Prepare to elevate your culinary repertoire with this irresistibly delicious Slow Cooker Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply a comforting weeknight treat, these sweet potatoes are transformed into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth delight, coated in a luscious, spiced glaze. Crafted with simple ingredients like rich butter, your preferred sugar substitute, aromatic vanilla, and a touch of warm nutmeg, this dish promises a hassle-free cooking experience with truly spectacular results. Say goodbye to oven space woes and hello to a side dish that practically cooks itself, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities or relax after a long day.

Irresistible Slow Cooker Candied Sweet Potatoes: Your Ultimate Holiday Side Dish

Are you searching for a reliable, flavorful, and incredibly easy side dish that will impress your guests every time? Look no further than these Slow Cooker Candied Sweet Potatoes. This recipe has quickly become a household favorite, especially during busy times when hands-on cooking is limited. The magic of the slow cooker allows you to prepare this dish with minimal effort, ensuring it’s always hot and ready exactly when you need it. Whether you’re hosting a grand Thanksgiving dinner or simply seeking a comforting addition to your family meal, these candied sweet potatoes deliver on taste, convenience, and pure deliciousness.

Why the Slow Cooker is Your Best Friend for Candied Sweet Potatoes

The slow cooker is an absolute game-changer when it comes to preparing holiday meals or any large gathering. Imagine being able to set up a delicious side dish in the morning and have it perfectly cooked, warm, and ready to serve hours later, without ever having to touch your oven or stovetop. This is the unparalleled convenience that the slow cooker offers, making it an invaluable tool for busy home cooks.

For those with unpredictable schedules, like a Park Ranger who might have unexpected duties delaying their return home, the slow cooker ensures a warm, homemade meal is waiting. No more worrying about dinner getting cold or having to reheat dishes. The gentle, consistent heat of the slow cooker also prevents burning and allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth of taste that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods.

Beyond the sheer convenience, slow cooking sweet potatoes results in an incredibly tender texture that melts in your mouth. The low and slow process breaks down the starches, allowing them to absorb the sweet, buttery glaze more thoroughly. This method guarantees a consistently tender and flavorful outcome every single time, making it a stress-free choice for both novice and experienced cooks.

The Sweet Allure of Candied Sweet Potatoes: A Flavorful Tradition

Candied sweet potatoes are more than just a side dish; they are a celebration of flavor and comfort, often taking center stage at holiday tables. The unique combination of naturally sweet sweet potatoes with added butter and sweetener creates a dish that is both rich and surprisingly delicate. The vanilla and nutmeg infuse the potatoes with a warm, inviting aroma and a complex flavor profile that complements a wide array of main courses.

Their vibrant color and glistening glaze make them visually appealing, adding a festive touch to any plate. The balance between the earthy sweetness of the potato and the aromatic spices is simply divine, creating a truly irresistible culinary experience. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to this classic, our slow cooker method promises an exceptional version of this beloved side.

Essential Ingredients for Your Candied Sweet Potatoes

Crafting the perfect batch of slow cooker candied sweet potatoes requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature sweet, tender, and incredibly flavorful result that everyone loves. Using high-quality ingredients, even in simple recipes, makes a noticeable difference in the final taste.

• Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show. We recommend medium-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking and easy slicing.
• Water: Provides the necessary moisture for steaming and creating the glaze base.
• Butter: Adds richness, a silky texture to the glaze, and contributes significantly to the overall flavor.
• Sugar Substitute: A thoughtful choice for managing sweetness without excess sugar. Alternatives like brown sugar or maple syrup can also be used.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the natural sweetness and adds a beautiful aromatic depth.
• Ground Nutmeg: A classic pairing with sweet potatoes, offering a warm, slightly spicy note.

Selecting the Best Sweet Potatoes for Candying

The foundation of any great sweet potato dish lies in the quality of the potatoes themselves. When choosing sweet potatoes, look for ones that are firm, smooth-skinned, and free of any soft spots, sprouts, or blemishes. Varieties like Beauregard, Jewel, or Garnet are excellent choices as they are known for their sweet flavor and moist, orange flesh which holds up well during slow cooking. Aim for medium-sized potatoes, as they are easier to slice evenly into ½-inch rounds, ensuring consistent cooking times and a uniform texture throughout the dish.

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers: Crafting the Perfect Glaze

While this recipe calls for a sugar substitute, you have the flexibility to adjust the sweetness to your preference. If you prefer traditional sugar, an equal amount of brown sugar or even a mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar will work wonderfully, adding a deeper molasses flavor. For a more natural approach, maple syrup or honey can also be excellent alternatives, lending their unique complex sweetness. The butter is crucial for creating that luxurious, glossy glaze that coats each potato slice, contributing a savory counterpoint to the sweetness. Finally, vanilla extract and ground nutmeg are essential for elevating the dish. While nutmeg is classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other warm spices like cinnamon, a pinch of allspice, or a tiny dash of ground ginger for an even richer aromatic profile.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Effortless Preparation

Having the right tools at hand makes preparing this dish even simpler and more enjoyable. While the slow cooker does most of the work, a few basic kitchen items will ensure a smooth process from start to finish. These are standard kitchen staples that you likely already own, proving that gourmet results don’t require specialized equipment.

• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is indispensable for safely and efficiently peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch rounds. Even slices are key for even cooking.
• Kitchen Tongs: Once cooked, the sweet potatoes will be incredibly tender. A good pair of kitchen tongs, especially those with plastic or silicone covers, will allow you to gently lift and serve the delicate slices without them breaking apart, protecting your hands from the heat.
• Crockpot/Slow Cooker: The star appliance! We highly recommend using a slow cooker with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after the cooking cycle is complete. This feature is incredibly useful, preventing overcooking and ensuring your dish remains perfectly warm until you are ready to serve, even if you’re delayed. A 6-quart oval slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.

Crock Pot Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Get ready to create a truly memorable side dish with minimal effort. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor and ease, making it a perfect addition to your holiday spread or a comforting weeknight meal.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Candied Sweet Potatoes

Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful candied sweet potatoes in your slow cooker is simple with a few helpful tips:

• Uniform Slices: Ensure all sweet potato slices are roughly the same thickness (½-inch is ideal). This consistency is key for even cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd: While it’s tempting to fill your slow cooker to the brim, avoid overcrowding. This can lead to uneven cooking and can extend the cooking time significantly. If making a large batch, consider using two slow cookers or cooking in batches.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The amount of sugar substitute (or sugar) can be adjusted based on your personal preference. Taste a small piece of potato after an hour or two on high, or midway through low cooking, to see if you want to add a bit more sweetness.
• Testing for Doneness: Sweet potatoes are done when they are easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. They should be tender, not mushy.
• Make Ahead and Storage: These candied sweet potatoes are excellent for making ahead. Once cooked, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or back in the slow cooker on a warm setting.

Creative Variations to Elevate Your Dish

While the classic candied sweet potato recipe is undeniably delicious, there are numerous ways to customize and enhance it to suit your taste or occasion:

• Enhanced Spiced Sweet Potatoes: Beyond nutmeg, consider adding ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger, or a pinch of allspice to the mixture for an even more complex and festive spice profile.
• Citrus Infusion: A bright and refreshing twist! Add 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice or a teaspoon of orange zest along with the other ingredients. The citrus brightens the flavors and adds a subtle tang.
• Nutty Crunch Topping: For added texture, sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts over the sweet potatoes during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking, or just before serving. Lightly toasting the nuts beforehand can enhance their flavor.
• Marshmallow Dream: A beloved holiday tradition! During the final 15-20 minutes of cooking, scatter a layer of mini marshmallows over the sweet potatoes. Cover and allow them to melt and lightly brown, or transfer to an oven-safe dish and broil for a few minutes until golden.
• Different Sweeteners: Experiment with alternative sweeteners. Maple syrup will impart a distinct, rich flavor, while coconut sugar can offer a deeper caramel note. Adjust quantities based on the sweetness level of your chosen alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion

These slow cooker candied sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of main courses, making them a staple for any meal. They are an absolute must-have during the holiday season, complementing roasted turkey, baked ham, or beef roasts perfectly. Their inherent sweetness also balances richer, savory dishes wonderfully.

Beyond the holidays, consider serving them alongside weeknight staples like roasted chicken, pork chops, or even grilled salmon. They also make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread, especially during the autumn and winter months. For a vegetarian meal, pair them with a hearty lentil loaf or a wild rice pilaf. No matter the occasion, these candied sweet potatoes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

More Delicious Slow Cooker Side Dishes from Tammilee Tips

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and flavor of slow cooker cooking, you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of other easy and delicious slow cooker side dishes that are perfect for any meal or gathering. Expand your repertoire and explore new favorites.

• Crock Pot Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes
• Crockpot Bourbon Baked Beans
• Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes and Apples
• Crock Pot Glazed Carrots
• Crock Pot Fried Apples

Don’t forget to check out all our vegetarian crockpot recipes and a wide selection of easy vegetable side dishes to complete your meal planning. This recipe is also proudly featured in our epic sloppy joe side dish list and side dishes for ham collection.

Beyond Candied Sweet Potatoes: Explore More Tammilee Tips Recipes

Are you a passionate recipe enthusiast always looking for new ideas? Dive into our extensive collection of recipes at Tammilee Tips! From clever copycat recipes that recreate your restaurant favorites, to indulgent dessert recipes that satisfy any sweet tooth, and a full range of Crock Pot Recipes designed for ease and flavor, we have something for everyone.

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This Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe was originally shared on September 30, 2015, and has been updated for clarity, completeness, and enhanced culinary value most recently in November 2022.