Sweet potatoes are a beloved ingredient, especially during the holidays. Naturally sweet and hearty, they make the perfect base for a variety of recipes. One of the most popular ways to prepare them is by making candied sweet potatoes—a rich, sweet side dish that pairs wonderfully with meats, especially during festive seasons. But why not take your traditional candied sweet potatoes to the next level? Using the slow cooker is an easy way to get perfectly tender, caramelized sweet potatoes with minimal effort.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the details of making slow cooker candied sweet potatoes—from the basic ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, and more. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a comforting side for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
What Are Candied Sweet Potatoes?
Candied sweet potatoes are sweet potatoes that have been cooked in a rich syrup made from butter, sugar, and spices. The cooking process allows the potatoes to absorb all the sweetness and flavors, turning them into a soft, gooey, and indulgent dish. These sweet potatoes are often made with ingredients like brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and sometimes marshmallows, giving them that classic “candied” taste.
Though the dish is frequently associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas, candied sweet potatoes are versatile enough to be served at any time of year. They make a fantastic side dish for roasted meats or as part of a hearty, vegetarian meal. While it’s easy to cook them in the oven or on the stove, the slow cooker method takes the flavors and texture to new heights—giving you that perfect caramelization without the need for constant attention.
The History of Candied Sweet Potatoes
Candied sweet potatoes are more than just a holiday tradition—they are a part of culinary history. Sweet potatoes have been cultivated in North America for centuries, originating in the tropics of Central and South America before spreading throughout the continent. The practice of “candied” foods—enhancing the natural sweetness of vegetables or fruits with syrup or sugar—has also been around for hundreds of years.
In the Southern United States, candied sweet potatoes have long been a fixture at holiday meals, especially Thanksgiving. Over time, the dish has evolved, with various regional differences and modern takes, including the use of marshmallows or pecans for added texture. But no matter how you make them, candied sweet potatoes remain a beloved, comforting dish.
Why Use a Slow Cooker for Candied Sweet Potatoes?
The slow cooker is a game-changer when it comes to making candied sweet potatoes. Here are several reasons why the slow cooker is the best choice for this recipe:
1. Hands-Off Cooking
One of the biggest advantages of using a slow cooker is the convenience. After you prep the ingredients, you simply place them in the slow cooker and let it do the work. You don’t need to worry about stirring or babysitting the dish while it cooks. This makes it the perfect method for busy holidays when you have other dishes to prepare.
2. Tender, Even Cooking
The slow cooker ensures that your sweet potatoes cook evenly. The long, slow cook time results in perfectly tender sweet potatoes without the risk of overcooking or burning, which can sometimes happen when cooking at higher temperatures. The steady heat also helps preserve the potatoes’ natural moisture, making them extra juicy.
3. Flavor Development
The slow, low-temperature cooking method helps to develop deeper, more complex flavors. As the sweet potatoes cook, the butter melts, and the brown sugar caramelizes, creating a thick, syrupy glaze. This allows the sweet potatoes to soak up the sweetness and spices, making each bite rich and flavorful.
4. Convenience for Large Batches
For holiday meals or large family gatherings, the slow cooker is ideal. You can easily prepare a big batch of candied sweet potatoes without crowding the stovetop or oven. This makes it a great option when you need to feed a crowd.
Ingredients for Candied Sweet Potatoes
To make slow cooker candied sweet potatoes, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4-5 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds)
- 1/2 cup butter (cut into small pieces)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Marshmallows: Add marshmallows during the last 30 minutes of cooking to create a gooey, sweet topping.
- Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a crunchy texture and flavor contrast to the soft sweet potatoes.
- Nutmeg or Cloves: For a warm, spiced flavor, sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg or cloves.
- Orange Zest: A tablespoon of freshly grated orange zest can elevate the flavor with a bright citrus note.
- Bourbon or Rum: For an adult twist, add a splash of dark rum or bourbon for a rich, smoky flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes
Here’s how to make your perfect slow cooker candied sweet potatoes. Follow the steps for a deliciously tender and flavorful dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Peel and Slice: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds. This thickness is ideal because it ensures they cook evenly and absorb the syrup mixture thoroughly.
