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Slow Cooker Baked Sweet Potatoes

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  • #8134

These crockpot baked sweet potatoes are perfect for fall, whether you're going sweet with butter and cinnamon sugar or savory with roasted veggies. Leaving a little water on the potatoes helps generates just enough moist heat to make these sweet potatoes wonderfully tender, never dried out. In our test, medium sized sweet potatoes took a full 6 hours on low to be cooked through. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size of the sweet potatoes or how your particular crock pot heats.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  over 5 hrs
Rating: 5/5

1 review

ingredients

5 medium sweet potatoes or yams

directions

Scrub the sweet potatoes, rinse, and shake off excess water. Place the wet sweet potatoes in the crock pot.

Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Carefully remove the potatoes from the crock pot. Serve hot topped with butter, cinnamon, or maple syrup. Or, scoop out the flesh and mash to desired consistency.


crock pot notes

Crock pots/slow cookers all heat differently. There is no standard among manufacturers. Cooking times are suggested guidelines based on our testing. Please adjust cooking times and temps to work with your brand and model of slow cooker.

recipe tips


Make sure to scrub sweet potatoes thoroughly to clean off any dirt.

If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a sprinkle of brown sugar or a drizzle of honey before serving.

Try different toppings when serving, such as feta cheese with herbs or a sprinkle of chili powder for a spicy kick.

Use leftover sweet potato flesh in smoothies or baked goods.

You can wrap each sweet potato in foil before placing them in the crockpot and cook them on high heat if you want to speed up the process. Make sure to keep a little water in the bottom of the crock pot for steam.

Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the sweet potatoes; smaller ones may need less time.

If you are short on time, you can microwave them first for a few minutes to jumpstart the cooking process before placing them in the crock pot.

common recipe questions


What are the health benefits of sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, which can support immune function, eye health, and digestive health.

What type of sweet potatoes are best for baking?

Medium-sized heirloom or orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are best for baking due to their sweetness and creamy texture when cooked.

How do I know when sweet potatoes are done cooking?

Sweet potatoes are done when they are fork-tender, meaning you can easily pierce them with a fork without resistance.

Can I cook more than five sweet potatoes at once in the crockpot?

You can cook more, but make sure they fit comfortably without overcrowding, as too many may lead to uneven cooking and can extend the cooking time.

What can I do if my sweet potatoes are not tender after the recommended cooking time?

If they are not tender, simply extend the cooking time by 30 minutes to an hour until they reach fork-tenderness. Unfortunately, almost all crock pots cook differently so you need to just keep an eye on them until you know how long this recipe takes in your particular make and model of slow cooker.

How should I store leftovers?

Leftover baked sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Can sweet potatoes be frozen after being cooked?

Yes, cooked sweet potatoes can be frozen. Make sure they are cooled completely and in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

How can I reheat baked sweet potatoes?

To reheat, you can place them in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or in an oven or air fryer preheated to 350 degrees F until warmed through.

What are some ideas for toppings besides butter and cinnamon?

Other topping options include Greek yogurt, honey, brown sugar, nuts, or even savory ingredients like salsa or cheese.

Can I skip rinsing the sweet potatoes?

Rinsing is recommended to remove dirt and pesticides but also you need a little moisture in the crock pot to create steam while the sweet potatoes cook.

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes before cooking?

No, you do not need to peel the sweet potatoes before cooking; you can peel them afterward if desired. Cooking them with the skin on keeps them from drying out.

tools needed


Crock Pot: For cooking sweet potatoes slowly and evenly.

Sponge or Brush: For scrubbing the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt before cooking.

Tongs or Fork: For carefully removing the hot sweet potatoes from the crock pot after cooking and also testing them for doneness.

what goes with it?


Cinnamon Butter: Spread this flavorful spread over the warm sweet potatoes for a cozy, sweet touch. The richness of the cinnamon butter enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

Maple Syrup Drizzle: A drizzle of maple syrup adds a sweetness that perfectly contrasts the earthy notes of the sweet potatoes.

Roasted Vegetables: Pair the sweet potatoes with a medley of roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, and red onions. The savory, caramelized flavors of the vegetables balance out the sweetness of the potatoes.

Chili: Fill the baked sweet potatoes with chili for a hearty dish. The spiciness of the chili complements the subtle sweetness of the potatoes.

Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt on top can add a creamy, tangy flavor that enhances the sweetness while adding a rich texture.

Pecan Crumble: Sprinkle some chopped pecans and brown sugar on top for a crunchy, sweet topping that adds texture to the soft potatoes.

Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a bit of balsamic reduction over the sweet potatoes for an unexpected tartness. The tangy sweetness of the glaze can brighten up the rich flavors.

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Scoop out the flesh and mix it with quinoa, feta, and herbs. This offers a lovely Mediterranean twist while diversifying what's on the plate.

Buffalo Sauce: For a fun kick, toss some sweet potato chunks in buffalo sauce. The heat from the sauce contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the potatoes.


nutrition data

137 calories, 0 grams fat, 32 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in sodium. This recipe is low in fat.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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reviews & comments

  1. enk1668 REVIEW:

    I love baked sweet potatoes but hate to oven bake them in the summer. This version works just as well and keeps them moist (similar to cooking in foil in the oven). My crock pot takes longer though closer to 8 hours.

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