Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless cooking: The slow cooker does all the work—no oven required!
- Naturally sweet and creamy: The slow cooking method enhances their natural sweetness.
- Great for meal prep: Make a batch and store for quick meals throughout the week.
- Versatile: Serve as a side, mash them, or top them with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4-6 medium sweet potatoes
- Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)
- Butter, cinnamon, or other toppings (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Clean and scrub the sweet potatoes well but do not dry them. The moisture will help them cook evenly.
- Layer in the slow cooker: Place the sweet potatoes in a single layer in the crockpot. If needed, stack a second layer on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3 ½ to 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Serve: Remove the lid, season with salt, pepper, or other seasonings, and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 3 ½-7 hours
- Total time: Varies based on setting used
Variations
- Savory style: Top with butter, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
- Sweet version: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
- Stuffed sweet potatoes: Load them with black beans, avocado, cheese, or pulled chicken.
- Mashed: Scoop out the flesh, mash with butter or cream, and serve as a side dish.
- Spicy kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store whole or mashed sweet potatoes in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
FAQs
Do I need to add water to the crockpot?
No, the moisture from the sweet potatoes is enough to help them cook.
Can I cook other vegetables with the sweet potatoes?
Yes! Carrots, potatoes, or squash can be added to cook alongside them.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
They should be soft and fork-tender when pierced.
Can I cook them on high to speed up the process?
Yes, they will be done in about 3 ½-4 hours on high.
Do I need to poke holes in the sweet potatoes?
No, unlike oven baking, there’s no need to poke holes.
Can I season them before cooking?
It’s best to season after cooking, as spices may burn or lose flavor in the slow cooker.
What’s the best way to serve them?
You can serve them whole, mashed, or topped with butter, cheese, or brown sugar.
Can I use this method for regular potatoes?
Yes! Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes can be cooked the same way.
Do I need to peel them?
No, the skin helps retain moisture, and you can remove it easily after cooking.
Can I cook more than six sweet potatoes at a time?
Yes, just ensure they are stacked evenly and not overcrowded.
Conclusion
Slow cooker sweet potatoes are an easy, foolproof way to get perfectly soft and naturally sweet potatoes without turning on the oven. Whether you enjoy them plain, mashed, or loaded with toppings, this simple recipe makes meal prep effortless. Try different variations and enjoy a delicious and nutritious side dish!
Print
Cooker Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: Varies
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow cooker sweet potatoes are an effortless way to prepare tender, naturally sweet, and creamy sweet potatoes. Perfect for meal prep, side dishes, or stuffing with your favorite toppings, this no-fuss recipe requires zero peeling or boiling—just set it and forget it!
Ingredients
- 4–6 medium sweet potatoes
- Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)
- Butter, cinnamon, or other toppings (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the sweet potatoes: Scrub them clean but leave them damp for even cooking.
- Layer in slow cooker: Arrange the sweet potatoes in a single layer. Stack if necessary.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3 ½ to 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours, until fork-tender.
- Serve: Season with salt, pepper, butter, or toppings of choice.
Notes
- No need to add water—the natural moisture in sweet potatoes is enough.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 ½ - 7 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
