Marianne Martinez
Sweet potatoes are a staple food that can be cooked in a variety of ways, but cooking them in a crock pot is one of the easiest and most effective methods. Crock pots are ideal for cooking sweet potatoes because they retain their nutrients due to the slow cooking process, and they come out perfectly tender and buttery every time. The cooking time for cubed sweet potatoes in a crock pot can vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the specific model of the crock pot, but generally, they can take anywhere from 2 hours on a high setting to 8 hours on a low setting to become tender.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | High or Low |
| Time | 2-4 hours on high, 5-8 hours on low |
| Potato Size | Similar size for even cooking |
| Potato Quantity | As many as can fit in the crock pot |
| Potato Preparation | Wash, peel, and cut into cubes |
| Potato Doneness | Tender, can be pierced with a fork |
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What You'll Learn
- Prep time: no prep, or peel and cut into similar sizes
- Cooking time: 2-8 hours, depending on crock pot and potato size
- Seasoning: salt, pepper, cinnamon, cayenne, and brown sugar
- Glazing: simmer liquid until thickened, or use honey/corn syrup
- Serving suggestions: top with pecans, or butter, or mash and add to recipes
Prep time: no prep, or peel and cut into similar sizes
Cooking cubed sweet potatoes in a crock pot is an easy and healthy way to prepare this staple food. The slow-cooking process retains the potatoes' nutrients, and there is minimal prep time.
If you want to cook cubed sweet potatoes with no prep, simply wash the sweet potatoes and scrub off any dirt from the skin. You can leave the skin on, but make sure the potatoes are not dripping wet. Prick holes at least 1/4-inch deep all over the sweet potatoes with a fork. Put the potatoes in the crock pot, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on the size of your potatoes and your crock pot. The potatoes are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
If you prefer to peel and cut your sweet potatoes into similar sizes before cooking, there are a few extra steps. First, peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into roughly even pieces. You can then follow the same method as above, placing the cubed potatoes in the crock pot, covering, and cooking on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Alternatively, you can add extra-virgin olive oil to the crock pot and preheat it to high while preparing the potatoes. Add the cubed potatoes and toss to combine. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours.
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Cooking time: 2-8 hours, depending on crock pot and potato size
The cooking time for cubed sweet potatoes in a crock pot can vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the crock pot used. On average, sweet potatoes cooked on a high setting will take around 3 to 4 hours, while those cooked on a low setting can take anywhere from 5 to 8 hours.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and number of potatoes used. Smaller potatoes or those cut into smaller cubes may cook faster, while larger potatoes or those stacked in layers may require additional time. Therefore, it is recommended to use potatoes of similar size and to check on them periodically to prevent overcooking.
Additionally, different crock pots may have varying temperature settings, which can affect the cooking time. Some crock pots may run hotter than others, resulting in shorter cooking times, while others may require the full duration or even longer. It is advisable to refer to the specific instructions and guidelines provided by the manufacturer of your crock pot for more accurate timing recommendations.
To ensure the potatoes are cooked properly, it is suggested to start checking for doneness after about 2 hours on a low setting or earlier if cooked on high. The potatoes are considered done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
By adjusting the cooking time based on the size of the potatoes and the specific crock pot used, you can ensure that your cubed sweet potatoes turn out perfectly cooked and retain their nutrients due to the slow cooking process.
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Seasoning: salt, pepper, cinnamon, cayenne, and brown sugar
Cooking cubed sweet potatoes in a crock pot is a simple and delicious way to prepare this vegetable. The great thing about crock pots is that they require minimal prep time and effort, and they free up your oven. Plus, you can make a large batch and keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days.
When it comes to seasoning your cubed sweet potatoes, you can create a mouthwatering combination with salt, pepper, cinnamon, cayenne, and brown sugar. This blend of spices and sweeteners will result in a dish that is both savoury and sweet, with a hint of warmth from the cinnamon and cayenne.
