Slow Cooker Candied Sweet Potatoes

Crock Pot Glazed Sweet Potatoes: Your Ultimate Easy Holiday Side Dish

Are you searching for a hassle-free, utterly delicious side dish that steals the show without monopolizing your precious oven space? Look no further! This recipe for Crock Pot Glazed Sweet Potatoes is the quintessential accompaniment for your Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any festive gathering. Requiring just 6 simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, this dish is not only a dream to prepare but also vegetarian, gluten-free, and universally loved by all ages. Prepare to fall in love with these perfectly tender sweet potatoes, enveloped in a rich, sweet, and comforting glaze.

A beautiful bowl of tender sweet potato slices generously covered in a shimmering, sweet glaze, ready to be served as a festive side dish for holidays.

Inspired by the overwhelming popularity of our Slow Cooker Maple Glazed Carrots, we knew we had to create an equally enchanting sweet potato version. And oh, are we glad we did! This recipe takes all the beloved elements of our carrot dish – the simplicity, the identical core ingredients, and the incredible flavor profile – and elevates them with the naturally sweet and vibrant character of sweet potatoes.

The magic truly happens with the luscious sweet maple and brown sugar glaze, which transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into an extraordinary culinary experience. Imagine melt-in-your-mouth sweet potatoes, each bite coated with a warm, sugary, and subtly spiced embrace. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a sweet, savory, and incredibly comforting indulgence that might just become your new favorite holiday tradition. We’re confident you’ll find yourself just as obsessed with these slow cooker glazed sweet potatoes as we are!

The brilliance of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity. With minimal preparation, you can entrust your slow cooker to handle the cooking, leaving you free to focus on other holiday preparations or simply relax. This “set it and forget it” approach makes it an absolute lifesaver during busy holidays, effectively freeing up valuable oven space for larger roasts like turkey or ham. It’s truly the perfect solution for a stress-free holiday meal, delivering maximum flavor with minimum effort, making it one of the easiest Thanksgiving or Christmas side dishes.

These Crock Pot Glazed Sweet Potatoes have quickly become a cherished family favorite, gracing our table on numerous occasions. They offer a delightful alternative to traditional sweet potato casserole, providing a similar comforting sweetness with even less fuss. We sincerely hope you and your loved ones enjoy this delightful and easy-to-make dish as much as we do!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Side Dish (Beyond the Holidays!)

While often spotlighted during festive seasons, these glazed sweet potatoes are versatile enough to enjoy all year round. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:

  1. Effortless Preparation with Minimal Ingredients: You only need 6 basic, readily available ingredients to bring this incredible dish to life. No complex techniques or exotic items required, making it accessible for even novice cooks. The prep work is quick – just peel, slice, and toss – allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying company or tackling other cooking tasks.
  2. Oven Freedom for Busy Holidays: This is arguably one of the biggest benefits! On bustling holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, oven space is prime real estate. By utilizing your slow cooker, you can prepare a spectacular side dish without compromising on the main course or other roasted vegetables. This is a true game-changer for holiday meal planning, ensuring all your dishes are ready at the same time without juggling oven temperatures.
  3. Warm, Comforting Flavors Perfect for Cooler Months: The combination of sweet potatoes, rich maple syrup, deep brown sugar, and aromatic cinnamon creates an irresistible aroma and taste that is the epitome of comfort food. These warm and inviting flavors are especially perfect for Fall and Winter meals, adding a cozy, nostalgic touch to any dinner table.
  4. A Naturally Sweet Treat That Satisfies: Who needs an extra dessert when your side dish is this good? These slow cooker glazed sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, satisfying your sweet tooth while providing the robust nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that feels luxurious and festive.
  5. Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Friendly: Catering to various dietary needs is a breeze with this recipe. It’s naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a safe, inclusive, and delicious option for a wide range of guests and family members.
  6. Scalable and Versatile: Whether you’re cooking for a small family dinner or a large holiday feast with a crowd, this recipe is incredibly easy to scale up or down. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities and slow cooker size accordingly, and you’re good to go, making it a truly flexible recipe.
  7. Minimal Cleanup: With just one pot (your slow cooker!) doing most of the work, cleanup is refreshingly minimal, which is always a bonus, especially after a big meal.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Crock Pot Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to culinary success. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial for creating the best glazed sweet potatoes:

