An effortlessly easy, slow cooker side dish that’s wonderfully sweet and incredibly satisfying. With a delightful blend of cinnamon, a hint of refreshing orange, and fluffy marshmallows, you’ll feel like you’re indulging in dessert for dinner! This Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole is also naturally free of gluten and the top 8 allergens, with a simple vegan option too.

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Ultimate Dairy-Free & Vegan Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole (Gluten-Free & Allergy-Friendly)

Sweet potato season, for me, kicks off with Thanksgiving and extends gloriously through the entire winter. It’s a culinary journey I wouldn’t trade for anything! I truly believe that anyone who limits sweet potatoes to just one holiday is missing out on so much joy and flavor. These vibrant root vegetables are incredibly versatile, nutritious, and undeniably delicious, making them a staple in my kitchen far beyond the festive season.

This Dairy-Free Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole has earned its place as a must-have at both my Thanksgiving table and my Christmas feast. It’s not just a personal favorite; it also scores major points with my husband, who absolutely adores them. So, for us, it’s a delightful win-win situation – though I confess, I often have to surrender nearly all the leftovers to him!

Beyond their incredible taste, another significant reason I champion this scrumptious side dish for big holidays and busy weeknights alike is its sheer ease of preparation. When you’re juggling multiple dishes and intricate preparations, having a reliable, no-fail side that you can simply “set and forget” in your slow cooker is a game-changer. It frees up precious oven space and allows you to focus on other elements of your meal or, even better, enjoy time with your loved ones.

So, dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and prepare to elevate your meal with this incredibly sweet, satisfying, and utterly allergy-friendly dairy-free sweet potato casserole. It’s designed to bring comfort and deliciousness without the stress, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy a truly heartwarming dish.

Why Choose a Slow Cooker for Sweet Potato Casserole?

Using a slow cooker for your sweet potato casserole offers a multitude of benefits, especially during busy holiday seasons or when you simply want to simplify your cooking process:

Hands-Off Cooking: Once assembled, the slow cooker does all the work, slowly cooking the sweet potatoes to perfection without constant monitoring.
Frees Up Oven Space: This is a huge advantage during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas when oven space is prime real estate.
Consistent Results: The gentle, even heat of a slow cooker ensures your sweet potatoes become incredibly tender and flavorful.
Easy Transport: If you’re heading to a potluck or family gathering, your slow cooker keeps the casserole warm and ready to serve, making transport a breeze.
Flavor Development: Slow cooking allows the spices and natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes to meld beautifully, creating a deeper, richer flavor profile.

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to make this sweet potato casserole dairy-free and allergy-friendly:

Why is there no milk in this sweet potato casserole?

Traditionally, milk or cream is often added to sweet potato casserole recipes to help thin the mixture and impart a creamy texture. However, I’ve found that milk is absolutely unnecessary for achieving a wonderfully smooth and creamy consistency! Instead, I rely on apple or orange juice. Not only do these juices provide the liquid needed to thin the sweet potatoes, but they also introduce a subtle, natural sweetness that complements the dish beautifully. The natural starch released from the sweet potatoes as they cook and are then mashed (or blended) is more than sufficient to create a rich, creamy texture all on its own, without any dairy products.

How far in advance can you make this dairy-free sweet potato casserole?

The beauty of this slow cooker sweet potato casserole is its make-ahead potential! You can easily prepare it the morning of your event and then keep it on the “low” or “warm” setting in your slow cooker until you’re ready to serve. This is incredibly convenient for meal planning and reducing last-minute stress.

If you need to prepare it even earlier, the casserole can be made 1-2 days in advance. Simply cook it as directed, then store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or back in the slow cooker on a low setting. A crucial tip for make-ahead success: do not add the marshmallows until just before serving. If you add them and then reheat, they will melt completely into the casserole, losing their distinct topping texture and visual appeal. While the flavor will still be present, you won’t have that lovely, golden marshmallow topping. For the best presentation, add the marshmallows right before reheating or serving, then toast if desired.

Is this sweet potato casserole vegan?

Given that this recipe contains no animal products like dairy milk or eggs, it’s very close to being fully vegan. The primary ingredient to watch out for if you’re aiming for a completely vegan dish is the marshmallows. Many conventional marshmallow brands contain gelatin, which is derived from animal collagen. This is the “sneaky” non-vegan component.

Thankfully, there are simple solutions! You can easily make this casserole fully vegan by either:

Omitting the marshmallows: The casserole is plenty sweet and delicious even without them, thanks to the brown sugar and natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Using certified vegan marshmallows: Brands like Dandies offer gelatin-free marshmallows that toast beautifully and provide that classic sweet potato casserole topping without compromising your vegan lifestyle.

So, with a minor adjustment, this recipe is perfectly suitable for a vegan diet!

What does sweet potato casserole pair well with?

