126 Shares

This slow cooker sweet potatoes recipe features tender slices coated in a rich honey glaze with hints of cinnamon and optional chili flakes for mild heat. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it’s the perfect sweet and savory side dish for holidays, family dinners, or meal prep. Topped with crispy bacon and fresh parsley, these crockpot sweet potatoes are a flavorful, no-fuss addition to any table.

Ingredients

3 large slender sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch thick slices
2–3 Tbsp. cornstarch
½ cup water*
1 cup honey
1 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the sweet potatoes
Wash, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes into 1-inch thick rounds. Place them in the bottom of your slow cooker.

2. Make the cornstarch mixture
In a measuring cup, whisk together 2 Tbsp. cornstarch with ½ cup water until smooth. Pour this mixture over the sweet potatoes.

3. Add the flavorings
Drizzle the honey over the potatoes, then add the red pepper flakes (if using), cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently to coat all the slices evenly.

4. Add butter and cook
Dot the top of the potatoes with cubes of butter. Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Thicken the glaze (if needed)
Halfway through cooking, check the sauce. If it hasn’t thickened into a glaze, mix 1 Tbsp. cornstarch with 1 Tbsp. water, then stir it into the slow cooker. Continue cooking until the sauce becomes glossy and thick.

6. Finish and serve
Once done, gently spoon the potatoes onto a serving platter. Drizzle the sweet honey glaze from the slow cooker over the top. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and fresh parsley for garnish. Optional: add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker sweet potato recipe combines the natural sweetness of honey with warm cinnamon and a touch of heat from chili flakes. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers a comforting, flavorful side dish. The addition of bacon and butter gives it a perfect salty-sweet balance that’s ideal for holidays or weeknight dinners.

Tips

Choose uniform slices: Cut sweet potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
For extra glaze: Stir the potatoes halfway through to help the honey and butter coat them evenly.
Keep warm: If serving for a party, switch your slow cooker to “Warm” after cooking to keep them soft and glossy.
Add texture: Toasted nuts or crispy bacon make the dish extra special.

Variations and Substitutions

Maple version: Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a richer, deeper sweetness.
Vegan version: Use plant-based butter and omit the bacon.
Spicy twist: Add a bit more chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for bolder heat.
Nutty finish: Top with chopped pecans, walnuts, or even candied nuts.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Fresh sweet potatoes work best, but if using canned, reduce the cook time and skip the initial cornstarch-water mixture.

How do I know when they’re done?
The potatoes should be fork-tender but still hold their shape.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just make sure your slow cooker can handle the volume and increase cooking time by about an hour.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything the night before, refrigerate the slow cooker insert, and start cooking the next day.

Serving and Suggestions

Serve these sweet potatoes as a cozy side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner. They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, ham, or grilled meats. For extra flavor, drizzle a little extra glaze over the top and sprinkle with fresh herbs or nuts just before serving.