A flat lay photograph showcasing all the simple ingredients required for slow cooker glazed sweet potatoes: whole sweet potatoes, a bowl of brown sugar, a bottle of maple syrup, a small dish of ground cinnamon, a stick of butter, and a pinch of salt.
  • Sweet Potatoes: The undeniable star of our slow cooker glazed sweet potatoes! Opt for fresh, firm sweet potatoes free from any wrinkles, soft spots, or pitting. Vibrant orange flesh indicates freshness and good flavor. While this recipe typically calls for about 2 ½ pounds of sweet potatoes (roughly 3 medium-sized ones), you have the flexibility to adjust this amount. Remember, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd without compromising on quality, just ensure your slow cooker has ample space.
  • Brown Sugar: This provides a deep, molasses-rich sweetness that is characteristic of classic glazed dishes. It also contributes to the beautiful caramelization and a slightly thicker, more luxurious consistency of our glaze. Brown sugar complements the natural flavors of maple and sweet potato exquisitely, adding a layer of complex sweetness that white sugar simply can’t match.
  • Maple Syrup: This is where the dish truly shines and gets its distinctive, irresistible flavor! Using real, pure maple syrup elevates the flavor profile, adding a distinct earthy sweetness and a subtle woody note that is simply unparalleled. While substitutes exist, authentic maple syrup is highly recommended for the best, most aromatic taste. It’s what gives these glazed sweet potatoes their signature holiday flair.
  • Ground Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon infuses the dish with warm, aromatic notes, making it feel incredibly comforting and perfectly suited for cooler seasons. It perfectly balances the sweetness and adds that classic holiday spice dimension that evokes warmth and cheer.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to give you full control over the overall saltiness of the dish. It adds a luxurious richness and creaminess to the glaze, ensuring it coats each sweet potato slice beautifully and delivers a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Butter also acts as an emulsifier, helping to combine all the sweet and spiced flavors into a cohesive, delectable sauce.
  • Salt: A small amount of salt is surprisingly crucial in this sweet dish. It doesn’t make the dish salty; instead, it acts as a powerful flavor enhancer, balancing and amplifying the sweet notes of the maple syrup and brown sugar. This subtle addition prevents the dish from becoming overly saccharine, creating a perfectly harmonious sweet and savory profile.

Recommended Equipment for a Seamless Experience:

To make this Crock Pot Glazed Sweet Potatoes recipe as effortless as possible, here’s the primary piece of equipment you’ll need, along with other helpful tools:

  • Slow Cooker: For this recipe, we highly recommend a 6-quart programmable slow cooker. Its generous capacity is ideal for preparing a variety of dishes, from large batches of this sweet potato side to comforting soups and hearty stews. The programmable feature allows for precise cooking times, ensuring your sweet potatoes are perfectly tender every time, without constant monitoring.
  • Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Essential tools for safely and efficiently peeling and slicing your sweet potatoes into uniform rounds, which is key for even cooking.
  • Vegetable Peeler: Makes quick work of peeling the sweet potatoes, preparing them for slicing without excess waste.
  • Silicone Spatula or Spoon: For gently stirring and distributing the glaze ingredients without damaging the tender sweet potato slices during the cooking process.
  • Small Saucepan (Optional, but Recommended for Thickening Glaze): If you choose the stovetop method for thickening the glaze – which we recommend for the best results – a small saucepan will be needed.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Irresistible Glazed Sweet Potatoes in Your Slow Cooker

Preparing this Crock Pot Glazed Sweet Potatoes side dish couldn’t be simpler! You’ll be amazed at how easily these delectable glazed sweet potatoes come together, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights and especially indispensable for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. The following instructions are for a standard family-sized batch, but remember, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and can be effortlessly doubled or tripled to cater to a larger gathering.

1. Preparing and Layering the Sweet Potatoes

Begin by thoroughly washing your sweet potatoes under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris. Next, using a sturdy vegetable peeler, carefully remove the skin from each sweet potato. Once peeled, place the sweet potatoes on a cutting board and slice them into uniform rounds, approximately ⅓ to ½ inch thick. Consistency in thickness is paramount here, as it ensures all the sweet potato slices cook evenly and become tender at the same time. Keep in mind that thicker rounds will naturally require a slightly longer cooking time, while thinner slices will be done more quickly, so adjust accordingly.

