These Slow Cooker Honey Butter Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate hands-off side dish that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. With just five simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a dish that’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, or even weeknight meals. The combination of honey, butter, and cinnamon creates a warm, cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes — Peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¼ cup honey — For natural sweetness
- ¼ cup unsalted butter — Melted, to add richness
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon — For a warm, cozy flavor
- A pinch of salt — To balance the sweetness
Optional Add-Ons:
- A sprinkle of nutmeg or cloves — For extra warmth
- Chopped pecans or walnuts — For crunch
- Mini marshmallows — For a dessert-like twist
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Mix the Flavorings
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Pour the honey-butter mixture over the sweet potatoes, tossing gently to coat them evenly.
Step 3: Cook
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours , until the sweet potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Stir gently halfway through cooking to ensure even coating and prevent sticking.
Step 4: Optional Add-Ons
- If using optional add-ons like chopped nuts or mini marshmallows, sprinkle them over the sweet potatoes during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking. For nuts, this allows them to toast slightly; for marshmallows, it gives them time to soften and melt.
- For an extra touch of spice, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves during the last few minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the sweet potatoes are tender and infused with flavor, give them a final stir before serving.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional toppings if desired, such as a drizzle of honey, a pat of butter, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Serve warm as a side dish or dessert, depending on how you’ve customized it.
Tips for Success
- Sweetness Control: Adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed.
- Butter Substitute: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepped ahead of time. Assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Start cooking the next day.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Slow Cooker Honey Butter Sweet Potatoes are a foolproof way to prepare a classic dish with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the sweet potatoes with the rich flavors of honey, butter, and cinnamon while keeping them perfectly tender. Whether you’re serving them as a holiday side dish, a comforting dinner addition, or even a dessert-inspired treat with marshmallows, this recipe is sure to delight. Dive into this warm, sweet, and satisfying dish and enjoy every bite!