The Scandalously Easy Sweet Potato Casserole That Had Thanksgiving Guests Fighting Over Leftovers!

This Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams is a total game-changer when it comes to side dishes.

With just a few simple ingredients and the convenience of the crockpot, you can enjoy a rich, sweet, and slightly savory casserole that’s perfect for any holiday meal or cozy family dinner.

The canned yams make it even easier, cutting down on prep time without sacrificing that homemade flavor we all love.

I first made this casserole for a Thanksgiving dinner, and it was an immediate hit. The blend of creamy sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and a crunchy, buttery topping makes each bite feel like a treat.

I love how effortlessly it comes together in the crockpot, giving me time to focus on other dishes while it cooks.

Pair it with comforting macaroni and cheese for a satisfying meal, or serve alongside tangy cranberry sauce to balance the sweetness. This casserole is a must-try for your next special occasion or weeknight dinner!

What are your favorite ways to serve sweet potatoes? Let me know—I’m always looking for new ideas!

What’s so Special About This Dish?

Close-up of the finished Sweet Potato Casserole, with marshmallows soft and puffy on top, slightly golden. The dish looks rich, creamy, and inviting, ready to be served

  • Easy and Convenient: Using canned yams saves time, but the flavor still feels homemade.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a holiday or a casual meal, this casserole always fits in.
  • Sweet and Savory: The balance of flavors with the sweet potatoes and savory topping is irresistible.
  • Customizable: Add marshmallows, pecans, or cinnamon for a unique twist.
Close-up of the finished Sweet Potato Casserole, with marshmallows soft and puffy on top, slightly golden. The dish looks rich, creamy, and inviting, ready to be served

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

This slow cooker sweet potato casserole is a perfect blend of buttery sweetness topped with gooey marshmallows. Ideal for holidays or cozy meals, it’s easy, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 531 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Cooking spray
  • Measuring Cups

Ingredients
  

  • cooking spray
  • 2 29 ounce cans sweet potatoes, drained
  • cup butter cut into 1/4-inch pieces
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 16 ounce package miniature marshmallows

Instructions
 

  • Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • Drain the sweet potatoes and place them into the slow cooker.
    Close-up of two cans of drained sweet potatoes being placed into the slow cooker. The sweet potatoes are slightly mashed and arranged neatly, with some pieces visible and whole, creating a rich, hearty base. The focus is on the soft, tender sweet potatoes in the slow cooker.
  • Arrange butter pieces evenly over the sweet potatoes.
    Close-up of small pieces of butter being arranged evenly over the sweet potatoes inside the slow cooker. The butter pieces are cut into small squares, scattered evenly, and starting to melt slightly into the warm sweet potatoes.
  • Sprinkle the brown sugar on top.
    "Close-up of light brown sugar being sprinkled evenly over the sweet potatoes and butter in the slow cooker. The sugar falls gently over the mixture, adding a golden, rich texture to the top
  • Cook on High for 3 to 3 ½ hours.
    Close-up of the slow cooker lid closed, with the casserole cooking on High for 3 to 3 ½ hours. The slow cooker is gently steaming, indicating the warmth inside, with the texture of the sweet potatoes becoming softer and richer
  • Add marshmallows and cook for an additional 15 minutes until soft and puffy.
    Close-up of miniature marshmallows being added to the cooked sweet potatoes inside the slow cooker. The marshmallows are starting to soften and puff up, creating a soft, inviting texture on top of the casserole
  • Serve warm and enjoy this sweet, comforting dish!
    Close-up of the finished Sweet Potato Casserole, with marshmallows soft and puffy on top, slightly golden. The dish looks rich, creamy, and inviting, ready to be served

Nutrition Info:

NutritionValue
Calories531 kcal
Carbohydrates109g
Sodium238mg
Fat5g
Protein4g
Sugar62g

Expert Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes!

  1. Caramelization Boost: For deeper flavor, lightly brown the butter in a small pan before adding it to the sweet potatoes. The nutty aroma adds a gourmet touch.
  2. Layering Matters: To evenly distribute sweetness and ensure the sweet potatoes absorb the buttery goodness, layer the ingredients instead of piling them all at once.
  3. Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the brown sugar slightly and add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
  4. Marshmallow Upgrade: For a flavor twist, use flavored marshmallows like maple or caramel, or even a mix of miniature and jumbo marshmallows for added texture.
  5. Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the marshmallows in the last 15 minutes for a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast.
  6. Avoid Mushy Sweet Potatoes: Use canned sweet potatoes that are firm and intact. If they’re too soft, they may break down too much during cooking.
  7. Pre-Warm the Slow Cooker: Turn your slow cooker on high while you prep to reduce the initial cooking time and ensure even heat distribution.
  8. Add a Citrus Zest: For a fresh flavor boost, grate a little orange zest over the sweet potatoes before adding the butter and brown sugar.
  9. Keep Warm for Serving: Use the “Keep Warm” setting on your slow cooker to maintain the perfect serving temperature for holiday gatherings without overcooking.
  10. Leftover Idea: Mash any leftovers with a bit of cream or coconut milk for a delicious sweet potato spread that pairs wonderfully with toast or pancakes the next day.
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Noah Baker

Hi! I’m Noah Baker

Noah Baker is a California-born food blogger behind "FreshmanCook," whose culinary journey began in his tiny apartment kitchen experimenting with recipes that blend innovative techniques and personal passion. After leaving his graphic design career, Noah transformed his love for cooking into a vibrant online platform that celebrates accessible, creative cuisine, capturing food lovers' attention with his stunning photography and approachable recipes. When he's not crafting mouthwatering dishes or styling food for his blog, Noah lives in a cozy apartment with his rescue dog, Basil.

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