There’s something magical about a warm, sweet, and creamy Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply craving comfort food.
With its buttery mashed sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan topping, this casserole is the perfect blend of textures and flavors. Plus, making it in a slow cooker frees up oven space during busy cooking days and keeps the preparation hassle-free.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, this slow cooker sweet potato casserole is the recipe for you.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
- Hands-Free Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, letting you focus on other dishes or enjoy time with loved ones.
- Rich and Flavorful: The sweet potato base is creamy and buttery, while the topping adds a delightful crunch.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or any holiday spread.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious side dish:
Sweet Potato Mixture | Topping |
2 (29-ounce) cans sweet potatoes, drained | ⅓ cup chopped pecans |
⅓ cup butter, melted | ⅓ cup brown sugar |
2 tablespoons white sugar | 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour |
2 tablespoons brown sugar | 2 teaspoons butter, melted |
½ cup milk | |
2 eggs, beaten | |
1 tablespoon orange juice |
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s indulgent yet easy to make.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker to prevent sticking.
2. Mash the Sweet Potatoes
- Drain the canned sweet potatoes and place them in a large bowl.
- Use a potato masher to mash them until smooth.
3. Mix the Sweet Potato Base
- Stir in the melted butter, white sugar, brown sugar, milk, eggs, and orange juice until well combined.
4. Transfer to the Slow Cooker
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared slow cooker and spread it out evenly.
Making the Topping
1. Combine the Ingredients
- In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter until crumbly.
2. Add the Topping
- Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the sweet potato base in the slow cooker.
Cooking the Sweet Potato Casserole
1. Set the Slow Cooker
- Cover and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or until the casserole is hot and the topping is set.
2. Serve and Enjoy
- Once cooked, scoop the casserole into a serving dish and enjoy warm.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Perfect Texture
The slow cooker ensures the sweet potatoes stay moist and creamy, while the pecan topping adds the perfect crunch.
2. No Oven Needed
Free up your oven for other dishes by making this casserole in a slow cooker.
3. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
The combination of sweet potatoes, sugars, and orange juice creates a beautifully balanced flavor profile.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
1. Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes
- If you prefer, you can substitute canned sweet potatoes with fresh ones. Simply peel, boil, and mash them before mixing.
2. Adjust the Sweetness
- If you like a less sweet casserole, reduce the amount of white or brown sugar in the recipe.
3. Make It Ahead
- Assemble the sweet potato mixture and topping in advance. Refrigerate overnight and cook the next day.
4. Keep It Warm
- After cooking, keep the casserole warm in the slow cooker on the “Keep Warm” setting.
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Potato Casserole
1. Holiday Main Courses
Pair this casserole with turkey, ham, or roast beef for a festive feast.
2. Light Salads
Serve alongside a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
3. Simple Sides
Complement with other sides like cranberry sauce, stuffing, or roasted vegetables.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Cup) |
Calories | 280 |
Protein | 4g |
Fat | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 40g |
Sodium | 160mg |
This casserole is a rich, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for special occasions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Skipping the Grease
- Make sure to grease your slow cooker to avoid sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Overcooking
- Check the casserole at 3 hours to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
3. Using Cold Ingredients
- Bring your butter and eggs to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
How to Customize Your Sweet Potato Casserole
1. Add Marshmallows
- Sprinkle mini marshmallows on top during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a classic twist.
2. Try Different Nuts
- Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a unique flavor.
3. Make It Dairy-Free
- Use almond milk or coconut milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
4. Add Spices
- Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of cloves into the sweet potato base for a spiced variation.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
1. Can I use fresh sweet potatoes?
Yes! Peel and boil fresh sweet potatoes until soft, then mash and proceed with the recipe.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
3. Can I freeze sweet potato casserole?
Absolutely. Allow the casserole to cool, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but ensure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the increased volume.
5. How do I prevent the topping from sinking?
Ensure the sweet potato base is thick and smooth before adding the topping.
6. Can I make this casserole vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg substitute to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish. It’s creamy, rich, and topped with a crunchy pecan crumble that’s sure to impress your guests. With the ease of slow cooker preparation, you can focus on enjoying your time with family and friends instead of spending hours in the kitchen.
So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. You’ll quickly see why this recipe deserves a permanent spot on your holiday table.
PrintSlow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole: A Comforting, Easy Holiday Favorite
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a buttery pecan topping for the ultimate holiday side dish. It’s simple, indulgent, and cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, freeing up your oven for other festive dishes!
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 2 (29-ounce) cans sweet potatoes, drained
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
Topping
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, mash the drained sweet potatoes until smooth.
Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Base
- Stir in melted butter, white sugar, brown sugar, milk, eggs, and orange juice.
- Mix until the ingredients are well combined and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Base
- Pour the sweet potato mixture into the greased slow cooker and spread evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
Step 5: Cook the Casserole
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or until the casserole is hot and the topping is set.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Scoop the casserole into serving bowls or onto plates. Serve warm.
Notes
- For Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Substitute canned sweet potatoes with 4 large fresh sweet potatoes. Peel, boil, and mash them before proceeding with the recipe.
- Topping Variations: Add mini marshmallows during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a classic twist.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sweet potato mixture and topping in advance. Refrigerate overnight and cook the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American