Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows — The Easiest, Creamiest Holiday Side Dish

When it comes to iconic holiday dishes, Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows sits right at the top of the list. Creamy, buttery sweet potatoes slow-cooked to perfection and topped with soft, gooey, golden marshmallows — it’s nostalgic, comforting, simple, and absolutely irresistible.

This crockpot version makes the classic dish even easier. No oven space needed, no boiling, no complicated steps. Just add your sweet potatoes, seasonings, and butter to the slow cooker and let it naturally develop incredible flavor as it cooks low and slow. When it’s time to serve, simply top with marshmallows and melt them into a cloud-like, caramelized topping.

Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter brunch, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this recipe guarantees a no-fuss but crowd-pleasing side dish every time.

Why Crockpot Sweet Potatoes Are a Game-Changer

1. Frees up oven space

Holiday cooking is chaotic. Using your slow cooker removes stress.

2. Foolproof creamy texture

Slow cooking breaks down sweet potatoes so they mash like silk.

3. Perfect flavor balance

Brown sugar + butter + cinnamon + vanilla = sweet, rich, warm flavor.

4. Marshmallow topping cooks right in the pot

No torch, no broiler — the crockpot gently melts the marshmallows into perfection.

5. Practically hands-off

Prep in 5 minutes. The slow cooker handles the rest.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup water

For the Topping:

• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Prep the sweet potatoes.
   Peel and cube sweet potatoes into even chunks.
2. Add everything to the crockpot.
   Add sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and water.
3. Cook.
   Cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 6–7 hours until very soft.
4. Mash.
   Using a masher, mash sweet potatoes until smooth and creamy.
5. Top with marshmallows.
   Sprinkle marshmallows over the potatoes.
6. Melt topping.
   Close lid and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until marshmallows melt and soften.
7. Serve warm.
   Scoop into bowls and enjoy immediately.

Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

Creamy, buttery crockpot sweet potatoes topped with perfectly melted marshmallows — an easy, nostalgic holiday side dish made entirely in the slow cooker.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 260

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Sweet Potatoes

• 4 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
• 4 tbsp butter
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.25 cup water

Topping

• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Equipment

• Crockpot or slow cooker
• Potato masher
• Peeler
• Mixing spoon

Method

 

1. Add peeled and cubed sweet potatoes to the crockpot along with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and water.
2. Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 6–7 hours until potatoes are soft.
3. Mash sweet potatoes until smooth and creamy.
4. Top with mini marshmallows.
5. Cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until marshmallows melt.
6. Serve warm.

Notes

Add chopped pecans for texture. Reduce brown sugar if your sweet potatoes are naturally very sweet.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes

Cut sweet potatoes evenly

Ensures perfect, even cooking.

Adjust sweetness

Like it sweeter? Add more brown sugar.
Prefer it more savory? Reduce sugar and add a pinch of nutmeg.

Add texture

Stir in pecans or walnuts before topping.

Use mini marshmallows

They melt more evenly and quickly.

Make ahead

Cook potatoes fully, refrigerate, then reheat in the crockpot and add marshmallows before serving.

Delicious Variations

Pecan Streusel Topping

Replace marshmallows with a crumble made from oats, pecans, butter, and cinnamon.

Maple Sweet Potatoes

Swap brown sugar with maple syrup for deeper flavor.

Spiced Sweet Potatoes

Add nutmeg, cloves, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice.

Healthy Version

Reduce sugar and serve without marshmallows — still delicious!

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect on any Thanksgiving or Christmas table
• Serve alongside roasted turkey, ham, chicken, or pot roast
• Add as a sweet side for weeknight meals
• Pair with green bean casserole, stuffing, and gravy
• Serve as a dessert-like finish to dinner

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate

Store 4–5 days in an airtight container.

Freeze

Freeze mashed sweet potatoes without marshmallows for up to 3 months.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or warm in the crockpot and add fresh marshmallows on top.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

Slow cooking guarantees soft, creamy sweet potatoes while keeping natural sweetness intact. Marshmallows melt gently without burning. And everything can be prepped ahead — perfect for holidays and busy days.

Once you try this Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows recipe, you may never go back to oven-baked versions again.