Once sliced, arrange the sweet potato rounds evenly in the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker insert. Try to lay them in a single layer if possible. If you’re doubling the recipe, you may need to stack them loosely, but avoid packing them too tightly to allow the delicious glaze to distribute well during cooking.

Sliced sweet potatoes carefully arranged in a slow cooker, with a generous layer of brown sugar sprinkled over them, ready for the next steps of the glazing process.

2. Crafting the Sweet and Spiced Glaze

Once your sweet potatoes are neatly in place, it’s time to build the exquisite glaze that will transform them. Evenly sprinkle the salt, fragrant ground cinnamon, and packed brown sugar directly over the sweet potato slices in the slow cooker. Don’t fret if it doesn’t look perfectly even at this initial stage; the slow cooking process will ensure everything melts and combines beautifully into a cohesive sauce.

Next, gently pour the real maple syrup over the sweet potatoes. Using a silicone spatula or a sturdy spoon, carefully stir the ingredients. Your primary goal here is to distribute the glaze components as thoroughly as possible amongst the sweet potato slices. While it might not be a perfect, uniform mix initially, the warmth of the slow cooker will cause the sugar and butter to melt and the flavors to meld, making it much easier to stir and coat the sweet potatoes once cooking begins. A quick stir or two during cooking will further assist in even distribution.

Cubed butter being placed strategically on top of sliced sweet potatoes within a slow cooker, before the lid is added for cooking the glazed sweet potatoes.

Finally, cut your butter (preferably unsalted) into 6-8 even cubes or squares. Distribute these butter pieces evenly on top of the sweet potato slices. As they melt, the butter will render down into the glaze, adding a luscious richness and helping to create that irresistible glossy, tender finish. After placing the butter, secure the lid firmly onto your crock pot, ensuring a tight seal to retain moisture and heat.

3. Slow Cooking to Perfection: Timing is Key

Now, let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting! Cook the glazed sweet potatoes on the “high” setting for approximately 2 ½ to 3 hours, or on the “low” setting for 5 to 6 hours. The exact cooking time can vary slightly depending on your specific slow cooker model, the thickness of your sweet potato slices, and how full your crock pot is. To ensure optimal cooking and thorough glaze distribution, if convenient, try to stir the sweet potatoes once or twice during the cooking process, especially if you have a larger batch. This helps prevent sticking and ensures every slice is bathed in the sweet glaze.

The sweet potatoes are perfectly done when they are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce a slice with a fork without it crumbling apart, but they shouldn’t be mushy. Overcooked sweet potatoes can become overly soft, so keep an eye on them, particularly towards the end of the cooking time, testing for doneness. They should hold their shape but yield easily to pressure.

A slow cooker filled with beautifully cooked, tender glazed sweet potato slices, glistening in their sweet sauce, ready to be thickened and served as a delicious side.

4. Achieving the Perfect Glaze Consistency (Optional but Highly Recommended)

While the sweet potatoes will be delicious straight out of the slow cooker, an extra step can elevate your glaze from simply delicious to truly decadent. Thickening the brown sugar and maple syrup glaze concentrates its flavors and gives it a more luxurious, syrupy texture that beautifully clings to the sweet potato slices. We highly recommend taking this extra five minutes for an even more impressive presentation and taste, transforming it into a truly restaurant-quality side dish.

  • Method 1: Stovetop Thickening (Recommended for Best Results)

    Carefully use a slotted spoon to transfer all the cooked sweet potato slices from the slow cooker to a large serving bowl. Cover the bowl with a plate or aluminum foil to keep the potatoes warm while you work on the glaze. Next, pour the remaining liquid (the thinner glaze) from the slow cooker insert into a small saucepan. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat on your stovetop. Whisk continuously, allowing the glaze to reduce and thicken for approximately 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired syrupy consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to let it boil over or scorch. Once thickened, immediately pour this rich, glossy glaze generously over your warm sweet potatoes.

  • Method 2: Slow Cooker Reduction (Simpler, but Less Potent)

    For a slightly simpler, though often less effective, thickening method, you can try removing the lid from your slow cooker for the final 30 minutes of cooking. Switch the slow cooker setting to “high” (if it’s not already on high) and allow the excess moisture to evaporate. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent sticking and ensure even reduction. While this method will thicken the glaze somewhat, the stovetop method generally yields a much richer, more concentrated, and glossier result, making it the preferred technique for a truly spectacular finish.

