Emilie Meyer
Sweet potatoes are a versatile and tasty food that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One way to cook them is in a crock pot or slow cooker. This method is simple and seamless, with no prep time aside from washing them. You can cook up to two layers of sweet potatoes in a crock pot, but they won't cook evenly if you add more than that. The cooking time depends on the number of potatoes and the setting you use. For example, you can cook them on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Once they're cooked, you can slice them open and add toppings like butter, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep time | Essentially zero |
| Number of ingredients | 1 |
| Cook time | 3-8 hours |
| Temperature | High or low |
| Toppings | Butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, marshmallows, Greek yogurt, sour cream, green onions, bacon, almond butter, honey, pecans, almonds, tzatziki, walnuts, parsley, pumpkin pie spice, cayenne, vanilla, orange juice, salt, pepper |
| Number of potatoes | 1-7 |
| Layering | 1-2 layers |
| Use of foil | Not necessary |
| Use of water | Not necessary |
| Use of crock pot liner | Optional |
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What You'll Learn
Prep: rinse, scrub, dry, wrap, and stack
Rinse the sweet potatoes under running water to get rid of any dirt. You can also scrub the potatoes with a brush to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.
Once rinsed and scrubbed, you can either dry the potatoes with a clean cloth or kitchen towel, or simply shake off any excess water. Leaving the potatoes slightly damp will help them steam.
Now, wrap each sweet potato in foil. This step is optional, but it will help to retain the moisture in the potatoes and ensure even cooking.
Finally, stack the wrapped sweet potatoes in your crock pot. You can create a second layer on top if needed, but avoid stacking more than two layers, as this may affect the cooking time and the potatoes may not cook evenly.
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Cook time: 6-8 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high
To cook sweet potatoes in a crock pot for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, follow these steps:
First, rinse your sweet potatoes. You can also scrub the outside of the sweet potatoes, but there is no need to dry them as the moisture will help them steam. You can also wrap each sweet potato in foil, but this is not necessary. If you do use foil, there is no need to poke holes in the potatoes.
Place the sweet potatoes in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. If you are cooking only one or two potatoes, place them in the centre of the pot. If you are cooking more than this, you can stack a second layer on top. It is recommended that you cook four at a time so they are in a single layer on the bottom of the pot, as this helps them cook evenly. However, some sources say that cooking more will not affect the evenness of the cooking.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender. You will know they are done when you can pierce them easily with a fork.
Once they are cooked, you can slice them down the middle and add toppings. You can also peel off the skins and mash the potatoes with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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Check for doneness: pierce with a fork
When cooking sweet potatoes in a crock pot, it is important to check for doneness. This can be done by piercing the potato with a fork. If the fork slides through easily, the sweet potatoes are done and ready to be served. If not, they may need more time to cook.
The cooking time for sweet potatoes in a crock pot can vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the desired level of doneness. Smaller and medium-sized potatoes will generally take less time to cook than larger ones. It is recommended to cook four sweet potatoes at a time in a single layer on the bottom of the pot to ensure even cooking.
Additionally, the cooking temperature will also impact the cooking time. Cooking on a high setting will usually take around 3 to 5 hours, while cooking on low can take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours. It is important to keep an eye on the potatoes and adjust the cooking time as needed to achieve the desired level of doneness.
Checking for doneness by piercing the potatoes with a fork is a simple and effective way to ensure that they are cooked to your desired level of tenderness. This method can be applied to various cooking methods, including crock pots, ovens, and instant pots.
By following these tips and checking for doneness with a fork, you can ensure that your crock pot sweet potatoes turn out perfectly cooked and tender every time.
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Toppings: butter, cinnamon, chilli, sour cream, cheese, etc
Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins and fiber, and their natural sweetness makes them a favourite among kids too. They are a versatile dish and can be served as a sweet or savoury side.
Butter
A classic option, you can top your sweet potatoes with butter and brown sugar. You can also add cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of salt and pepper to taste.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a great way to add some warmth and sweetness to your potatoes. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top of your potatoes, or add it to the butter, brown sugar, and nutmeg mixture mentioned above.
Chilli
For a spicier option, top your potatoes with chilli. You can also add some shredded BBQ chicken for a heartier meal.
Sour Cream
Sour cream is a great option for those who like their potatoes a little more savoury. You can also add some green onions, chives, and crumbled bacon for a loaded potato.
Cheese
Cheese lovers can top their potatoes with shredded mozzarella, parmesan, feta, or cheddar. For an extra indulgent option, add some steamed broccoli and shredded cheddar cheese.
The options for toppings are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations. Enjoy your sweet potatoes!
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Variations: Tex-Mex, Mediterranean, BBQ chicken, etc
Cooking sweet potatoes in a crock pot is simple and requires minimal preparation. To cook, rinse the sweet potatoes and shake off any excess water (the moisture will help them steam). Place the sweet potatoes in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. If you are cooking only one or two potatoes, place them in the center. If you have more than will fit in a single layer, create a second layer on top. There is no need to poke holes in the sweet potatoes or wrap them in foil.
Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooked, season with salt and pepper, and top with butter, cinnamon, or chilli, or whatever you like on your sweet potatoes.
Now, here are some variations for different styles of sweet potatoes:
Tex-Mex
Top your sweet potatoes with any of your favourite Tex-Mex ingredients. This style is perfect for those who enjoy spicy and savoury flavours. Consider toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or chopped green onions.
Mediterranean
For a Mediterranean twist, try topping your sweet potatoes with olive oil, hummus, or tzatziki. You can also add chopped kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or a sprinkle of oregano or thyme.
BBQ Chicken
This variation involves topping your sweet potatoes with shredded BBQ chicken. You can use a slow cooker to prepare the chicken, and there are various recipes available for Crockpot BBQ Chicken. This combination provides a hearty and savoury meal.
Hawaiian
For a tropical twist, try Hawaiian-style sweet potatoes. Toppings could include pineapple, shredded coconut, macadamia nuts, and a drizzle of honey.
Classic
For a classic flavour profile, serve your sweet potatoes with brown sugar and butter. This combination creates a rich and creamy taste that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Loaded
For a more indulgent option, load your sweet potatoes with toppings such as sour cream (or plain Greek yoghurt), chives, crumbled bacon, and cheddar cheese. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a hearty and savoury meal.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 6-8 hours to cook sweet potatoes on a low setting and 3-4 hours on a high setting.
Rinse the sweet potatoes and shake off any excess water. There is no need to dry them as the moisture will help them steam. You can also season them with salt and pepper.
Sweet potatoes can be topped with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, chilli, nutmeg, marshmallows, or anything you like.
