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Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole

Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole - recipe card
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This slow-cooker sweet potato casserole delivers velvety, spiced sweet potatoes under a buttery, crunchy pecan topping. It’s a fuss-free holiday side that frees up your oven and tastes like it was baked for hours. The natural sweetness of the potatoes shines through, with warm cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 3 medium), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • For the topping:
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Spray the insert of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or grease lightly with butter. This prevents the sweet potato mixture from sticking and burning around the edges.
  2. Place the sweet potato cubes in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, or on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, until the potatoes are completely tender and a fork slides in with no resistance. Do not add water; the potatoes will steam and release their own moisture.
  3. Drain any excess liquid from the slow cooker and transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Mash with a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth, or leave slightly chunky if you prefer texture. Let cool for 5 minutes so the eggs don’t scramble when added.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt until smooth. Pour this mixture over the mashed sweet potatoes and stir until fully combined and creamy.
  5. Return the sweet potato mixture to the slow cooker insert and spread it into an even layer. Cook on HIGH for 1 hour, or until the mixture is heated through and slightly set around the edges. It should be hot and steamy, but not bubbling vigorously.
  6. While the casserole cooks, prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir with a fork until the mixture resembles coarse, clumpy sand. Set aside.
  7. After the casserole has cooked for 1 hour, sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the surface. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 30 to 45 minutes, until the topping is lightly toasted and fragrant. To avoid burning, do not stir the topping into the sweet potatoes.
  8. Turn off the slow cooker and let the casserole rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the topping to crisp slightly and the filling to firm up for easier scooping. Serve warm, scooping directly from the crock.
  9. Note: If you prefer a crisper topping, transfer the assembled casserole to a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 minutes after the slow cooker stage, but this is optional. The slow cooker method yields a softer, more pudding-like topping.
  10. For a make-ahead option, cook the sweet potatoes and mash them up to 3 days in advance; store in the refrigerator, then proceed with the recipe on the day of serving.
  11. Be careful not to overcook the casserole after adding the topping, as the sugars can burn. Check at 30 minutes; if the topping is browning too quickly, reduce heat to LOW.
  12. To serve, use a large spoon to scoop portions onto plates, ensuring each serving gets some of the crunchy topping. This pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the topping and filling becomes watery upon thawing. Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or place the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If reheating in the slow cooker, add a splash of milk and heat on LOW for 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot sweet potato casserole, slow cooker sweet potato casserole, sweet potato casserole recipe, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving sweet potatoes, easy sweet potato casserole, pecan topping, crockpot side dish, gluten-free sweet potato casserole, comforting side dish

Find it online: https://inagartencooks.com/crockpot-sweet-potato-casserole/