Easy Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows Made Simple

Growing up, the kitchen was my happy place, filled with the sweet aroma of spices and the laughter of loved ones. As a Florida girl with deep connections to Mexico’s vibrant flavors, I spent countless hours cooking alongside my mama and abuela. I vividly remember pressing tortillas while inhaling the rich smells of sweet potatoes baking, crispy and tender. Those cherished moments have taught me that food embodies love, laughter, and the stories we share over each bite. Today, I bring you my love for cooking through this easy crockpot sweet potatoes with marshmallows recipe—perfect for adding a touch of cozy warmth to your dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Total Time: 4-6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Best Season: Fall, Winter

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set It and Forget It: With the convenience of a crockpot, you can focus on enjoying time with family or preparing other dishes without constant monitoring.
A Perfect Combination of Flavors: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes mixed with rich, buttery brown sugar and warm spices creates a comforting dish that is simply irresistible.
Kid-Friendly Delight: Mini marshmallows melt into the sweet potatoes, resulting in a delightful treat that kids will love and beg for seconds.
Versatile Side Dish: Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a casual family gathering, these sweet potatoes complement any meal beautifully.
Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also loaded with vitamins and fiber, making them a healthier alternative to traditional sides.

Ingredients List

3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Ingredient Tips

Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes that feel heavy for their size. Smaller ones tend to be sweeter and more flavorful.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness in the dish. You can also use coconut oil for a vegan option.
Brown Sugar: Dark brown sugar will enhance the flavor and add richness, but light brown sugar works just fine if that’s what you have on hand.
Marshmallows: Feel free to use larger marshmallows but remember to cut them into smaller pieces for even melting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

After peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes, place them directly into the crockpot.
In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well blended.
Pour the butter mixture over the sweet potatoes, stirring gently to coat all pieces evenly.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Avoid lifting the lid until close to cooking time to let the steam build up.
About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top and cover to allow them to melt.
If using, sprinkle chopped pecans over the marshmallows before serving.

Pro Secrets for Success

Don’t rush the cooking time: Slow cooking allows the sweet potatoes to absorb the flavors fully, resulting in a more delicious dish.
Use a lining: Consider using a crockpot liner for easy cleanup, making the process breezier post-meal.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add vanilla extract or orange zest for a different twist on flavor.
Taste before serving: Adjust sweetness with more brown sugar or spices to suit your palate.

Recipe Variations

Maple Sweet Potatoes: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup for a distinctively sweet and unique flavor.
Savory Twist: Add in bacon bits or sautéed onions for a savory contrast that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Coconut Delight: Incorporate shredded coconut along with the marshmallows for an extra tropical flair.
Nutty Crunch: Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different crunchy texture that complements the soft sweet potatoes nicely.

Perfect Pairings

Pair your easy crockpot sweet potatoes with roasted chicken, glazed ham, or a hearty salad for a balanced meal. For drinks, serve with apple cider or a lightly flavored sparkling water. Don’t forget a slice of pumpkin pie for dessert!

Make Ahead & Freezer Tips

You can prep the sweet potatoes the night before and store them in the fridge. Cook as directed in the crockpot the next day. For freezing, allow the mixture to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the crockpot until heated through.

Serving Ideas

Serve the sweet potatoes in a large, beautiful bowl, allowing guests to help themselves. For an appealing presentation, sprinkle extra marshmallows and chopped nuts on top before serving. A light dusting of cinnamon can also add visual appeal.

Kitchen Wisdom

Keep it fresh: Always choose firm sweet potatoes and store them in a cool, dry place for maximum freshness.
No crockpot? You can also bake this dish in the oven in a covered casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until tender.
Keep those edges crispy: If you desire some caramelization, uncover the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
Use a quality peeler: A good quality vegetable peeler makes peeling sweet potatoes a breeze.

Storage & Reheating Tips

For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, place in the microwave at medium power until warm, stirring occasionally. For a stovetop method, use a non-stick pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and even assemble the entire dish upfront. Just cook it as directed when you’re ready to serve.

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
While it’s best to use fresh sweet potatoes, you can use frozen ones. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they may cook faster than fresh.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients used in this recipe are gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten intolerances.

Can I omit the marshmallows?
Definitely! You can leave them out for a healthier option. Consider topping with crushed nuts or a sprinkle of brown sugar for some added texture.

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
They are ready when they are fork-tender. Simply insert a fork into the sweet potato, and if it goes in easily, they’re done.

What can I substitute for butter?
You can use coconut oil, margarine, or even a dairy-free butter alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.

How do I enhance the flavor of sweet potatoes?
Consider adding spices like ginger or clove, or even a splash of orange juice to bring out their natural sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 220
Protein: 2 grams
Carbs: 34 grams
Fat: 9 grams
Fiber: 4 grams
Sugar: 15 grams
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary. Consult a nutritionist for precise info.

Personal Note

Sharing a meal is one of life’s sweetest joys, a moment where love and flavors intertwine. My memory of cooking sweet potatoes with marshmallows alongside family is a cherished reminder of the comfort food that brings us together. I hope this easy crockpot sweet potatoes with marshmallows recipe fills your home with laughter, love, and warm memories just as it has in mine.

From My Kitchen to Yours

I encourage you to try this comforting dish for your next gathering. Pin it for later, share your culinary magic, and don’t hesitate to adjust the recipe to suit your taste. Enjoy the cozy, delicious journey with these amazing easy crockpot sweet potatoes with marshmallows!