Of the two methods, the saucepan method consistently delivers the best results for a truly thick, flavorful, and glossy glaze that beautifully coats every piece of sweet potato.

A stream of rich, thickened maple and brown sugar glaze being poured over a bowl of glistening, tender sweet potato rounds, enhancing their flavor and presentation for serving.

Clever Substitutions & Variations to Customize Your Crock Pot Glazed Sweet Potatoes

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to tailor to your pantry, dietary needs, or personal flavor preferences. Feel free to experiment with these creative substitutions and variations to make this dish uniquely yours:

  • Maple Syrup Alternatives: If real maple syrup isn’t readily available or if you’re looking for a slightly different flavor profile, you have several excellent options. You can substitute it with an equal amount of honey for a floral sweetness, corn syrup for a neutral sweetness and shine, or even a good quality pancake syrup. For a completely different approach that emphasizes a deeper, more caramel-like flavor, you could increase the brown sugar to ¾ cup and omit the maple syrup entirely.
  • Beyond Sweet Potatoes: While sweet potatoes are divine here, this slow cooker recipe is remarkably versatile and can be adapted for other root vegetables! You can easily swap them for baby carrots, which work beautifully and offer a slightly different texture and sweetness profile – just check out our popular Maple Glazed Carrots recipe for specific guidance. You could also try this with parsnips, rutabagas, or even a colorful mix of root vegetables for a unique medley.
  • Dairy-Free Option: To make this recipe completely dairy-free without sacrificing any of the rich, buttery flavor, simply substitute the butter with an equal amount of butter-flavored coconut oil or your preferred dairy-free butter alternative spread. Ensure your chosen substitute is suitable for cooking and has a neutral or complementary flavor that won’t overpower the sweet glaze.
  • Refined Sugar-Free Adaptation: For those looking to reduce or eliminate refined sugar from their diet, there are several excellent natural sweetener options. You can substitute the brown sugar with ¼ cup of coconut sugar, which offers a similar caramel note, or use 3 tablespoons of honey. Alternatively, you can increase the real maple syrup to ¾ cup, allowing its natural sweetness to carry the dish entirely. Remember to adjust to taste as natural sweeteners can vary in intensity.
  • Additional Spices for Extra Warmth: For an extra layer of complexity and warmth, consider adding a pinch of other complementary spices along with the cinnamon. Nutmeg, allspice, ground ginger, or even a tiny dash of ground cloves can enhance the holiday flavor profile. A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a subtle, unexpected kick that beautifully contrasts the sweetness, creating an exciting flavor dimension.
  • Citrus Zest for Brightness: A little orange or lemon zest can truly brighten up the flavors and add a fresh, aromatic note to the glaze. Add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking or after the glaze has thickened for the most vibrant citrus essence.
  • Nutty Topping: For added texture and flavor, consider stirring in or sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts over the sweet potatoes just before serving. Lightly toasting the nuts beforehand will intensify their flavor.
A shallow bowl showcasing a generous serving of perfectly cooked, glazed sweet potato slices, ready to be enjoyed as a comforting side dish for any meal.
A close-up view of a shallow bowl filled with beautifully cooked sweet potato slices, each one coated in a glistening, sweet, and spiced glaze, highlighting their tender texture and festive appeal.

Expert Tips for Success with Your Crock Pot Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Achieving perfectly tender and beautifully glazed sweet potatoes every time is easy with these helpful tips and tricks:

