Save room in the oven and make a batch of “Baked” Sweet Potatoes in the slow cooker. They will taste just like they have been baked in the oven. Perfect for the holidays smothered in butter and brown sugar.
You can also do this with Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes and Slow Cooker Pesto Parmesan Potatoes.
Why You Should Try This Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe (in the crockpot)
There are a lot of sweet potato recipes, but few of them involve “baking” the potatoes in the slow cooker. Thanks to this method of cooking sweet potatoes, you’ll have potatoes that will cook evenly and end up fork tender with minimal effort. This healthy food can be cooked as a side dish to accompany a meat and salad or become part of a baked potato bar (one of my favorites).
The prep time is quick (and easy) and the cooking time is moderate, meaning you can work on preparing the other dishes to your meal or get some stuff done around the house. You’ll love hearing the compliments that come from making sweet potatoes this way.
Recipe Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes – I use 7-8 red garnet sweet potatoes because they have the deepest color.
- Foil – We like to wrap our potatoes in foil. However, if you prefer not to use foil, you can skip it.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step One – If desired, line the bottom of the slow cooker with a piece of foil (or parchment) for any escaping juices. Wrap each sweet potato in foil and place in the slow cooker.
Step Two – Cover and cook sweet potatoes on HIGH for 5 hours or LOW for 8 hours.
Step Three – Unwrap each sweet potato and place them back into the slow cooker.
Step Four – Cut open each potato for easily adding desired toppings. Serve and enjoy!
How to serve crockpot baked sweet potatoes (Toppings)
- Go for classic toppings such as butter, brown sugar, marshmallows, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- You can even stuff the delicious crockpot sweet potatoes with pulled pork topped with barbecue sauce and sour cream.
- Another idea is to top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, and sprinkle with chopped green onions and crumbled bacon. Add a dash of salt and pepper to taste.
- For a sweet and nutty delight, combine a generous spoonful of almond butter or pecan butter with a drizzle of honey. Sprinkle with toasted chopped nuts (such as pecans or almonds) for added crunch and a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth and sweetness.
- Create a Mediterranean-inspired topping by adding a scoop of tzatziki (yogurt and cucumber sauce) over the sweet potatoes. Top with diced tomatoes, cucumber, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped dill or mint for a refreshing and flavorful option.
What can I do with leftover sweet potatoes?
How to I store sweet potatoes?
- Refrigerate – Place the aluminum foil wrapped sweet potatoes directly in the fridge in their foil or in an airtight container. They will last three days.
- Freezer – I like to add an extra layer of foil before freezing.
- To reheat – Remove foil and place the cooked sweet potatoes on plate. Microwave for about a minute or until hot.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can place the sweet potatoes directly in the slow cooker without foil. The recipe turns out just the same!
You can place the sweet potatoes (with or without foil) on a baking sheet and cook them in the oven at 350° degrees Fahrenheit for one hour and thirty minutes.
Poking holes in sweet potatoes is for microwave cooking. There is little chance that a sweet potato will explode in an oven or slow cooker.
Yes, after the cooking time is done, peel off the skins and discard them. Add the sweet potatoes to a bowl along with, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg and mash with a potato masher.
More Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Recipes:
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Slow Cooker “Baked” Sweet Potatoes
Equipment Needed:
- Foil
Ingredients:
- 7 small to medium sized sweet potatoes
Serving suggestions:
- butter
- brown sugar
- marshmallows
- cinnamon
Instructions:
- Wash and dry the sweet potatoes.
- If desired, line the bottom of the slow cooker with a piece of foil (or parchment) for any escaping juices.
- Wrap each sweet potato in foil and place in the slow cooker. No need to poke holes.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 5 hours or LOW for 8 hours.
- Serve with desired toppings.
How to Video:
Sarah’s Notes:
Nutrition Information:
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
Vanessa says
Keep in mind almost all crock pots go to warm setting after the cooking time is complete, my sweet potatoes are perfect every time when I get home from work. Works great for regular potatoes to!
Sarah Olson says
Thanks Vanessa for letting us know that they do good that way. 🙂
Melissa B. says
What if I am going to be gone at work for like 10 hours? Do you think they would overcook?
Sarah Olson says
I think they would over cook. I wish all crock pot recipes were for all day!
gale says
If your day will run longer than 8 hours – Just set a timer to turn on while gone. Best to buy old fashion timer so if the power bumps it won’t turn crock pot timer off. Old fashion knob and timer works get if you have drops in electricity. I have dirty electricity and digital stuff turns off and stays off.
Maggie says
Do you pierce the sweet potatoes before wrapping them in foil?
Sarah Olson says
No need to pierce them 🙂
Tpleong says
Do I need to add water in the slow cooker to cook the wrapped potatoes?
Sarah Olson says
Nope leave the crock pot dry 🙂
Diena Cameron says
Hi Sarah, i realize this is quite an old post but i just came across it and I’m so excited to try this. I love sweet potatoes any time. I guess it would work with regular Yukon, new or regular potatoes too ( maybe if you are having company and cooking steaks on the bbq, especially if it’s warm outside and not to heat the kitchen up, this would be a great asset to the kitchen. Thanks for such a wonderful tip just sorry I’m so late in coming, lol. Definitely re-Pinning ( :
Amy says
Totally cracked my crock pot doing this. Recommend putting about a 1/4 inch of water in the bottom.
Sarah Olson says
I’ve never heard of a crock pot cracking from doing this. Thank you for letting us know. I am so sorry!
Anonymous says
I put some water in my crockpot. Too scared to use it dry.
Heather says
My favorite Crock Pot cracked after doing this, too. The ceramic must need liquid to protect it from breaking.
Sarah @ Sunny Runner says
Oh my goodness. These look amazing. I can’t wait to try using my slow cooker the next time I make potatoes.
.norman white says
Do you put butter and brown sugar befor you wrap them
Sarah Olson says
No, just leave them plain and dry. 🙂
Sandra Shaffer says
This is great way to cook sweet potatoes all year long! My whole family loves them!
Rachael Yerkes says
This looks ridiculously easy and good. I can;t wait to use this method.
Grandma Kc says
What a great idea I love sweet potatoes anytime of year! This would make it so easy! Thanks.
Michele @ Flavor Mosaic says
This would be a great idea to do for holiday dinners. It would save time and free up precious oven space.
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
Never would have thought to slow cook sweet potatoes with marshmallows before! Definitely got me curious to know what the combination tastes like…