Slow Cooker Ginger Ale Ham and Sweet Potatoes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best results, avoid lifting the lid of the slow cooker during the cooking process. Each time you remove the lid, heat escapes and the cooking time increases, which can affect the final texture of the vegetables.

If you notice the sauce is not thickening enough toward the end of the cycle, you can remove the lid for the final 30 minutes to allow moisture to evaporate, which will concentrate the flavors and create a richer, more intense glaze for your ham and potatoes.

Consider serving this dish with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp green salad to balance the sweetness of the glaze. The acidity and crunch of fresh vegetables provide a nice contrast to the soft, sweet potatoes and savory ham.

If you find the glaze is too sweet for your personal preference, you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors and provide a subtle, tangy contrast to the brown sugar.

Variations

• Spicy Ginger Ham: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a subtle heat that cuts through the sweetness of the brown sugar and ginger ale.
• Savory Herb Ham: Incorporate dried thyme or rosemary during the assembly phase to add an earthy, aromatic depth that complements the sweetness of the potatoes and the saltiness of the ham.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Allow any leftovers to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them into an airtight container. Once cooled, store the container in the refrigerator to keep the dish fresh.

Properly stored, the leftovers will maintain their quality for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy them again, ensure they are heated thoroughly before serving. Avoid leaving the dish out on the counter for extended periods, as this can lead to food safety concerns.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often meld and improve after a day in the refrigerator. You can assemble the raw ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking cycle. This method saves time and ensures a delicious meal is ready with minimal effort when you are busy or hosting guests.

Serving ideas

Serve the ham and sweet potatoes in warm bowls, ensuring each portion gets a generous amount of the thickened ginger ale glaze from the bottom of the slow cooker. You can garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of black pepper if you want to add a bit of color or a slight savory edge. The meal is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crusty bread for soaking up the remaining sauce.

For a more formal presentation, arrange the ham and potatoes on a large serving platter and drizzle the remaining glaze over the top. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the ingredients, then spoon the glaze over everything to ensure it looks appealing.

This dish is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners where you want to provide comfort food that feels special. Serve it immediately while hot, and encourage guests to enjoy the combination of flavors that the slow cooking process provides.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Ginger Ale Ham and Sweet Potatoes

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ham chunks, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup ginger ale

Instructions

1. Place the ham chunks into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Add the cubed sweet potatoes on top of the ham in an even layer.
2. Sprinkle the brown sugar and ground cinnamon over the sweet potatoes. Carefully pour the ginger ale over the entire mixture, ensuring it coats the sugar and reaches the bottom.
3. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4 hours. Once the time is up, ensure the ham has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes before serving with the thickened sauce.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

22.5 g

Carbohydrates

52 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

4.5 g

Sugar

38 g

Sodium

950 mg

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