Slow Cooker Maple Bacon Sweet Potatoes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more complex flavor, you can add a pinch of kosher salt or a dash of cinnamon during the layering phase. The salt helps to offset the sweetness of the brown sugar and maple butter, while the cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic note that pairs exceptionally well with the natural earthiness of the sweet potatoes. Be careful not to over-season, as the bacon already provides a significant amount of saltiness to the overall dish.

If you prefer a caramelized exterior, you can transfer the cooked potatoes to a baking dish after the slow cooking process is finished and place them under a broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch them closely to ensure the sugar does not burn. This step adds a slightly crispy texture to the edges of the potatoes and deepens the flavor of the maple butter glaze, providing a nice contrast to the soft, tender interior of the cubes.

Variations

• Spiced Maple Sweet Potatoes: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground nutmeg to the brown sugar before layering. These warm spices enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes and pair beautifully with the maple butter.
• Savory Herb Sweet Potatoes: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme during the final stage of cooking. The aromatic herbs provide a savory, earthy counterpoint to the sweetness of the maple butter and brown sugar.

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 potatoes will become mushy upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave-safe dish in 30-second intervals until warmed through, or in a covered pan over low heat on the stovetop.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the potatoes from absorbing other odors from the refrigerator. The sugars in the glaze can crystallize slightly when cold, so ensure the container is sealed well.

Consume within three days for the best quality, as the texture of the potatoes will continue to soften over time. Always allow the dish to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before placing it in the refrigerator to ensure food safety.

You can prepare the sweet potatoes and bacon up to 24 hours in advance. Peel and cube the potatoes, storing them in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator to prevent browning, and drain them well before adding to the slow cooker.

Keep the chopped bacon in a separate sealed container. When ready to cook, simply assemble the layers as directed. This prep work saves significant time, making it easy to start the dish quickly when you are ready to begin the cooking process.

Serving ideas

Serve these sweet potatoes warm as a hearty side dish. They are particularly well-suited for autumn or winter meals, pairing perfectly with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or a glazed ham.

The sweetness of the potatoes complements savory proteins, while the maple butter glaze adds a touch of sophistication that elevates the entire meal. Consider serving them in a shallow bowl or a decorative serving dish to showcase the glossy, caramelized coating and the scattered bits of crispy bacon.

For a more casual presentation, you can serve them directly from the slow cooker, provided you have a clean serving spoon. The dish also works well as part of a larger buffet spread.

If serving to a crowd, keep the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting to maintain the ideal temperature throughout the meal. The rich flavors and comforting texture make this a favorite for holiday gatherings and potlucks where a reliable, crowd-pleasing side dish is always appreciated.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Maple Bacon Sweet Potatoes

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup maple butter

Instructions

1. Place the cubed sweet potatoes into the slow cooker insert. Distribute the chopped bacon evenly over the potatoes, then sprinkle the brown sugar over the top of the mixture.
2. Pour the maple butter over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to cook on low for 4 hours until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, gently stir the contents to coat the potatoes in the thickened maple butter sauce. Serve warm directly from the slow cooker.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

4.5 g

Carbohydrates

42 g

Fat

11 g

Fiber

5 g

Sugar

22 g

Sodium

380 mg

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