Maple Bourbon Pecan Sweet Potatoes for Easy Holiday Sides Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

If you find that your glaze is a bit too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can remove the lid and switch the slow cooker to high for fifteen minutes. This will help evaporate excess moisture and thicken the syrup further. However, keep a close watch during this time to ensure the sugars do not burn, as the thickened glaze is more prone to caramelizing quickly at higher temperatures.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or ground cloves alongside the cinnamon. These warm spices complement the maple and bourbon perfectly.

Remember to adjust the seasoning with flaky sea salt at the very end. The salt is crucial for balancing the intense sweetness of the dish, so do not skip this step, even if you are tempted to serve it immediately upon completion.

Variations

• Savory Herb Twist: Omit the bourbon and add two tablespoons of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme during the last hour of cooking for a more earthy, aromatic flavor profile that pairs well with savory roasts.
• Spiced Orange Glaze: Substitute the bourbon with fresh orange juice and add one teaspoon of orange zest to the glaze mixture. This adds a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the sweetness.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the sweet potatoes becomes mushy upon thawing.

Reheat

Gently reheat in the microwave or a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the glaze has become too thick.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep the container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

The texture of the sweet potatoes may soften slightly upon reheating, but the flavor will remain excellent for several days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the potatoes from absorbing other odors from the refrigerator.

This dish is perfect for making ahead of time as the flavors tend to meld and deepen after resting. You can prepare the sweet potatoes and the glaze in the slow cooker insert a few hours in advance, keeping it in the refrigerator until you are ready to start the cooking process. Simply remove the insert from the fridge thirty minutes before cooking to allow it to come closer to room temperature.

Serving ideas

Serve these sweet potatoes warm as a side dish for roasted meats, poultry, or holiday ham. The sweetness pairs exceptionally well with savory main courses, providing a balanced and comforting element to the meal.

You can spoon them into a decorative bowl and garnish with additional toasted pecans or a few sprigs of fresh herbs like thyme for a pop of color that looks beautiful on any holiday dinner table.

Because this dish is quite rich, it works well in smaller portion sizes. It also makes a wonderful addition to a brunch spread or a casual dinner.

If serving for a larger group, you can double the recipe provided you have a slow cooker large enough to accommodate the volume. Always ensure the potatoes are served while still warm to maintain the best texture and the most appealing consistency of the maple glaze.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Maple Bourbon Pecan Sweet Potatoes for Easy Holiday Sides

Prep 15 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 15 minServes 8

Ingredients

• 4 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 tbsp bourbon
• 6 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup pecans, toasted
• flaky sea salt, for serving

Instructions

1. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform one-inch cubes. Place the cubed sweet potatoes into the ceramic insert of the 6-quart slow cooker. Add the melted butter, maple syrup, bourbon, and cinnamon over the potatoes, tossing gently to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the liquid mixture.
2. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set the device to the low heat setting and cook for four hours. During this time, the maple syrup and butter will reduce into a sticky, fragrant glaze while the potatoes soften and absorb the flavors. Avoid lifting the lid during the first three hours to maintain the consistent internal temperature required for even cooking.
3. Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the toasted pecans, ensuring they are well-coated in the thickened glaze. Transfer the mixture to a warm serving dish. Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt just before bringing to the table to enhance the sweetness of the maple glaze and the earthiness of the toasted pecans.

Contains: milk, tree nuts

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

310

Protein

3.5 g

Carbohydrates

52 g

Fat

11.5 g

Fiber

6 g

Sugar

28 g

Sodium

150 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.