Crockpot Candied Sweet Potatoes
This classic holiday side dish comes together effortlessly in your crockpot, allowing you to free up oven space during busy meal preparation. Tender sweet potatoes are layered with a warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, then topped with a glossy caramel sauce that develops as they cook low and slow.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Mini marshmallows for topping, optional
Instructions
- Layer half of the sweet potato slices in a 6 quart crockpot.
- In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and ginger.
- Sprinkle half of the sugar mixture over the potatoes and dot with 3 tablespoons of butter.
- Layer the remaining sweet potatoes on top.
- Sprinkle the rest of the sugar mixture and dot with remaining 3 tablespoons butter.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth, then pour over the potatoes.
- Add vanilla extract.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until potatoes are very tender.
- If using marshmallows, sprinkle on top during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Practical Tips
Tip 1: For extra caramelized flavor, transfer the cooked potatoes to a baking dish and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. This adds a delicious textural contrast to the soft potatoes.
Tip 2: Slice your sweet potatoes to a uniform 1/4 inch thickness so they cook evenly throughout. Using a mandoline slicer makes this task quick and consistent.
Tip 3: Prepare the sugar and spice mixture the night before to save time on cooking day. Store it in an airtight container and simply measure it out when you are ready to assemble the dish.
How to Store
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a low oven to prevent the potatoes from breaking apart. You can also freeze the candied sweet potatoes for up to 3 months, though the texture may be slightly softer when thawed.
Common Questions
Can I use a smaller crockpot? Yes, you can use a 4 quart crockpot, but reduce the recipe by one quarter. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so check for tenderness around the 5 hour mark.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? You can layer all the ingredients in the crockpot insert the night before, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place the insert in the crockpot base and cook as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What if I do not have ground ginger? Fresh ginger can be used as a substitute. Grate about 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ginger and add it with the other spices for a brighter, more pronounced flavor.