Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many ways, but did you know you can make perfectly tender, fluffy sweet potatoes right in your crock pot? Cooking sweet potatoes in a slow cooker is not only easy but also frees up your oven and stove space, making meal prep a breeze. Whether you want a simple baked sweet potato or a flavorful side dish, the crock pot method is a game changer.
Why Cook Sweet Potatoes in a Crock Pot?
– Hands-off cooking: Just prep and place them in the crock pot, then forget about it until they’re done.
– Even cooking: Slow cooking ensures the sweet potatoes cook evenly and become soft without drying out.
– Energy efficient: Using a crock pot uses less energy than heating a whole oven.
– Perfect for busy days: Great for busy households or holiday meals when oven space is limited.
What You Need
– Whole sweet potatoes (medium to large size works best)
– Optional: butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, or any toppings you love
– Aluminum foil (optional, for wrapping)
– Crock pot (slow cooker)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Sweet Potatoes in a Crock Pot
1. Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes
Start by scrubbing the sweet potatoes clean under cold water to remove any dirt. You don’t need to peel or cut them. Some recipes suggest poking a few holes with a fork to allow steam to escape, but it’s optional.
2. Wrap or Not to Wrap?
– Unwrapped method: Simply place the scrubbed, rinsed sweet potatoes directly into the crock pot. The moisture from rinsing is enough to keep them from drying out.
– Wrapped method: For extra flavor, wrap each sweet potato in aluminum foil, optionally adding a pat of butter, a sprinkle of brown sugar, and cinnamon inside the foil wrap for a sweet, buttery taste.
3. Place Sweet Potatoes in the Crock Pot
Arrange the sweet potatoes in a single layer at the bottom of the crock pot. If you wrapped them in foil, place them seam side up to keep the juices inside.
4. Set the Cooking Time and Temperature
– Cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours for a slow, thorough cook.
– Or cook on High for 3 to 5 hours if you’re short on time.
Cooking time depends on the size of the sweet potatoes and how many you are cooking. Larger potatoes or more quantity may require longer cooking.
5. Check for Doneness
Your sweet potatoes are ready when a fork or skewer slides easily into the center without resistance. If they’re still firm, continue cooking and check every 30 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the sweet potatoes carefully (they will be hot!). If wrapped, unwrap the foil. Cut a slit down the center and fluff the inside with a fork. Add your favorite toppings like butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, or savory options like chili or shredded cheese.
Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes
– Line your crock pot: To avoid sticky or burnt residue from foil-wrapped potatoes, line the bottom of your crock pot with foil or a slow cooker liner.
– Rotate potatoes: If cooking several potatoes, rotate them halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
– Use for recipes: Cooked sweet potatoes from the crock pot can be mashed, added to casseroles, or used in soups and stews.
– No need to add water: The moisture on the potato skin from rinsing is sufficient; no extra water is needed.
Flavor Variations to Try
– Classic sweet: Butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon wrapped inside the foil.
– Savory: Top with sour cream, chives, shredded cheese, or chili.
– Unique twist: Try peanut butter or black beans and peppers for a creative combo.
Why You’ll Love This Method
Using a crock pot to cook sweet potatoes is incredibly convenient. It saves oven space, requires minimal prep, and yields consistent results every time. Plus, it’s a healthy way to enjoy sweet potatoes without added fats or oils unless you choose to add them.
Whether you want a simple side dish or a base for more elaborate meals, crock pot sweet potatoes are a must-try.
Give this method a go, and you might find yourself cooking sweet potatoes this way all the time!
Perfectly cooked sweet potatoes with minimal effort-what’s not to love?