Ultimate Slow-Cooked Baked Sweet Potatoes
Experience the rich, sweet flavor of baked sweet potatoes, reminiscent of those served in upscale steakhouses, but made effortlessly at home! This recipe utilizes a slow cooker to create tender, delicious yams without heating up your entire kitchen for hours. The meticulously wrapped sweet potatoes maintain moisture and flavor, making them irresistibly creamy inside, and ready to be topped with a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, these baked sweet potatoes will become a beloved side dish that harmonizes beautifully with your favorite meats or can be enjoyed on their own!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yam
1 (Per person, washed and cut with a wedge)
Olive oil
To taste (To coat yams)
Aluminum foil
N/A (For wrapping yams)
Butter
To taste (For topping after cooking)
Brown sugar
Optional (For topping after cooking)
Instructions
1
Select yams that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Begin by washing them thoroughly under cold running water.
2
With a sharp knife, carefully cut a nickel-sized wedge from the side of each yam. This small incision prevents the yams from bursting while they cook.
3
Drizzle olive oil over each yam, ensuring they are well coated. One at a time, wrap each yam securely in aluminum foil. To enhance moisture retention, repeat the wrapping process three times, rotating each yam during foiling.
4
Place the wrapped yams inside a slow cooker and add 1/4 cup of water to the bottom. This helps create steam, which cooks the potatoes evenly.
5
Set the slow cooker to low. The sweet potatoes will be perfectly tender in approximately 4-5 hours. If you wish, you can leave them on low for longer without any loss of quality.
6
When you're ready to serve, carefully unwrap each yam, add a generous pat of butter, and if desired, sprinkle with brown sugar to enhance their natural sweetness. Enjoy the delightful flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I cook sweet potatoes in the slow cooker?
The sweet potatoes should be cooked on the low setting for approximately 4 to 5 hours until they are perfectly tender.
Can I leave the sweet potatoes in the slow cooker longer than 5 hours?
Yes, you can leave them on the low setting for longer than 5 hours without any loss of quality or flavor.
Why do I need to cut a wedge into each yam?
Cutting a nickel-sized wedge from the side of each yam acts as a vent to prevent the potatoes from bursting while they cook.
How much water should I add to the slow cooker?
Add 1/4 cup of water to the bottom of the slow cooker to help create steam for even cooking.
Why do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil three times?
Triple-wrapping the yams and rotating them during the process enhances moisture retention, ensuring they stay creamy inside.
What is the best way to clean the yams before cooking?
Wash the yams thoroughly under cold running water before starting the preparation process.
Which setting should I use on my slow cooker?
Use the low setting on your slow cooker for the best results with this recipe.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
No, you do not need to peel them; simply wash them and wrap them in foil with their skins on.
What oil is recommended for coating the yams?
Olive oil is recommended to coat the yams before they are wrapped in foil.
What toppings are suggested for these sweet potatoes?
A generous pat of butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar are suggested to enhance their natural sweetness.
Is brown sugar necessary for this recipe?
No, brown sugar is optional and can be used according to your personal preference.
Can I cook different sizes of yams together?
It is best to select yams that are uniform in size to ensure they all cook evenly at the same time.
How do I ensure the potatoes are creamy inside?
Ensuring a secure triple-wrap with aluminum foil and adding water to the slow cooker creates the perfect environment for creamy results.
Does this recipe heat up the kitchen like oven baking?
No, using a slow cooker is a great way to bake sweet potatoes without heating up your entire kitchen.
What should I serve these sweet potatoes with?
They harmonize beautifully with your favorite meats or can be enjoyed on their own as a healthy meal.
Can I use this recipe for a large family dinner?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for families; simply prepare one yam per person.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense vegetable and this slow-cooking method is a healthy preparation style.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
They are done when they feel tender to the touch through the foil, typically after 4-5 hours on low.
Do I need to rotate the potatoes while they are in the slow cooker?
No, you only need to rotate them while applying the layers of foil; the slow cooker cooks them evenly without rotation.
What is the purpose of the water in the slow cooker?
The water creates steam which facilitates even heat distribution and prevents the foil-wrapped potatoes from drying out.
Can I make these for a holiday gathering?
Absolutely, their restaurant-style quality makes them a great addition to any holiday or cozy gathering.
How many yams can I fit in the slow cooker?
This depends on the size of your slow cooker, but you can generally fit several as long as the lid can still close securely.
Is it okay to use high heat if I'm in a hurry?
While you can use high heat to speed up the process, low heat is recommended for the most tender and creamy texture.
Are 'yams' and 'sweet potatoes' the same for this recipe?
Yes, in many grocery stores they are labeled interchangeably, and both work perfectly for this slow-cooking method.
Do I need to season them before wrapping?
This recipe calls for coating them in olive oil before wrapping and adding seasonings like butter and sugar after they are cooked.
What size should the vent cut be?
A small, nickel-sized wedge is sufficient to act as a pressure release.
Can I use other types of oil besides olive oil?
Yes, you can use other oils like avocado oil or melted coconut oil, though olive oil is standard.
Can children help make this?
Yes, children can help with washing the potatoes and wrapping them in foil, making it a family-friendly activity.
Do the potatoes get mushy in the slow cooker?
No, the foil protection and low heat ensure they become creamy and tender rather than mushy.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated easily for another meal.