Get ready to transform your ordinary side dish into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds! This Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes and Apples recipe is the ultimate comfort food that combines the natural sweetness of ripe apples with the creamy, rich texture of sweet potatoes. Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg slowly cooking to perfection – this dish is not just a recipe, it's an experience that will elevate your home cooking game with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Place the cubed sweet potatoes into the slow cooker.
- Peel and core the apples, then chop them into similar-sized pieces as the sweet potatoes. Add the chopped apples to the slow cooker.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir these dry ingredients together until well mixed.
- Sprinkle the spice and sugar mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes and apples in the slow cooker. Gently toss to coat all pieces.
- Cut the butter into small pieces and distribute them across the top of the sweet potato and apple mixture.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the sweet potatoes to become tender and the apples to soften and caramelize.
- After 6 hours, gently stir the mixture to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnishing with additional cinnamon if desired.
Tips
- Cutting Consistency: Ensure all sweet potato and apple pieces are roughly the same size to guarantee even cooking and a uniform texture.
- Butter Distribution: When adding butter, try to spread small pieces evenly across the top of the mixture to help distribute flavor and prevent any dry spots.
- Spice Adjustment: Feel free to customize the spice blend. If you love a more intense flavor, you can increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of ground ginger for extra warmth.
- Prevent Sticking: If you're concerned about sticking, you can lightly spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray before adding ingredients.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a side with roasted chicken, pork, or even as a standalone vegetarian option. For a decadent touch, top with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared in advance and kept warm in the slow cooker, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or busy weeknight meals.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and easily reheated in the microwave or slow cooker.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