To prepare your sweet potatoes, start by peeling them and cutting them into roughly equal-sized cubes. This ensures even cooking. Rinsing the potatoes is also an option, but it is not necessary to soak them before cooking.
For seasoning, you will need:
- Salt: Use around ½ teaspoon of salt, adding more to taste after the potatoes are cooked if desired.
- Pepper: Ground black pepper will add a subtle kick to the dish.
- Cinnamon: Ensure your cinnamon is fresh (no more than a year old) for the best flavour.
- Cayenne: A pinch of cayenne pepper will bring a gentle heat to balance the sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar will add a rich, caramelised note to the dish.
After seasoning your cubed sweet potatoes with these spices and sweeteners, you can add butter, maple syrup, and pecans to taste. Cover and cook on high for around 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
With this combination of seasonings and the convenience of a crock pot, your sweet potatoes are sure to be a tasty and hassle-free treat.
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Glazing: simmer liquid until thickened, or use honey/corn syrup
Glazed sweet potatoes are a delicious treat and can be cooked in a crockpot with minimal prep. The cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes, so it's a good idea to use potatoes that are similar in size and check on them regularly to prevent overcooking. You can cook up to two stacked layers of sweet potatoes in a crockpot, but be sure not to add more than that, as they won't cook evenly.
Once your potatoes are cooked, you can glaze them. To make the glaze, combine butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. You can also add a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavour. Boil until the mixture thickens, then remove from the heat. Alternatively, you can use honey or corn syrup instead of maple syrup.
After glazing, return the potatoes to the crockpot and cook on "high" for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or on "low" for 5 to 6 hours. You can stir the potatoes once or twice during cooking to ensure even cooking. The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can try a different method. After glazing the potatoes, transfer them to a bowl and cover to keep warm. Then, pour the remaining liquid into a saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat, whisking often, until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency. This method produces the best results for a thicker glaze.
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Serving suggestions: top with pecans, or butter, or mash and add to recipes
Sweet potatoes are a great dish to cook in a crock pot, as they require minimal prep time and can be served in a variety of ways. The cooking time for cubed sweet potatoes in a crock pot can vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the heat setting, but generally, they will need between 2.5 to 6 hours to cook through.
Serving suggestions:
Top with pecans
You can serve crock pot sweet potatoes as a side dish with pecans on top. To prepare this dish, first, add your diced sweet potatoes to the crock pot. Drizzle maple syrup, then sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne pepper. Toss to coat. Add butter cubes on top, spreading them evenly. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. Top with pecans and serve.
Or butter
Sweet potatoes cooked in a crock pot can also be served with butter. To prepare, sprinkle salt, cinnamon, and brown sugar over the sweet potatoes in the crock pot. Stir to combine. Pour in maple syrup and stir gently to distribute evenly. Cut the butter into cubes and place them on top of the sweet potatoes, spaced evenly. Cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, or low for 5 to 6 hours. Remove the potatoes from the crock pot, leaving the liquid behind. Transfer the liquid to a saucepan and simmer until the glaze is thickened. Top the sweet potato slices with the thickened glaze and serve immediately.
Mash and add to recipes
You can also mash sweet potatoes cooked in a crock pot and use them in various recipes. To make mashed sweet potatoes, peel and cut the sweet potatoes into quarters or large chunks. Layer the crock pot with two-thirds of the potatoes, then top with half of the seasonings, butter, and brown sugar. Add the remaining potatoes and top with the remaining butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook on low for 6 hours, then mash when finished. You can use an electric mixer or immersion blender if you don't have a masher. You can serve these mashed sweet potatoes as a side dish, or add them to recipes such as sweet potato brownies or cookies. You can also add them to your morning smoothie for extra nutrition.
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Frequently asked questions
Cubed sweet potatoes will take between 3 and 4 hours to cook on a high setting, and between 5 and 6 hours on a low setting.
Your sweet potatoes are done when they are fork-tender. This means that you can pierce them easily with a fork.
Yes, you can stack your sweet potatoes, but only two layers high. Any more than this and they will not cook evenly.
