If you’ve been searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that practically makes itself, then this Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine velvety mashed sweet potatoes sweetened just right, infused with warm vanilla and cinnamon, crowned with a crunchy, buttery pecan topping that adds a perfect contrast of texture. Whether it’s a holiday dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, this casserole is a total game-changer that blends classic flavors with slow cooker ease to deliver pure deliciousness every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five whole sweet potatoes with red-orange skin arranged in a loose cluster on a white marbled surface. Around them are small glass bowls filled with white sugar, pecan halves, and brown sugar, along with a small bottle of vanilla extract. There is a stick of salted butter in a pale yellow wrapper, a can of evaporated milk with a blue and white label, and two glass jars with gold lids containing cinnamon and salt. All the items are neatly spaced, creating a clean and simple layout. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients ready for this casserole is delightfully straightforward, and each component plays its part in creating the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish so irresistible.

Light brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a gentle molasses sweetness that enhances the pecan topping especially well.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, spicy note that elevates the entire casserole.
Salted butter (3 tablespoons melted, plus 1/4 cup slightly melted): Provides richness and smoothness to both the sweet potatoes and the topping.
Chopped pecans (1/2 cup, plus extra for topping if you like): Gives a satisfying crunch and nutty depth to balance the creamy potatoes.
Medium sweet potatoes (5, cubed): The star ingredient, naturally sweet and vibrant, forming the hearty base of the casserole.
Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the potatoes evenly without overpowering.
Evaporated milk (1/4 cup): Adds creaminess and helps to create that silky, luscious texture in the mash.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances sweetness with a lovely fragrant warmth.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the sweet elements to keep the flavors vibrant and well-rounded.

How to Make Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Adding these directly into your large crockpot will be the foundation of the dish. The cubed potatoes will cook evenly and break down beautifully when slow-cooked.

Step 2: Mix the Sweet Potato Base

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, slightly melted butter, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Pour this luscious mixture over the cubed potatoes in the crockpot and use a spoon to gently stir everything together, ensuring those flavors begin mingling even before the cooking starts.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Potatoes

Cover your crockpot and cook on the high setting for about 4 hours or on the low setting for 8 hours. This slow and steady cooking method lets the potatoes soften perfectly, allowing their natural sweetness to deepen and the flavors to blend seamlessly.

Step 4: Mash Until Smooth

Once cooked, remove the lid and mash the sweet potatoes right in the crockpot until you reach a perfectly smooth and creamy consistency. This step transforms the hearty cubes into a luscious, velvety base for your topping.

Step 5: Prepare the Pecan Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and 3 to 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until crumbly yet buttery. Stir in the chopped pecans, giving you a crunchy, aromatic topping that will contrast wonderfully with the creamy sweet potatoes.

Step 6: Add Topping and Finish Cooking

Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes in the crockpot. Cover and continue cooking on low for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the topping to warm through and slightly crisp up. When ready, remove the lid and let the casserole rest for five minutes before serving, letting the flavors settle in beautifully.

How to Serve Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe

The image shows a white round ceramic dish filled with two visible layers. The bottom layer is mashed sweet potatoes with a smooth and creamy orange texture spreading across the dish. The top layer is a chunky topping of dark brown caramel sauce mixed with rough pieces of pecans scattered evenly, giving a crunchy texture and rich color contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with some loose pecans and wooden utensils nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To brighten up the dish further, try topping each serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for extra crunch. A light dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg right before serving also adds a charming aromatic touch that makes the presentation look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey or ham, making it a natural companion for holiday meals. It also complements lighter sides like green beans, fresh salads, or steamed broccoli for a balanced and colorful plate any day.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets to wow your guests. You can also layer it with marshmallows on top before adding the pecan topping for a s’mores-inspired version that kids and adults will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Keeping the pecan topping separate helps maintain its crunchiness.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. To freeze, cool completely, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If using the oven, cover the dish loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes. Add fresh pecan topping after warming for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?

While fresh sweet potatoes are ideal for flavor and texture, you can use frozen cubed sweet potatoes if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before cooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use your favorite non-dairy milk instead of evaporated milk to keep the creamy texture while making it vegan-friendly.

Can I add marshmallows to this casserole?

Yes, marshmallows are a classic addition! Add mini marshmallows on top before the pecan topping during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a gooey, sweet finish.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can cook the sweet potatoes on the stovetop until tender, mash, then combine with the other ingredients and bake the casserole in the oven topped with pecans at 350°F for 25 minutes.

How can I make the pecan topping extra crunchy?

Toast the pecans lightly in a dry pan before mixing them into the topping. This boosts their flavor and crunch, giving your casserole that irresistible texture contrast.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping Recipe brings the warmth and comfort of classic sweet potatoes into a hands-off slow cooker experience that works beautifully for any occasion. It’s a dish that invites cozy gatherings, happy taste buds, and minimal fuss in the kitchen. Give it a try and watch it become one of your new favorite recipes to share with family and friends.