Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Maple and Cinnamon

These Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes are an effortless, reliable side dish. Using a crockpot produces soft, creamy sweet potatoes every time with only minutes of prep. This hands-off method is perfect for busy weeknights or holiday meals when you want dependable results without standing over the stove.

For a low-stress holiday or a simple dinner, the slow cooker is invaluable. It frees up oven space and reduces hands-on time, letting you prepare mains and multiple sides simultaneously. These sweet potatoes require minimal attention: just wash, prick, and set them in the crockpot. The slow cooker takes care of the rest, leaving you with tender, fluffy potatoes that pair well with a wide range of toppings.

Overhead view of two slow cooker sweet potatoes with butter, sour cream, and chives.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Recipe

  • The sweet potatoes become ultra creamy, tender, and fluffy when slow cooked.
  • Prep takes only a few minutes—wash and prick the potatoes, then let the crockpot do the work. This makes the recipe ideal for busy days or preparing ahead.
  • Only one essential ingredient is required: sweet potatoes. The simplicity makes this a go-to side for any meal.
Three slow cooker sweet potatoes with butter and chives on top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients needed to make slow cooker sweet potatoes.
  • Sweet potatoes — 6 to 8 medium sweet potatoes (about 8 ounces each). Choose potatoes of similar size so they cook evenly.
  • Optional toppings — Butter, sour cream, chives, salt, and pepper are classic choices. You can also add brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, or cinnamon for a sweeter finish.

How To Make This Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Sweet potatoes pricked with a fork and added to a crockpot.
  • Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes well to remove any dirt. There’s no need to dry them completely—the remaining moisture helps them steam inside the slow cooker.
  • Prick each sweet potato all over with a fork or paring knife to allow steam to escape during cooking.
  • Arrange the sweet potatoes in the slow cooker in a single layer across the bottom. If needed, you may add a second layer, but avoid stacking more than two layers so they cook evenly.
  • Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, or until a fork pierces the center easily. Total time will vary slightly depending on potato size and slow cooker model.
  • Carefully remove the sweet potatoes with tongs and let them cool until they are safe to handle.
  • Cut a slit down the center of each potato and gently squeeze the ends to open. Add your preferred toppings and serve warm.
  • Optional: For a slightly crisp exterior, place cooked sweet potatoes under the oven broiler for a few minutes before serving.
Cooked sweet potatoes in a slow cooker and transferred to a plate.

Tips and Notes

  • Smaller sweet potatoes cook more quickly; adjust time accordingly (smaller potatoes may be done in about 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high).
  • Large sweet potatoes will require extra cooking time—check doneness with a fork.
  • Handle cooked sweet potatoes gently; they will be very soft and can break apart if moved roughly.
  • There is no need to add water to the slow cooker. Sweet potatoes release moisture as they cook and will steam in their own juices.
  • Scrub potatoes thoroughly before cooking to remove dirt and debris. They should be damp but not dripping wet when placed in the crockpot.
  • Do not stack more than two layers inside the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
  • To enhance sweetness, drizzle a little maple syrup or honey and sprinkle cinnamon or brown sugar over the cooked potatoes.
Sweet potatoes on a plate sliced opened and a piece of butter placed on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to wrap the sweet potatoes in foil?

No. Wrapping in foil is unnecessary. The slow cooker steams the potatoes effectively without foil.

How do I store cooked sweet potatoes?

Store cooled cooked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. Reheat when ready to eat.

Can I freeze crockpot sweet potatoes?

Yes. Let the potatoes cool to room temperature, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I reheat cooked sweet potatoes?

Reheat in the microwave wrapped with a damp paper towel for 2 to 3 minutes, or warm in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through.

A plate with two slow cooker sweet potatoes with butter and chives on top.

Recipe

A plate with two slow cooker sweet potatoes with butter and chives on top.

Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes

An easy, hands-off side dish that yields tender, creamy sweet potatoes with minimal prep. Perfect for weeknights, holidays, and meal prep.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3–8 hours (depending on setting)

Total Time: Varies

Servings: 6 (6–8 servings)

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (crockpot)

Ingredients

  • 6 to 8 medium sweet potatoes (about 8 ounces each)
  • Optional toppings: butter, chives, sour cream, salt, pepper, maple syrup or brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes. Leave them slightly damp to help generate steam while cooking.
  2. Prick each potato several times with a fork or paring knife.
  3. Arrange potatoes in a single layer in the slow cooker. If necessary, add a second layer but do not exceed two layers.
  4. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until a fork pierces the center easily.
  5. Use tongs to carefully remove the potatoes. Let cool slightly, slice open, and add your favorite toppings.

Notes

To crisp the skins, place cooked potatoes under a broiler for a few minutes. Adjust cooking times based on potato size and your slow cooker model.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 194 kcal | Carbohydrates: 45 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 0.1 g | Fiber: 7 g

Author: Carmy

More Recipes You May Like

  • Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
  • Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
  • Slow Cooker Whole Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Chicken and Potatoes with Green Beans

Find more recipes and ideas on social media: @onepotonlyrecipes on Instagram and One Pot Only on Pinterest.

A cutting board with three slow cooker sweet potatoes with toppings.