Imagine a side dish so irresistibly delicious that it becomes the star of your meal, transforming ordinary sweet potatoes into a mouthwatering masterpiece of caramelized goodness. These Slow Cooker Candied Sweet Potatoes are not just a recipe; they're a culinary experience that will have your family and guests begging for seconds. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, you'll create a decadent dish that's both incredibly easy and phenomenally delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and peel the sweet potatoes, ensuring all dirt and imperfections are removed. Cut the potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to promote even cooking.
- Grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Place the cubed sweet potato pieces evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a consistent layer.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, well-integrated glaze.
- Pour the prepared sugar-butter mixture evenly over the sweet potato cubes, ensuring all pieces are coated and covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 4 hours, allowing the sweet potatoes to become tender and absorb the rich, sweet flavors.
- Occasionally stir the sweet potatoes gently halfway through cooking to ensure even caramelization and prevent sticking.
- Check the potatoes for doneness by piercing with a fork. They should be soft and easily mashed when fully cooked.
- Once done, let the candied sweet potatoes rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve warm as a delightful side dish, optionally garnishing with additional cinnamon or chopped pecans for extra texture.
Tips
- Choose the right sweet potatoes: Select firm, unblemished sweet potatoes with smooth skin for the best texture and flavor.
- Uniform cutting is key: Cut sweet potato cubes into consistent 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Don't skip greasing: Always grease your slow cooker to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Low and slow is the secret: Cooking on low heat allows the sweet potatoes to become tender while developing rich, deep flavors.
- Stir gently: Midway through cooking, give the sweet potatoes a gentle stir to promote even caramelization.
- Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld.
- Optional upgrade: Sprinkle chopped pecans or a dash of extra cinnamon before serving for added texture and flavor.
- Make ahead friendly: These candied sweet potatoes can be prepared in advance and reheated, making them perfect for holiday meals or busy weeknights.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