This sweet potato casserole, with its delightful sweetness and creamy texture, makes an excellent accompaniment to a variety of savory main dishes. Its contrasting flavors create a harmonious balance that elevates any meal. Here are some fantastic pairing ideas:

Holiday Roasts: Naturally, it’s a star alongside roasted turkey or ham for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
Poultry: It beautifully complements chicken dishes, such as Oprah’s unfried gluten-free chicken or even a simple roasted chicken.
Pork Dishes: The sweetness pairs wonderfully with savory pork tenderloin or pork chops.
Roasted Meats: Any slow-cooked or roasted beef, like a pot roast, would find a perfect partner in this casserole.
Vegetarian Mains: For a hearty vegetarian meal, serve it alongside lentil loaf, black bean burgers, or other savory plant-based entrees.
Potlucks & Gatherings: Its universal appeal and make-ahead convenience make it an ideal dish for potlucks or any casual gathering.
Leftover Inspiration: If you happen to have any leftover sweet potatoes (a rare occurrence!), consider trying my friend Erin’s creative Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese for a delicious twist.
Dairy & Gluten-Free Turkey: Don’t forget to pair it with a dairy & gluten-free crock pot turkey breast for a truly allergy-friendly holiday meal.

Do I have to toast the marshmallows on top of my sweet potato casserole?

Toasting the marshmallows is entirely optional, but highly recommended for an extra layer of deliciousness and visual appeal! The sweet potatoes, when served warm, are usually sufficient to gently melt the marshmallows, creating a lovely, gooey layer on top. However, if you desire that beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly crisp, caramelized texture, toasting them is the way to go.

You have a couple of options for achieving that perfect toasted marshmallow topping:

Kitchen Blow Torch: For precision and control, a kitchen blow torch is an excellent tool. Simply wave the flame over the marshmallows until they reach your desired level of golden-brown and slight char.
Oven Broiler: If your slow cooker insert (important: *only* the ceramic or metal insert, not the entire electric slow cooker base!) is oven-safe, you can place it under the broiler. Set your oven to broil and watch the marshmallows very closely – they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Typically, one minute is all it takes for them to become beautifully toasty and gooey. Always supervise this step to prevent burning.

For those managing allergies, finding safe marshmallow brands can be a challenge. Click here to see which marshmallow brands are dairy-free if you need help sourcing an allergy-friendly option.

Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. Varieties like Beauregard, Jewel, or Garnet are excellent choices for their sweetness and creamy texture when cooked.
Don’t Skimp on Spray: As mentioned in the recipe, thoroughly spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray. The high sugar content can cause the casserole to stick, so this step is crucial for easy cleanup.
Mash Thoroughly: For a smooth casserole, ensure the sweet potatoes are mashed or blended until there are no lumps. An immersion blender or a potato ricer can achieve an incredibly silky texture.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before adding marshmallows. If your sweet potatoes are naturally very sweet or you prefer a less sugary dish, you can slightly reduce the amount of brown sugar.
Spices are Key: Don’t be afraid to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to your liking. A little extra spice can really enhance the overall flavor.
Garnish Creatively: Beyond marshmallows, consider a sprinkle of toasted pecans (if not managing tree nut allergies) or a dash of extra cinnamon for a beautiful presentation.

*If you’re looking for an Instant Pot version of this delicious recipe, you’ll find it and many other fantastic allergy-friendly recipes in my allergy-friendly Instant Pot cookbook. It’s packed with so much more!

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole (GF, DF, Top 8 Free, Vegan)

Yield:
8

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
6 hours

Total Time:
6 hours 10 minutes

A sweet side dish that almost feels like dessert that you can dump in the slow cooker and forget about! Naturally free of gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut and tree nuts making it top-8-free, with a vegan option!

Ingredients

4-5 sweet potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped (it doesn’t have to be pretty since you’ll be mashing them later)
1/2 cup orange juice* see notes
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 cups mini marshmallows (or enough to top it with)**, vegan if needed

Instructions

Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Be sure to do this because of the high sugar content!
Spread peeled and chopped sweet potatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the spices and pour the liquids over the sweet potatoes. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3. If possible, the slow is preferred just to make sure your sugar doesn’t burn. But, by all means, once they’re soft you can stop the cooking.
Once cooked, mash until soft and a uniform puree. Take your slow cooker dish (not the electric shell) and place it in the oven. Be sure to make sure your slow cooker can do this! (If not, you can always put it in a 13×9…but I prefer to have less dishes.) Place the oven on broil and brown the marshmallows until golden and gooey!

Notes

*Feel free to use apple juice, if you don’t want a taste of orange with your sweet potatoes. Either way it’s delicious! When you use the apple juice, you can’t taste the apples, it just gives it a nice sweet flavor without having to use so much brown sugar.

**If you want this to be vegan, be sure to use vegan marshmallows. Or, you can omit them and it’s still amazing and sweet from the brown sugar.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 159Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 304mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 3gSugar: 24gProtein: 2g

Adapted from: Six Sisters Stuff