.
Notes
- For a slightly toasted marshmallow topping without a broiler, leave the crock pot uncovered on warm until marshmallows melt and slightly brown.
- You can substitute brown sugar with maple syrup for a different natural sweetness.
- Use fresh cinnamon for a more intense flavor.
- To make the recipe vegan, replace butter with coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows.
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform chunks to cook evenly and quickly.
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