How Do You Cook Sweet Potatoes In A Slow Cooker
Slow cooker sweet potatoes require almost no attention and come out tender enough for any recipe. So how do you cook sweet potatoes in a slow cooker? It is one of the easiest things you can make. You just wash them, poke a few holes, and let the machine do the work.
This guide walks you through the whole process. You will learn cook times, temps, and a few small tricks that make a big difference.
Why Cook Sweet Potatoes In A Slow Cooker
A slow cooker gives you soft, sweet flesh without turning on the oven. That matters on hot days or when your oven is busy.
It also saves time in a different way. You do not stand over a pot or watch a timer. You load the crock, walk away, and come back hours later to food that is ready.
- No oven heat in the kitchen
- Hands-off cooking with no stirring
- Easy to make a big batch at once
- Flesh stays moist and never dries out
- Cleanup is just one pot
How Do You Cook Sweet Potatoes In A Slow Cooker
The method is simple. The main thing to get right is size and time. Follow these steps and you will get it right the first time.
What You Need
- Sweet potatoes, any size
- A fork or small knife
- Aluminum foil, optional
- About 1/2 cup of water, optional
You do not need water for whole potatoes. The crock traps steam on its own. A little water helps if you cut them into chunks.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Scrub the potatoes under cool running water. Pat them dry.
- Poke each one 4 to 6 times with a fork. This lets steam escape so they do not burst.
- Wrap each potato in foil if you want easy cleanup. This step is optional.
- Place them in the slow cooker. Do not stack them too high. Leave a little space between each one.
- Cover with the lid. Set the heat to low.
- Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- Check for doneness. A knife should slide in with no resistance.
That is the whole process. No peeking needed, and no turning required.
Cook Times By Size
Size changes everything. A small potato cooks much faster than a large one. Use this chart as a guide.
- Small, 4 to 6 ounces: low 4 to 5 hours, high 2 to 3 hours
- Medium, 8 to 10 ounces: low 6 to 7 hours, high 3 to 4 hours
- Large, 12 ounces or more: low 7 to 8 hours, high 4 to 5 hours
If you cut them into chunks, they cook even faster. Chunks take about 3 to 4 hours on low. Add 1/2 cup of water when you use chunks.
Tips For Best Results
- Pick potatoes that are about the same size so they finish together.
- Do not add too much liquid. Extra water makes them soggy.
- Do not lift the lid often. Each peek adds cooking time.
- For a softer skin, rub the potatoes with a little oil first.
- For firmer potatoes, skip the foil and set them right on the crock.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Most problems come from two things: no holes and too much water. If you skip the poking, the potato can split open. If you add a lot of water, the flesh turns mushy.
Another common slip is crowding the crock. When potatoes touch too much, the ones in the middle cook slower. Give them room.
Also, do not cook on high for 8 hours. High heat is fine for a short cook, but long high heat dries out the edges.
How To Serve And Store Them
Once they are done, split them open and add butter, salt, and pepper. You can also mash them, top them with chili, or scoop the flesh into soups and casseroles.
To store, let them cool first. Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cooked flesh for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm them in the microwave for a minute or two. You can also mash them cold and stir them into a pan.
Final Thoughts
Cooking sweet potatoes in a slow cooker is about as easy as it gets. Wash, poke, load, and set the heat. Come back hours later to soft, sweet potatoes that work in almost any meal.
Start with medium potatoes and low heat for 6 to 8 hours. Adjust from there based on your own machine. Every slow cooker runs a little different, so the first batch tells you what yours needs.