Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes and Apples: The Easiest Holiday Side Dish

Discover the ultimate stress-free side dish perfect for holiday gatherings or any family dinner: Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes and Apples. This delightful recipe layers tender sweet potatoes and crisp apples, infused with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar. Preparing this in your crockpot frees up valuable oven space, making it an indispensable addition to your festive menu. Its effortless preparation combined with an irresistible taste ensures it will become a cherished family favorite, bringing a touch of homemade warmth to every meal.

Why Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes and Apples Are a Must-Try

This Slow Cooker Apple Sweet Potato Recipe holds a special place in my heart, and it quickly became an absolute favorite for John’s grandmother. In her early 90s, she finds some foods increasingly difficult to enjoy, particularly meats. This simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish, however, is one she always requests again and again. Her enthusiastic approval, paired with its remarkable simplicity, is why it’s earned a permanent spot on our menu.

What makes this dish truly exceptional is its balanced flavor profile. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes harmonizes perfectly with the tartness of the apples, all brought together by the warm embrace of cinnamon and brown sugar. It’s a symphony of tastes that appeals to every palate, from the youngest family member to the eldest. Its versatility means it’s not just for holidays; it’s a fantastic accompaniment to weeknight dinners, especially pork or poultry. The ease of preparation means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying moments with loved ones.

For those bustling holiday meals like Thanksgiving, this recipe is a game-changer. It allows you to create a gourmet-tasting side dish without monopolizing precious oven space, leaving you free to roast your turkey or bake other casseroles. Just set it and forget it, returning hours later to a perfectly cooked, aromatic, and delicious addition to your feast. This hands-off approach to cooking makes it not just a tasty option, but a smart one too.

The Magic of Slow Cooking: Perfect Texture and Flavor Infusion

The slow cooker is truly a marvel for dishes like sweet potatoes and apples. The extended cooking time at a low, consistent temperature allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth that quick-cooking methods simply can’t achieve. The cinnamon, brown sugar, and apple juice gently infuse every slice of sweet potato and apple, transforming them into incredibly tender, caramelized bites. This process ensures the vegetables and fruits become perfectly soft without turning to mush, maintaining their individual textures while still being spoon-tender.

Beyond flavor, the slow cooker offers unparalleled convenience. It’s a “set it and forget it” appliance, ideal for busy hosts or anyone who appreciates a minimal-fuss meal. There’s no constant stirring, no worrying about burning, and no last-minute rush. This means you can spend your time on other tasks, whether it’s preparing other parts of your meal, spending time with family, or simply relaxing, all while your delicious side dish cooks itself to perfection.

Key Ingredients for Sweet Potato and Apple Perfection

Crafting the perfect Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes and Apples starts with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that coveted balance of sweet, tart, and spiced flavors.

• Large Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show. Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. You’ll want to peel them thoroughly before slicing. For this recipe, we recommend slicing them into ½-inch thick rounds or half-moons. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender without losing their shape.
• Granny Smith Apples: These tart apples are crucial for providing a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the potatoes and brown sugar. Their firm texture also holds up well during the long cooking process. If Granny Smiths aren’t available, or if you prefer a slightly sweeter profile, other excellent baking apples include Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Feel free to use a mix of varieties for a more complex flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and helps create that wonderful caramelization. Using unsalted butter gives you control over the overall sodium content of the dish.
• Light Brown Sugar: This provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the other flavors beautifully. You can adjust the amount slightly based on your preferred sweetness level.
• Dark Corn Syrup: The corn syrup contributes to the glossy, luxurious texture of the sauce and adds another layer of sweetness. It also helps prevent crystallization of the sugar, resulting in a smoother syrup.
• Apple Juice (or Apple Cider): This liquid forms the base of our simmering sauce, infusing more apple flavor and ensuring the ingredients cook down to a tender consistency without drying out.
• Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for both apples and sweet potatoes. Cinnamon brings warmth, depth, and that unmistakable comforting aroma to the dish.

Optional Enhancements:

• Pecans: Toasted pecans added at the end provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly complements the soft fruits and vegetables.
• Nutmeg: For an extra layer of warm spice, a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile even further. It pairs wonderfully with cinnamon and the sweet, earthy notes of the sweet potatoes.

Essential Equipment for a Seamless Experience

While the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, having the right tools can make the process even smoother:

• Measuring Tools (Teaspoons/Tablespoons/Measuring Cups): Accurate measurements are key for consistent results, especially with the sugar and spices.
• Sharp Knife: A good chef’s knife is essential for safely and efficiently peeling and slicing both the sweet potatoes and apples to your desired thickness.
• Vegetable Peeler: For quickly and easily peeling the sweet potatoes.
• Apple Corer: While not strictly necessary (a knife can do the job), an apple corer makes preparing the apples much faster and cleaner.
• Crockpot (Slow Cooker): This is the star piece of equipment. We highly recommend using a slow cooker with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after the cooking time is complete. This feature is invaluable for preventing overcooking and ensuring your dish is perfectly tender and ready to serve whenever you are. A 6-quart capacity is generally ideal for this recipe.
• Serving Bowl: A beautiful serving bowl to present your finished masterpiece.

