Crock Pot Sweet Potato Delight with Applesauce
Indulge in the warm flavors of autumn with this Crock Pot Sweet Potato Delight, a perfect side dish for your holiday gatherings. This recipe combines the creamy sweetness of sweet potatoes or yams with the rich, spiced depth of applesauce, brown sugar, and cinnamon. As it simmers in your slow cooker, the delightful aroma fills your kitchen, giving you ample time to perfect your turkey or other main dishes. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy fall evenings. Top it off with crunchy, toasted nuts for a satisfying texture contrast that will have everyone going back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes or Yams
6 medium (Peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
Applesauce
1 1/2 cups (Unflavored, preferably unsweetened)
Brown Sugar
2/3 cup (Packed)
Butter
3 tablespoons (Melted)
Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Nuts
1/2 cup (Toasted and chopped)
Instructions
1
Peel the sweet potatoes (or yams) and cut them into 1/2-inch cubes.
2
Place the cubed sweet potatoes or yams into a 2 to 3 1/2 quart slow cooker, spreading them evenly.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the applesauce, brown sugar, melted butter, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until fully blended.
4
Pour the applesauce mixture over the sweet potatoes, ensuring each piece is coated.
5
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or until the sweet potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
6
Once cooked, sprinkle the toasted and chopped nuts evenly over the top before serving for added crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crock Pot Sweet Potato Delight with Applesauce?
It is a slow-cooked side dish featuring cubed sweet potatoes or yams simmered in a mixture of applesauce, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, topped with toasted nuts.
What size slow cooker is needed for this recipe?
A 2 to 3 1/2 quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use either sweet potatoes or yams interchangeably in this recipe.
How should I prepare the sweet potatoes?
Peel the sweet potatoes or yams and cut them into 1/2-inch cubes.
What kind of applesauce is best for this recipe?
Unflavored, preferably unsweetened applesauce is best for this recipe.
Is brown sugar required for this dish?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2/3 cup of packed brown sugar to provide a rich sweetness.
Can I use salted or unsalted butter?
Either works, but the recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of melted butter.
How much cinnamon should I use?
Use 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
What is the cooking time on low heat?
Cook the dish on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Can I cook this on high heat instead?
While the recipe specifies low heat, you can cook it on high for approximately 3-4 hours, checking for tenderness.
When should I add the nuts?
Sprinkle the toasted and chopped nuts evenly over the top just before serving for added crunch.
What kind of nuts should I use?
You can use any nuts you prefer; pecans or walnuts are excellent choices for this autumn-themed dish.
How do I toast the nuts?
To toast the nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday dinners?
Yes, it is an ideal side dish for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or cozy fall family dinners.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
The sweet potatoes are done when they are very tender when pierced with a fork.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time or cook the entire dish and reheat it in the slow cooker when needed.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I add other spices like nutmeg or ginger?
Yes, adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or ground ginger would complement the cinnamon and applesauce beautifully.
Is this recipe naturally gluten-free?
Yes, the primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always verify the labels on packaged items like applesauce.
Can I use a vegan butter substitute?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Can I use maple syrup instead of brown sugar?
Yes, maple syrup can be used as a sweetener, although it may slightly alter the final flavor and consistency.
Do I need to add water to the slow cooker?
No, the moisture from the applesauce and the natural juices of the sweet potatoes provide enough liquid.
Should the sweet potatoes be peeled?
Yes, the recipe specifically instructs to peel the sweet potatoes or yams before cubing them.
What size should the sweet potato cubes be?
The sweet potatoes should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking.
Can I use chunky applesauce?
Yes, chunky applesauce works fine and can provide an interesting texture to the dish.
Is this recipe good for potlucks?
Yes, it is very convenient for potlucks as it is easy to prepare and transport in the slow cooker.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients if you are using a larger 5 or 6-quart slow cooker.
What main dishes go well with this side?
It pairs perfectly with holiday staples like roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or roast pork.
Can I skip the nuts if I have a nut allergy?
Yes, you can simply omit the nuts to make the dish safe for those with nut allergies.