Marianne Martinez
Sweet potato casserole is a popular dish, especially around Thanksgiving. It can be made in a crockpot, saving oven space, and is a simple, tasty, gluten-free side dish. The sweet potatoes are peeled, cubed, and tossed in a mixture of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg, then cooked in the crockpot for 3-4 hours. The topping can be made with marshmallows, pecans, and even a little pumpkin pie spice. For a savoury casserole, herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage can be added, and grated cheddar or Parmesan sprinkled on top.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Side dish |
| Occasion | Thanksgiving |
| Dietary | Gluten-free |
| Ingredients | Sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, pecans, marshmallows, eggs, milk, orange juice |
| Preparation | Peel, chop, boil, mash, whisk, mix, cook |
| Cook time | 3-4 hours on high, 6-8 hours on low |
| Cookware | Slow cooker, crockpot, oven |
| Consistency | Smooth, chunky |
| Toppings | Marshmallows, pecans, walnuts |
| Storage | Refrigerate for 3-5 days, freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Peel and chop sweet potatoes into cubes
Preparing the sweet potatoes is the first step in making a sweet potato casserole in a crock pot. Start by rinsing the sweet potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. Next, use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to remove the tough skin from the potatoes. It is important to peel the sweet potatoes as the skins can be quite chewy even when cooked.
Once peeled, use a sharp knife to cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes. This will ensure that they cook through evenly. Aim for similar-sized pieces, such as 1-inch cubes. If you prefer slightly larger chunks, you can adjust the size, but keep in mind that it might affect the cook time.
Place the cubed sweet potatoes into the crock pot or slow cooker. At this point, you can add other ingredients such as butter, sugar, cinnamon, and spices, and toss to coat the potatoes evenly. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the potatoes and stir to thicken the casserole.
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Grease slow cooker and add potatoes
To start making a sweet potato casserole in a crockpot, you'll first need to grease your slow cooker with cooking spray. This will help prevent the potatoes from sticking to the cooker. Make sure to grease it well.
Next, you'll want to prepare your sweet potatoes. Start by rinsing and peeling the sweet potatoes. It's best to peel them as the skins can be tough and chewy even when cooked. Then, cut them into similar-sized pieces so that they cook evenly. You can cut them into cubes, with each side measuring around 1 inch. If you prefer slightly larger chunks, that's fine, but keep in mind that they may take longer to cook.
Once your potatoes are prepared, add them to the greased slow cooker. At this point, you can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch and stir to combine if you wish. Now your slow cooker is ready for the next steps in making your sweet potato casserole!
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Make sauce with butter, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, salt
To make the sauce for your sweet potato casserole, you'll need butter, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt. You can use either brown or white sugar, or a combination of both, and be sure to use unsalted butter. You'll also need a separate bowl and a whisk.
First, melt the butter. Next, measure out 1 and a half cups of sugar, 6 tablespoons of butter, 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon and vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Add nutmeg to taste, or omit it if you prefer. Whisk all the ingredients together in your separate bowl until they are fully combined and you have a smooth, butter-sugar mixture.
Once your sauce is ready, pour it over your prepared sweet potatoes in the crockpot and toss until they are fully coated.
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Pour sauce over potatoes, cook for 4 hours
Once you've prepared your sauce, pour it over the sweet potatoes in the crock pot and toss until they are fully coated. Cover the crock pot and cook on high heat for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally (about once every hour). If you prefer a slower cook, you can cook it on low heat for 6-8 hours.
After about 4 hours, your sweet potato casserole should be set and firm. Remove the lid and top with marshmallows and pecans. Cover the crock pot again and cook on high heat for about 10 more minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted. If you prefer your marshmallows browned, you can place the slow cooker insert into the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes.
If you prefer a smoother consistency, use a potato masher or potato ricer to mash the sweet potatoes to your desired texture before adding the toppings. If you like them very smooth, transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and blitz before transferring back into the crock pot to add the toppings.
Leftover sweet potato casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply give it a stir, add an extra dash of pumpkin pie spice, and pop it in the microwave.
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Top with marshmallows, pecans and/or walnuts
Once your sweet potatoes are cooked, you can add the toppings. If you're using marshmallows, pecans, and/or walnuts, there are a few ways to prepare them.
First, you can toast your pecans and/or walnuts in advance. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spread out your chopped nuts on a baking sheet. Bake for 7-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning. You can store your toasted nuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
If you want to add a little extra pizzazz, you can candy your pecans. You can also use a combination of chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon as a topping.
When you're ready to serve, stir in 2 cups of marshmallows and 1/2 cup of pecans and/or walnuts into your sweet potatoes, then sprinkle the top with the remaining nuts and marshmallows. Cover and cook on high for another 10-15 minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted.
If you want your marshmallows toasted, you can use a kitchen torch or put your casserole under a broiler for a minute or two.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 3 ½-4 hours on a high setting, or 6-8 hours on low.
Yes, it is best to peel the sweet potatoes as the skins can be tough and chewy.
Place the drained sweet potatoes in a bowl and mash until smooth. You can also use a potato masher or potato ricer to get your desired texture.
Store leftover sweet potato casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
