Crock Pot Ritz Cracker Sweet Potato Casserole
Crock Pot Ritz Cracker Sweet Potato Casserole
If there’s one holiday side dish everyone looks forward to, it’s sweet potato casserole. This Crock Pot Ritz Cracker Sweet Potato Casserole takes the classic recipe to the next level with creamy brown sugar sweet potatoes, gooey melted marshmallows hidden in the center, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping that bakes into a delicious golden crust.
Best of all, it’s made entirely in the slow cooker, leaving your oven free for turkey, ham, rolls, and everything else on your holiday menu. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or Sunday dinner, this sweet potato casserole is guaranteed to become a family tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Frees up valuable oven space during the holidays.
- Rich brown sugar and cinnamon flavor.
- Creamy mashed sweet potatoes.
- Hidden layer of gooey marshmallows.
- Buttery Ritz cracker topping adds the perfect crunch.
- Easy make-ahead holiday side dish.
Jennie’s Thoughts
I’m always looking for ways to make holiday cooking a little easier, and slow cooker recipes are one of my favorite tricks.
Most sweet potato casseroles are baked in the oven, but during Thanksgiving that’s usually the one appliance that’s already working overtime. Making the casserole in the crock pot solves that problem while still giving you all those classic flavors everyone loves.
I decided to hide the marshmallows underneath the top layer of sweet potatoes instead of leaving them exposed. They melt into the casserole and create little pockets of gooey sweetness without burning. Then comes my favorite part—the buttery Ritz cracker topping. The sweet-and-salty crunch pairs perfectly with the creamy sweet potatoes, and honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever make sweet potato casserole another way.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Layer
- 4 to 5 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows
Ritz Cracker Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
Optional garnish:
- Chopped pecans
- Ground cinnamon
- Fresh thyme sprigs
Equipment
- 6- to 7-quart slow cooker
- Potato masher
- Mixing bowl
How to Make Crock Pot Ritz Cracker Sweet Potato Casserole
Step 1
Place the peeled sweet potato chunks into your slow cooker.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, or until the sweet potatoes are fork tender.
Step 2
Mash the sweet potatoes directly inside the slow cooker until mostly smooth.
Add:
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Stir until creamy and well combined.
Step 3
Spread half of the sweet potato mixture into an even layer.
Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top.
Cover the marshmallows with the remaining mashed sweet potatoes, smoothing the top with a spoon or spatula.
Step 4
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar until evenly coated.
Sprinkle the mixture over the sweet potatoes.
Cover and continue cooking on HIGH for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted and the topping is heated through.
Step 5
Serve warm with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Tips for Success
- Cook the sweet potatoes until they’re very soft before mashing.
- Leave a few small chunks for a rustic texture if you prefer.
- Salted Ritz crackers balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Add chopped pecans to the topping for even more crunch.
- Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving so it scoops easily.
Variations
Maple Brown Sugar
Replace 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup.
Pecan Crunch
Mix ½ cup chopped pecans into the Ritz topping.
Pumpkin Spice
Swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for even more fall flavor.
Extra Marshmallow
Sprinkle additional mini marshmallows on top during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
What to Serve With Sweet Potato Casserole
This recipe pairs perfectly with:
- Roast turkey
- Holiday ham
- Prime rib
- Pork loin
- Green bean casserole
- Homemade gravy
- Cranberry sauce
- Dinner rolls
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes! Freeze the sweet potato portion without the Ritz topping for the best texture. Add a fresh cracker topping after thawing and reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. Prepare the sweet potato mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Before serving, add the marshmallow layer, top with the Ritz mixture, and finish cooking in the slow cooker.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Fresh sweet potatoes give the best flavor and texture, but canned sweet potatoes can be substituted. Drain them well before mashing and reduce the cooking time.
Why hide the marshmallows?
Layering the marshmallows in the middle keeps them soft and gooey instead of overbrowning while they cook.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: Approximately 445 calories per serving
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Ritz Cracker Sweet Potato Casserole has everything you want in a holiday side dish—creamy sweet potatoes, warm cinnamon, rich brown sugar, gooey marshmallows, and a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping.
It’s easy to make, frees up oven space, and brings all the cozy flavors of the holidays to your table. After one bite, your family will be asking for it every Thanksgiving and Christmas.
