Here’s my go-to recipe for crockpot sweet potatoes, which gives you perfectly tender, well-cooked sweet potatoes every time without having to turn on the oven or keep checking on them.
These crockpot sweet potatoes have become a regular in my weekly meal prep routine. I usually make a big batch on Sundays so we can have them ready for quick side dishes or to add to lunch bowls. And the best part? You just set it and forget it!
Why You’ll Love These Crockpot Sweet Potatoes
- Completely hands-off cooking – Just place your sweet potatoes in the crockpot, set it, and forget it – no need to check on them or flip them while they cook.
- Perfect for meal prep – You can cook multiple sweet potatoes at once and store them in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week.
- Two-ingredient recipe – All you need are sweet potatoes and a pinch of salt – it doesn’t get simpler than that!
- No hot oven needed – Using your slow cooker keeps your kitchen cool and saves energy compared to using the oven, especially during warm months.
- Perfectly tender results – The slow cooking process gives you incredibly soft, creamy sweet potatoes every time.
What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Should I Use?
For slow cooker sweet potatoes, you’ll want to look for the copper-skinned varieties with orange flesh, which are sometimes labeled as yams in U.S. grocery stores. The most common types you’ll find are Jewel or Garnet sweet potatoes – both are great choices for this cooking method since they become tender and naturally sweet when cooked low and slow. When shopping, pick sweet potatoes that are similar in size (around 8 ounces each) so they’ll cook evenly, and look for ones that are firm with smooth, unblemished skin. Try to avoid any with soft spots or sprouts, as these might indicate the potato is past its prime.
Options for Substitutions
While this recipe is super simple, here are some helpful things to know about ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes: This recipe works with any variety of sweet potato – whether they’re red-skinned, white-skinned, or purple. Just note that different sizes will affect cooking time – larger ones need more time, smaller ones cook faster. You can’t substitute regular potatoes in this recipe though, as they need different cooking times and temperatures.
- Toppings: The suggested toppings are just the start! Try maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetener. Coconut oil works great as a butter substitute for dairy-free diets. For savory versions, try olive oil, garlic powder, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. If you’re watching sodium, feel free to skip the salt entirely.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest mistake when cooking sweet potatoes in a crockpot is overcrowding – make sure to arrange them in a single layer when possible, as stacking too many can lead to uneven cooking and some potatoes remaining firm while others turn mushy. A common error is not washing and drying the sweet potatoes thoroughly before cooking, which can affect the final texture and potentially add unwanted dirt to your slow cooker. To get the most even cooking, try to select sweet potatoes that are similar in size, and if you need to mix sizes, place larger ones on the bottom and smaller ones on top. For the best results, avoid the temptation to lift the lid during cooking as this can add 15-20 minutes to your cooking time, and remember to prick each potato several times with a fork before cooking to prevent them from exploding under pressure.
What to Serve With Crockpot Sweet Potatoes?
These tender slow-cooked sweet potatoes make an excellent side dish that pairs perfectly with so many main courses! For a classic combo, serve them alongside grilled chicken breast or a juicy pork chop – the natural sweetness of the potatoes complements these proteins really well. If you’re doing a meatless meal, try topping your sweet potato with black beans, corn, and a dollop of sour cream for a filling vegetarian dinner. You can also go the breakfast route and enjoy these sweet potatoes topped with Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and some chopped pecans for a nutritious start to your day.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Once cooked, your crockpot sweet potatoes will stay good in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just let them cool down completely, then wrap them individually in foil or pop them in an airtight container. They make great meal prep for busy weekdays!
Freeze: These sweet potatoes are perfect for freezing! After cooking, let them cool completely, then wrap each potato individually in foil and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 6 months in the freezer. Such a time-saver when you need a quick side dish!
Reheat: To warm up your sweet potatoes, unwrap them from the foil and pop them in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. Add a pat of butter and your favorite toppings, and they’ll taste just as good as day one!
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 180-480 minutes |
| Total Time | 190-495 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 800-1200
- Protein: 8-16 g
- Fat: 0-8 g
- Carbohydrates: 180-240 g
Ingredients
- 1 to 8 medium sweet potatoes (approximately 8 ounces each)
- Salt (optional: black pepper, butter, brown sugar for serving)
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by rinsing your sweet potatoes thoroughly and shaking off any excess water.
There’s no need to dry them; the moisture will assist in steaming the potatoes while cooking.
Step 2: Arrange Sweet Potatoes in Slow Cooker
Place the sweet potatoes in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
If you have only 1 or 2 potatoes, position them in the center of the slow cooker.
If you have more sweet potatoes than can fit in a single layer, stack them to create a second layer on top.
There is no need to poke holes in the sweet potatoes or wrap them in foil.
Step 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Set your slow cooker to cook the sweet potatoes on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
The cooking duration will depend on your slow cooker and the size of your sweet potatoes.
For reference, sweet potatoes as large as 1 1/2 pounds each generally finish in about 4 hours and 15 minutes on high.
Step 4: Handle and Serve the Sweet Potatoes
Using care, remove the sweet potatoes from the slow cooker once they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Allow them to cool slightly until they are comfortable to handle.
Cut a slit down the middle of each potato, then gently push the two ends together to open the potato.
Top with your preferred toppings and enjoy.
Alternatively, you can scoop out the flesh for use in recipes that call for cooked sweet potatoes.