Expert Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes and Apples

Achieving a truly outstanding Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes and Apples dish is simple with these expert tips:

• Consistency in Slicing: Aim for slices of both apples and sweet potatoes to be approximately ½ inch thick. This uniform thickness is key for even cooking. If slices are too thin, they might turn mushy; too thick, and they may not become tender enough. This balance ensures they cook down to a soft consistency but still hold their shape beautifully when served.
• Maple Syrup Substitution: Life happens, and sometimes you’re missing an ingredient. In a pinch, or if you prefer a different flavor profile, maple syrup makes an excellent substitute for dark corn syrup. The last time I made this, I found myself without corn syrup, and using maple syrup worked wonderfully, lending a slightly different but equally delicious, nuanced sweetness.
• Serving Presentation Matters: While some people prefer to mash the sweet potatoes and apples together, we love serving this dish layered in a casserole dish. The distinct layers of vibrant orange sweet potatoes and lighter apples create a beautiful visual contrast that’s very appealing on a holiday table. A large serving spoon allows guests to easily scoop out their desired portion.
• Apple Variety Flexibility: Don’t feel strictly bound to Granny Smith apples. While they offer that perfect tart counterpoint, feel free to experiment with whatever baking apples you have on hand or prefer. A mix of sweet and tart apples can add complexity to the flavor. Just ensure they are varieties that hold up well to slow cooking.
• Spice it Up: While cinnamon is non-negotiable, consider adding a dash of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and depth. Cardamom or a tiny pinch of ground cloves could also be interesting additions for those who enjoy more complex spice notes.
• Non-Stick Spray is Your Friend: Always coat your slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray before adding ingredients. This simple step prevents the sugary sauce from sticking and makes cleanup significantly easier.
• Pecan Perfection: If adding pecans, toast them lightly in a dry skillet for a few minutes before sprinkling them over the dish. Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds an extra dimension of taste and texture.
• Nutrition Notes: Be aware that the nutritional information, including calories, protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins, will vary based on the specific products and brands you use, as well as any substitutions or additions. Always consult the labels of your ingredients for the most accurate data.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. It’s a classic accompaniment to holiday roasts like turkey, ham, or prime rib. Beyond the holidays, it’s an epic side for grilled pork ribs, roasted chicken, or even a simple weeknight steak. Its sweet and savory profile makes it a fantastic complement to rich, hearty meals.

Crock Pot Apple Sweet Potato Recipe

Crock Pot Apple Sweet Potato Recipe

How to make a delicious Crockpot Apple Sweet Potato Recipe that is perfect for the holidays.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 7 hours

Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 429 kcal

Author: Tammilee Tips

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½ inch slices
• 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into ½ inch slices
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ½ cup dark corn syrup
• ½ cup apple juice or apple cider
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup pecans, toasted (optional)

Instructions

1. Coat the crock pot insert with non-stick spray.
2. Layer the sweet potatoes and apples evenly in the crock pot.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, apple juice (or cider), and cinnamon. Whisk until well combined.
4. Pour the liquid mixture evenly over the layered sweet potatoes and apples in the crock pot.
5. Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 7 hours, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
6. If using, sprinkle with toasted pecans just before serving. Serve warm.

Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Apple Corer (optional)

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

Crock Pot Apple Sweet Potato Recipe

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 429

Calories from Fat 189

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% Daily Value*

Fat 21g 32%

Saturated Fat 8g 50%

Cholesterol 31mg 10%

Sodium 102mg 4%

Potassium 524mg 15%

Carbohydrates 63g 21%

Fiber 6g 25%

Sugar 41g 46%

Protein 3g 6%

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Vitamin A 16417IU 328%

Vitamin C 5mg 6%

Calcium 67mg 7%

Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

More Delicious Slow Cooker Side Dish Inspirations

The slow cooker is an invaluable tool for creating delectable side dishes with minimal effort. If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy exploring these other easy and comforting crockpot sides:

• Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes infused with aromatic garlic, perfect for any meal.
• Crockpot Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots with a shiny glaze, a vibrant and healthy addition to your plate.
• Crock Pot Stuffing: A savory and moist stuffing, ideal for Thanksgiving or any holiday spread, freeing up oven space.
• Crock Pot Creamed Corn: Rich, creamy, and incredibly easy, this classic side dish is a crowd-pleaser.
• Crockpot Loaded Mashed Cauliflower: A lighter, yet equally satisfying alternative to mashed potatoes, packed with flavor.

You can find even more slow cooker vegetarian recipes to expand your culinary repertoire.

For more meal inspiration, don’t miss our epic list of vegetable side dishes, or explore our extensive collection of copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and all our amazing Crock Pot Recipes.

Conclusion

Whether you’re planning a grand holiday feast or simply seeking a delicious and easy weeknight side, this Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes and Apples recipe is a guaranteed winner. Its irresistible blend of sweet and tart flavors, infused with warm cinnamon, coupled with the incredible convenience of the slow cooker, makes it an essential recipe for every home cook. Give it a try and discover why it’s become a beloved dish in our family.

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Recipe originally shared on October 7, 2015. Updated on April 20, 2020.