  • Consistent Slicing for Even Cooking: The thickness of your sweet potato slices directly impacts both the cooking time and the final texture. For faster cooking and a softer texture, aim for thinner slices (about ⅓ inch). If you prefer a longer cooking time or a slightly firmer, more substantial bite, cut them thicker (up to 1 inch). Regardless of your preference, ensure all slices are as uniform as possible to guarantee they cook at the same rate and reach doneness simultaneously.
  • Scaling the Recipe for Any Crowd: The base recipe is perfectly designed for a typical family meal of about 6-8 servings. However, for larger holiday feasts like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, you will definitely want to double or even triple the recipe to ensure everyone gets a generous portion. When scaling up, ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume (a 6-quart or larger is absolutely ideal). You might also need to slightly extend the overall cooking time and stir a couple more times during cooking to ensure the glaze is well distributed and all sweet potatoes are equally coated.
  • Don’t Skip the Glaze Thickening Step: While technically an optional step, thickening the glaze is highly recommended for a truly spectacular result. It transforms the thinner cooking liquid into a rich, syrupy, and concentrated sauce that beautifully coats the sweet potatoes, significantly enhancing both their flavor and their visual presentation. As mentioned in the instructions, simmering it in a separate saucepan on the stovetop consistently yields the most luxurious and concentrated results.
  • Pre-Warming Your Slow Cooker: If your slow cooker has a “warm” setting or if you simply have a few extra minutes, pre-warming it for 15-20 minutes before adding ingredients can help kickstart the cooking process more efficiently, ensuring a more consistent cooking temperature from the beginning.
  • Gentle Stirring During Cooking: While slow cookers are generally designed for hands-off cooking, a gentle stir once or twice during the cooking process (especially important for larger batches) helps to distribute the flavorful glaze evenly and prevents the bottom layer of sweet potatoes from sticking or caramelizing too much. This ensures every piece is infused with the sweet goodness.
  • Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes with smooth skins. Varieties like Beauregard, Jewel, or Garnet are excellent choices for this recipe due to their vibrant color, consistent texture, and naturally sweet flavor that holds up well during slow cooking.
  • Serve Warm for Best Flavor: These glazed sweet potatoes are undoubtedly best when served warm, directly after preparing or reheating. The warmth enhances the aroma and the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the potatoes and the richness of the glaze.

Serving Suggestions for Your Crock Pot Glazed Sweet Potatoes

These Crock Pot Glazed Sweet Potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide array of main courses and other side dishes, making them a perfect addition to almost any meal. Here are a few ideas to help you complete your culinary creation:

  • Classic Holiday Roasts: They are a natural and traditional complement to roasted turkey, baked ham, succulent prime rib, or a perfectly roasted chicken, especially during grand holiday celebrations like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Their sweetness beautifully balances the savory richness of these meats.
  • Hearty Weeknight Dinners: Elevate a simple roasted pork loin, grilled chicken breast, pan-seared salmon, or even pork chops with a generous serving of these sweet and savory potatoes. They add a touch of comfort and elegance to everyday meals.
  • Vegetarian Mains: For a complete vegetarian spread, serve these glazed sweet potatoes alongside a hearty lentil loaf, a robust mushroom Wellington, a savory quiche, or a flavorful grain bowl. They provide a delightful sweet contrast.
  • Complementary Side Dishes: Pair them with other beloved holiday sides such as a creamy green bean casserole, fluffy mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, a fresh garden salad, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a balanced and flavorful spread.
  • Creative Garnishes: Enhance both the flavor and visual appeal with a few simple garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, while a dash of fresh chopped parsley or chives provides a vibrant pop of color and freshness. For a classic, decadent holiday touch, consider topping with toasted mini marshmallows just before serving!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Preparing these Crock Pot Glazed Sweet Potatoes ahead of time or managing delicious leftovers is incredibly easy with these straightforward guidelines:

  • Storage: Allow any leftover glazed sweet potatoes to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. They will maintain their delicious flavor and texture for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: For longer-term storage, these glazed sweet potatoes can be frozen successfully. Spread the cooled sweet potatoes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents them from clumping together). Once frozen, transfer the solid pieces to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container, ensuring as much air as possible is removed to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen sweet potatoes in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating (Oven): For the best results, especially for maintaining texture and flavor, reheating in the oven is recommended. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sweet potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through. For a slightly more caramelized surface, you can uncover them for the last few minutes of reheating.
  • Reheating (Microwave): For a quick and convenient reheat of individual servings, place the desired amount of sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed to your liking. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can sometimes become overly soft or mushy in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Crock Pot Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Here are answers to some common questions about making this delicious slow cooker side dish:

  • Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?

    While fresh sweet potatoes are highly recommended for their superior texture and natural flavor, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. If opting for canned, ensure you drain them very well. Also, significantly reduce the initial slow cooking time, as canned sweet potatoes are already cooked. Monitor them closely to prevent them from becoming too mushy or falling apart.

  • Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?

    Yes, peeling the sweet potatoes is generally recommended for the best texture in this glazed dish. The skins, while edible, can be a bit tough or fibrous and might detract from the smooth, tender consistency of the glazed potatoes. However, if you prefer, you can certainly leave the skins on; just ensure they are thoroughly scrubbed clean before slicing.

  • My glaze isn’t thickening enough. What should I do?

    The most effective and reliable way to achieve a thick, syrupy glaze is by transferring the liquid to a saucepan and simmering it on the stovetop as described in Method 1 of the “Achieving the Perfect Glaze Consistency” section. This method allows for rapid evaporation and reduction. If you’re trying the slow cooker method (Method 2) and it’s not thickening to your satisfaction, it likely means there’s too much moisture for the slow cooker to evaporate effectively, and switching to the stovetop method will be necessary for a richer glaze.

  • Can I make these glazed sweet potatoes ahead of time?

    Absolutely! This recipe is excellent for make-ahead convenience, which is perfect for busy holiday preparations. You can prepare and cook the glazed sweet potatoes fully, including thickening the glaze, a day or two in advance. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving, following the storage and reheating guidelines.

  • Is this recipe very sweet?

    This is designed to be a sweet side dish, offering a comforting and indulgent treat, especially suitable for holiday tables. However, the addition of salt in the recipe is crucial for balancing the sweetness and preventing it from being overly cloying. If you prefer it less sweet, you can slightly reduce the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup to your personal taste. Conversely, for a truly decadent experience, a sprinkle of extra brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup at the end can be added upon serving.

Crock Pot Glazed Sweet Potatoes in a serving bowl with a spoon, showing their rich, glossy glaze

Crock Pot Glazed Sweet Potatoes


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Course: Slow Cooker Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3-6 hours
Glaze Thickening (Optional): 5 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (approx.)
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 243kcal
Author: Dorothy Bigelow

Equipment

  • 6-Quart Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ pounds sweet potatoes (approximately 3 medium size, peeled and sliced ⅓-½ inch thick)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup real maple syrup
  • cup butter (cubed)

Instructions

  1. Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into uniform ⅓-½” thick rounds.
  2. Place the sliced sweet potatoes into the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker. Try to arrange them in a loose, even layer.
  3. Evenly sprinkle in the salt, ground cinnamon, and packed brown sugar over the sweet potatoes. Gently stir to begin combining the ingredients.
  4. Pour in the real maple syrup and stir again gently to ensure it’s well distributed among the sweet potato slices.
  5. Cut the butter into 6-8 cubes and place them strategically on top of the sweet potatoes, spaced evenly. This will allow the butter to melt and infuse the glaze during cooking.
  6. Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on “high” for 2 ½-3 hours, or on “low” for 5-6 hours, or until the sweet potatoes are easily pierced with a fork (fork-tender). If possible, stir the sweet potatoes 1-2 times during cooking to ensure even glaze distribution.
  7. Once cooked, if you desire a thicker glaze (highly recommended), carefully remove just the sweet potato slices to a large bowl. Cover the bowl with a plate or foil to keep the potatoes warm.
  8. Transfer the remaining liquid from the slow cooker to a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, whisking frequently, until the glaze has reduced and thickened to a syrupy consistency (about 5 minutes). Alternatively, for a lighter thickening, remove the slow cooker lid for the final 30 minutes of cooking on “high.”
  9. Pour the thickened glaze generously over the warm sweet potato slices and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfectly glazed slow cooker sweet potatoes!




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Notes

Maple syrup substitute: If you can’t find real maple syrup, you can substitute it with honey, corn syrup, or pancake syrup. Alternatively, you can increase the brown sugar to ¾ cup and omit the maple syrup for a deeper caramel flavor.

Thickening the Glaze: For the most luscious and syrupy glaze that clings beautifully to the sweet potatoes, the saucepan method (simmering the liquid on the stovetop) consistently yields the best results.

Larger batch: When preparing this dish for a large celebration like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Remember to stir the sweet potatoes several times during cooking and be prepared to slightly lengthen the overall cooking time. The sweet potatoes are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.

Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated)

Serving Size: 1g | Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 287mg | Potassium: 512mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 20346IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg

(Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods.)

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