Name: Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 300 min
Total time: 315 min
Ingredients: 6 large Sweet Potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds; 1/4 cup Brown Sugar, packed; 1/4 cup Butter, melted; 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 cup Orange Juice ((freshly squeezed or store-bought)); 2 cups Mini Marshmallows

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, sweet, and comfortingly nostalgic—this Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows recipe is everything you want on a cozy night in or at a holiday table. Imagine tender, cinnamon-kissed sweet potato slices cooked low and slow until they practically melt in your mouth, finished with a cloud of toasted mini marshmallows that bubble and brown into a caramelized crown. Fun fact: sweet potatoes were once considered a luxury in many parts of the U.S., so serving them with marshmallows became a festive way to celebrate a good harvest. If you love simple, soulful sides like our slow cooker sweet potato favorites, this version is a must-try. It’s straightforward, quick to prep, and adored by kids and grown-ups alike—perfect for weeknights or holiday potlucks. Ready to warm up the kitchen?

What is Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows?

What’s in a name? Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows tells you everything and still leaves room for delight. Why a crockpot? Because slow, gentle heat makes the sweet potatoes lusciously tender without much babysitting. And marshmallows? They add that playful, melty topping that turns a humble side into dessert-adjacent comfort. Who named it—an inventive home cook or someone who loved sugary finishes? Maybe both. After all, isn’t it true that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Want to see how easy it is? Give it a whirl and prepare to smile when the marshmallows melt.

Why You’ll Love This

This dish is irresistible for three big reasons. First, the main highlight is texture: perfectly soft, slightly caramelized sweet potatoes paired with gooey, toasted marshmallows for a heavenly contrast. Second, making this at home saves money versus premade or restaurant sides—sweet potatoes and marshmallows are affordable staples that stretch to feed a crowd. Third, the flavor profile—brown sugar, butter, warm spices, and a bright splash of orange juice—creates depth and a fresh brightness that keeps every bite interesting. If you enjoy hearty sides like browned butter roasted potatoes, try this one next for a sweeter, cozier twist that still satisfies (and pairs beautifully) with savory mains. Go on—treat yourself to a batch.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is wonderfully simple: slice, toss with a buttery brown sugar-spice mix, add orange juice, and let the crockpot do the work. The result is tender, richly flavored sweet potatoes with a slightly caramelized finish and a gooey marshmallow topping. Prep takes about 15 minutes and the slow cooker cooks for 4 to 5 hours on low, making it perfect for set-it-and-forget-it meal planning.

Ingredients

6 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
2 cups mini marshmallows

Directions

Grease the inside of your crockpot. Use nonstick spray or a light swipe of butter to make serving and cleanup easier.
Layer the sliced sweet potatoes inside the crockpot. Arrange them in a slightly overlapping single layer for even cooking.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until smooth and combined.
Pour this mixture over the sweet potatoes, making sure all slices are coated. Use a spoon to gently toss or spread the mixture so each slice gets flavor.
Pour the orange juice over the top of the sweet potatoes. This adds moisture and a bright citrus note that balances the sweetness.
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Check at 4 hours if your crockpot runs hot.
After cooking, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top of the sweet potatoes. Don’t be shy—spread them evenly to form a soft layer.
Cover the crockpot again and let it sit for another 10-15 minutes until the marshmallows are melted and slightly browned. For a more browned top, you can transfer to a broiler-safe dish and broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
Serve hot and enjoy! Spoon onto plates while the marshmallows are gooey and the potatoes are tender.

Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

What to Serve With

This sweet, gooey side pairs beautifully with a variety of mains and sides to round out a meal. Try it alongside roasted chicken or a glazed ham for holiday flair. For a classic comfort plate, serve with green beans or a crisp salad to balance the sweetness—our country-style green beans and potatoes make a lovely savory companion. If you want a contrasting texture, crispy roasted or parmesan-roasted potatoes add crunch and richness that complement the soft sweet potatoes. For drinks, serve spiced apple cider, chilled white wine, or sparkling water with a citrus slice.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Choose sweet potatoes of similar size so they cook evenly.
Slice to about 1/4-inch thickness for the ideal tender-but-not-mushy texture.
Use fresh orange juice when possible for brighter flavor; bottled works in a pinch.
If your crockpot runs hot, reduce cooking time and check for tenderness at 3.5–4 hours.
Want extra depth? Stir a tablespoon of maple syrup or a pinch of ground ginger into the brown sugar mixture.
Avoid adding marshmallows too early; they will disappear if left on during the long cook. Wait until the potatoes are fully tender.
For a crispier top without a broiler, briefly switch the crockpot to high with the lid off and watch closely until marshmallows brown.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Cool the leftovers to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The marshmallow top will be softer after refrigeration.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked sweet potatoes without the marshmallow topping for up to 3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and add fresh marshmallows when reheating.
Reheating: For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes). Add marshmallows during the last 10 minutes of reheating and broil briefly for browning if desired. Microwave reheating works for single servings—add marshmallows after warming and let them melt on top.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes. If using regular marshmallows, you may need fewer pieces—toss them on top after cooking and allow a few extra minutes to melt and brown.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sweet potatoes and sugar-butter mixture a day ahead and store in the fridge. Add marshmallows and finish in the crockpot the day you plan to serve.

Is it possible to make this without added sugar?
Yes. Omit the brown sugar and rely on the natural sweetness of the potatoes and a splash more orange juice or a drizzle of maple syrup to taste.

What if my sweet potatoes are still firm after 5 hours?
Crockpot temperatures vary. Continue cooking for another 30–60 minutes and check periodically. If needed, increase heat to high for the last 30 minutes.

Can I add nuts or other toppings?
Absolutely. Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on right before serving add crunch and a toasty flavor that pairs well with the marshmallows.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create something memorable and comforting. It’s easy to prep, budget-friendly, and a hit with family members of all ages—ideal for weeknights or holiday spreads. If you want to compare techniques or see another take on slow-cooked sweet potatoes, check out this beautifully presented version from The Novice Chef for inspiration: Crockpot Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows | The Novice Chef. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share a plate with someone you love.