These Slow Cooker Honey-Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes are a delightful and wholesome side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes with a touch of warm spice and a hint of honeyed glaze. The slow cooker gently cooks the sweet potato slices until they are incredibly tender and almost melt-in-your-mouth. The addition of cinnamon provides a comforting warmth, while a drizzle of honey at the end enhances their inherent sweetness and creates a subtle, luscious glaze. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time, and the slow cooker does all the work. The result is a flavorful and nutritious side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, from roasted poultry and pork to vegetarian dishes. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of taste that is both comforting and satisfying. These sweet potatoes are naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted to be vegan by substituting the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Their vibrant orange color and sweet aroma make them an appealing addition to any meal, and their soft, creamy texture is a true delight. The ease of preparation and the delicious outcome make this Slow Cooker Honey-Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes recipe a go-to for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds or half-moons
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil or coconut oil for vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup or agave nectar for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for added warmth)
- Pinch of ground cloves (optional, for a deeper spice note)
- Optional garnish: Chopped pecans or walnuts, fresh parsley
Equipment:
- 4-6 quart slow cooker
- Vegetable peeler
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl for mixing glaze
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cold water. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the skin. Place the peeled sweet potatoes on a cutting board and slice them into approximately 1/2-inch thick rounds or half-moons. Aim for relatively uniform slices to ensure even cooking in the slow cooker.
2. Arrange Sweet Potatoes in the Slow Cooker:
Place the sliced sweet potatoes in the slow cooker. You can layer them if necessary, but try to distribute them as evenly as possible in the pot.
3. Prepare the Honey-Cinnamon Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter (or oil), honey (or maple syrup/agave), ground cinnamon, salt, ground nutmeg (if using), and ground cloves (if using). Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture forms a smooth glaze.
4. Coat the Sweet Potatoes:
Pour the honey-cinnamon glaze evenly over the sliced sweet potatoes in the slow cooker. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss the sweet potatoes to ensure they are all coated with the flavorful glaze.
5. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or on high heat for 2-3 hours. The cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker and the thickness of your sweet potato slices. The sweet potatoes are done when they are fork-tender and easily pierced with a fork. Check for tenderness after the minimum cooking time and continue cooking if needed.
6. Check for Tenderness and Adjust Seasoning:
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked through, give them a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add a pinch more salt or a drizzle more honey depending on your preference.
7. Serve:
Carefully transfer the tender honey-cinnamon sweet potatoes to a serving dish using a slotted spoon. If desired, garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and texture, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color. Serve hot as a delicious and nutritious side dish.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Variations: Feel free to experiment with other warm spices like ginger or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
- Citrus Zest: Adding the zest of half an orange or a lemon to the glaze can provide a bright and zesty note.
- Dried Fruit: For added sweetness and chewiness, you can stir in some dried cranberries or raisins during the last hour of cooking.
- Herbs: While cinnamon is the star here, a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme added to the slow cooker during cooking can impart a subtle savory undertone. Remember to remove the sprigs before serving.
- Brown Sugar: If you don’t have honey, you can substitute it with brown sugar for a caramel-like sweetness.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: For a different texture, you can cook the sweet potatoes until very tender and then mash them directly in the slow cooker with a potato masher or fork.
- Serving Suggestions: These honey-cinnamon sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, turkey, pork chops, ham, or vegetarian main courses like lentil loaf or tofu steaks. They are also a great addition to holiday meals.
Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of these Slow Cooker Honey-Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes! They are a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy this versatile root vegetable with minimal effort.