Imagine walking into your kitchen to the irresistible aroma of sweet potatoes mingling with brown sugar and vanilla, all bubbling away in your trusty crock pot. This Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole is not just a side dish; it's a heartwarming experience that brings comfort and joy to any meal! Perfect for family gatherings or holiday feasts, this dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a delightful marshmallow topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ready to impress your guests and elevate your dinner table? Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this mouthwatering casserole!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and peel sweet potatoes, then cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Grease the interior of your crock pot with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes into the crock pot, spreading them evenly across the bottom of the cooking vessel.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk the ingredients together until they are completely smooth and well-incorporated.
- Pour the butter and sugar mixture directly over the sweet potato cubes, gently stirring to ensure all potato pieces are coated evenly.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat setting, allowing the sweet potatoes to cook slowly for 5-6 hours until they become tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- During the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle mini marshmallows across the top of the sweet potato mixture.
- If desired, use the broiler function in your oven to lightly brown and caramelize the marshmallow topping for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from heat, let cool for 10 minutes, then serve warm as a delightful side dish.
Tips
- Uniform Cubes: For even cooking, ensure that your sweet potatoes are cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. This will help them cook evenly and achieve that perfect tenderness.
- Grease the Pot: Don’t forget to grease your crock pot with butter or cooking spray! This not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze.
- Mix Thoroughly: When combining the melted butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla, whisk the mixture until smooth to ensure that every bite is perfectly sweetened.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set your crock pot to the low heat setting and let it work its magic for 5-6 hours. The slow cooking process enhances the flavors and ensures the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Marshmallow Magic: For an extra special touch, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. If you want a toasted finish, pop the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes—just keep a close eye on it!
- Let it Rest: After removing the casserole from the heat, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or can be enjoyed as a sweet treat on its own. Don’t be shy about doubling the recipe for larger gatherings!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
