Looking for an easy and healthy side? Look no further than these perfectly cooked Crock-Pot Sweet Potatoes.
You know those times when oven space is at a premium? Whether it’s a holiday meal with a turkey roasting for hours, or just a regular family dinner with a pork loin on the bottom rack and a casserole on the top, sometimes your dishes are fighting for oven space! That’s when you need to make use of your Crock-Pot. Crock-Pot sweet potatoes are a great solution for meals like these.
While sweet potatoes are often served mashed with butter and cream or topped with a streusel or marshmallows, they are much healthier (and still tasty) when simply baked. Sweet potatoes on their own are chock-full of vitamins (especially vitamin A and C). Add just a little salt, pepper, and a touch of butter, and their natural sweetness really shines through.
You will love Crock-Pot sweet potatoes because they are a foolproof way to enjoy a hearty, tasty side. With your Crock-Pot doing the work for you, you’ll have room in your oven for the main dish. Hands-free and super-easy prep makes this a recipe you’ll want to have in your back pocket.
Types Of Sweet Potatoes
You may be surprised to learn that there is a wide variety of sweet potatoes to choose from, and all of them will work well in this recipe. For instance, several orange-fleshed varieties include the Beauregard (the most common, with dark orange, somewhat stringy flesh), the Jewel (lighter in color with a decadently moist texture when baked), and the Garnet (with russet skins and bright orange flesh). There are also varieties that have white flesh, such as the O’Henry, which has tan skin and is dense and firm. I am especially fond of the vibrant purple Okinawa potatoes. They’re dense, subtly sweet, and perfect for roasting or stewing.
FAQs & Tips
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store cooled sweet potatoes in the fridge for up to 6 days (wrapped in foil or in a resealable bag). You can also freeze them in a Ziploc bag for up to 6 months. To reheat the sweet potatoes, simply put them in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Can I Double This Recipe?
If you have a large crowd and need between 8-10 potatoes, yes, you can double-stack the potatoes in your Crock-Pot, as long as there is still enough room at the top. Try not to cram the crock insert full, and make sure there is still some space around each potato.
Shouldn’t I Wrap The Potatoes In Foil?
While it is common to wrap potatoes in foil when baking them in the oven, in the Crock-Pot, there is no need. In fact, the skins will crisp up nicely if you leave them unwrapped. These sweet potatoes turn out moist and delicious, since the Crock-Pot traps moisture as it cooks.
Serving Suggestions
For a special meal, consider serving Crock-Pot sweet potatoes alongside Delicious Roast Pork Loin. For holiday meals, ditch the streusel and/or marshmallow topping and serve these baked potatoes with your usual Roasted Turkey Breast. You can also make Crock-Pot sweet potatoes a main dish. Simply top your sweet potatoes with this hearty Chocolate Chili Recipe, and you’ve got a meal the whole family will love.
Crock-Pot Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients Â
- 5 medium sweet potatoes about 7 ounces each, skin on
- Salt and pepper optional
- Unsalted butter for serving (optional)
InstructionsÂ
- Wash and slightly dry the sweet potatoes, leaving them somewhat damp. Use a fork to pierce the sweet potatoes in several spots.
- Place the sweet potatoes in the Crock-Pot. Cover and set to cook on low for 6-8 hours, until they are tender.
- Once cooked, season with salt and pepper and add toppings like butter if desired.
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