- Size Matters: If you prefer larger chunks or wedges, that’s perfectly fine. Just keep in mind that larger pieces may need slightly more time to cook.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Layer the Potatoes: Place the sliced sweet potatoes in the slow cooker, layering them evenly. Try not to overcrowd the cooker to ensure even cooking.
- Add Butter and Sweeteners: Scatter the butter pieces over the sweet potatoes. Then add the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients will create the rich syrup that the potatoes will absorb as they cook.
- Optional Add-Ins: If you’re adding any optional ingredients, like pecans or marshmallows, you can incorporate them now, or you can wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking for a more distinct texture.
Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your sweet potatoes, so keep an eye on them toward the end.
- Stir Occasionally: While the slow cooker works its magic, stir the ingredients a couple of times during the cooking process to ensure the sweet potatoes are coated in the syrup and butter mixture.
- Add Marshmallows: If you plan to add marshmallows, now is the time to sprinkle them over the potatoes during the final 30 minutes of cooking. The marshmallows will soften, melt, and become golden brown, creating that classic candied topping.
Step 4: Check for Doneness
- The candied sweet potatoes should be fork-tender and coated in a thick, syrupy glaze when they’re done.
- If the syrup is too runny for your liking, you can leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes to allow it to thicken.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish (Optional): For a little extra flair, top your candied sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of toasted pecans, a dash of cinnamon, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Serve: These sweet potatoes are a fantastic side dish for almost any holiday meal or family dinner.
Variations on Candied Sweet Potatoes
While the classic recipe is already delicious, there are many ways to customize your candied sweet potatoes to suit your tastes. Here are a few creative variations:
1. Maple Syrup Candied Sweet Potatoes
Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. The maple syrup adds a rich, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.
2. Spicy Candied Sweet Potatoes
If you like a bit of heat with your sweetness, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, or paprika to the syrup mixture. The spices will balance out the sweetness, giving the dish a unique, flavorful kick.
3. Vegan Candied Sweet Potatoes
For a vegan-friendly version, replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and opt for a plant-based sweetener like agave syrup or maple syrup. This recipe will still have all the rich flavor without any dairy.
4. Candied Sweet Potatoes with Orange
Add some orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice to bring a citrusy brightness to the dish. The citrus notes will complement the sweet potatoes and enhance the overall flavor.
5. Pecan-Crusted Candied Sweet Potatoes
For a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans over the sweet potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This adds a lovely texture contrast and a nutty flavor to the dish.
Tips for Perfect Candied Sweet Potatoes
To make sure your slow cooker candied sweet potatoes turn out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes that are free from blemishes or soft spots. These will cook more evenly and hold up better in the slow cooker.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Make sure there’s enough room for the sweet potatoes to cook evenly. If necessary, cook the sweet potatoes in two separate batches.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the syrup mixture before cooking, and adjust the sweetness to your liking. You can always add more sugar, maple syrup, or cinnamon.
- Check for Doneness Early: Slow cookers vary, so start checking the sweet potatoes after 3 hours of cooking on high or 4 hours on low. You don’t want them to become mushy.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes
Candied sweet potatoes can be paired with a variety of dishes. Here are some great options:
- Roasted Meats: Serve them alongside roasted turkey, ham, or chicken for a traditional holiday meal.
- Grilled Meats: These sweet potatoes go wonderfully with grilled steaks, pork chops, or barbecued chicken.
- Vegetarian Meals: Pair with a vegetable stew, quinoa salad, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete vegetarian dinner.
- Leftovers: These sweet potatoes make great leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of slow cooker candied sweet potatoes (based on a recipe with 6 servings):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 2g
If you want a lighter version, consider reducing the amount of butter or using a low-calorie sweetener like stevia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Candied Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sweet potatoes a day or two in advance. Just assemble everything in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to cook, simply place it in the slow cooker and let it cook as usual.
How do I know when my candied sweet potatoes are done?
The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender and coated in a thick syrup. If they’re too firm, continue cooking on low for another 30-60 minutes.