Marshmallow Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes

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Soft, sweet, and smothered in gooey marshmallows, Marshmallow Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes are the perfect comfort side dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, enhanced with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a buttery glaze that’s slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you’re planning a cozy holiday meal or just want something indulgent to go with dinner, this dish adds a nostalgic, home-cooked touch to any table.

Made conveniently in a slow cooker, it saves oven space and effort. The magic happens while you go about your day—no constant stirring or temperature checks needed. And when it’s time to serve, the creamy texture and sweet aroma make it irresistible to anyone within reach. A generous topping of marshmallows melts into a luscious, creamy layer, offering the perfect balance between dessert and side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Marshmallow Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes Recipe

• Effortless cooking with your slow cooker
• Classic holiday favorite, but perfect year-round
• Sweet, creamy, and crowd-pleasing
• Minimal prep and no oven required
• Great for potlucks, gatherings, or weekday meals

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get started, you’ll need a few basic tools that help make this recipe seamless:

• Crock Pot / Slow Cooker: The star appliance. It provides even heat and slow cooking that breaks down the sweet potatoes to a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Peeler & Sharp Knife: For peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes quickly and safely.
• Mixing Bowl (optional): Helpful for tossing the sweet potatoes with your glaze ingredients before placing them into the crock pot.
• Rubber Spatula or Spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing without damaging the crock pot surface.

Using the right tools ensures consistent results and makes both preparation and cleanup easier.

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Preparation Tips

Choose firm, deep-orange sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture—they’re naturally sweeter and hold their shape well during slow cooking. Cut the potatoes into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking throughout. If you’re planning this for a holiday meal, prep the sweet potatoes a day ahead and store them in water in the fridge to save time. Be mindful not to overfill your crock pot; leave a bit of space so the marshmallows melt properly at the end. Finally, wait to add the marshmallows until the last 10–15 minutes of cooking to keep them fluffy and just slightly melted.

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Ingredients for This Marshmallow Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes Recipe

• 3 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional but adds depth)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 cups mini marshmallows (adjust to preference)
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans for added crunch

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Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Begin by peeling and cubing your sweet potatoes into evenly-sized 1-inch chunks. Uniform size is key for even cooking. Rinse the cubes under cold water to remove excess starch.

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Step 2: Mix the Sweet Glaze

In a bowl (or directly in the crock pot for less cleanup), whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. This mixture will create a sweet and slightly spiced glaze that caramelizes beautifully during the slow cook.

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Step 3: Combine in the Crock Pot

Add the sweet potato cubes into the crock pot and pour the glaze over the top. Stir well to coat each piece evenly. If using pecans, stir them in now. Place the lid on and set the slow cooker.

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Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5–3 hours. Stir once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even coating. You’ll know they’re done when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender but not mushy.

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Step 5: Add the Marshmallows

About 10–15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly on top. Cover and let them melt slightly. For a toasted finish, you can transfer everything to a baking dish and broil in the oven for 1–2 minutes until golden and bubbly.

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Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the sweet potatoes into a serving dish or serve straight from the crock pot. The warm glaze and soft marshmallows create a creamy, sweet bite with every spoonful. Ideal alongside turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables.

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Notes

This dish is wonderfully flexible. You can adjust the sweetness level by reducing the brown sugar or skipping the maple syrup if preferred. For a flavor twist, swap cinnamon and nutmeg with pumpkin pie spice or a dash of allspice. If you enjoy texture contrast, stirring in chopped pecans or walnuts near the end of the cook time adds a lovely crunch. If making for a crowd, you can double the recipe—just ensure your crock pot has enough room.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Cutting uneven pieces: This causes some sweet potatoes to cook faster than others, leading to a mix of mushy and undercooked chunks.
• Adding marshmallows too early: They’ll melt completely and disappear into the glaze. Always add them at the end.
• Overcooking: Too long in the crock pot can turn the sweet potatoes into mush. Stick to the suggested time and check for doneness.
• Forgetting to stir occasionally: Stirring helps distribute heat and glaze evenly.
• Skipping the butter: It’s essential for that rich, caramelized texture and flavor.

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Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the glaze. If you plan to freeze, leave the marshmallows off and add them fresh when reheating. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: ~290
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Sugar: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Cholesterol: 20mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What size crock pot should I use?

A 6-quart crock pot works best for this quantity, giving enough room for stirring and even cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the sweet potatoes and glaze the day before. Store them separately and combine before cooking.

Are canned yams a good substitute?

Fresh sweet potatoes give the best texture, but in a pinch, canned yams (drained) can work. Adjust cooking time to 1 hour on LOW.

How can I make it dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter and double-check marshmallows for dairy-free certification.

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?

Yes, but cut them into smaller pieces so they melt evenly and distribute better.

Is it possible to cook this on the stovetop?

Yes, but it requires more attention. Simmer the sweet potatoes with the glaze in a covered pot on low heat for 30–40 minutes.

What can I serve this with?

It’s a classic side for holiday turkey, ham, or roasted chicken, and even works well with vegetarian mains like lentil loaf.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Absolutely. You can cut the brown sugar by half and skip the maple syrup if you’d like a less sweet version.

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Conclusion

Marshmallow Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes are a nostalgic, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for holidays or cozy family dinners. With minimal prep, slow-cooked richness, and a gooey marshmallow finish, this dish is all about warmth and comfort. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or making it for a quiet dinner at home, it’s bound to be a hit on any table.

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