These 4-ingredient slow cooker sweet potatoes are the kind of playful, low-effort side dish that fits right into a busy weeknight or a fun National Tell a Joke Day spread. Using frozen crinkle-cut sweet potato fries is a simple shortcut that turns into something warm, buttery, and a little sweet with almost no prep, which is exactly the sort of kitchen win I lean on when the day gets hectic but I still want something homemade on the table.
Serve these potatoes alongside grilled chicken, pulled pork, baked ham, or turkey burgers for an easy family dinner. They also work nicely with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or coleslaw to balance the sweetness, and if you are putting together a casual party menu, they fit right in next to sliders and other finger foods.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker National Tell a Joke Day Potatoes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 bag (about 20 ounces) frozen crinkle-cut sweet potato fries
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or a little extra butter if desired for easier cleanup.
2. Add the frozen crinkle-cut sweet potato fries to the slow cooker in an even layer.
3. Drizzle the melted butter over the fries, then sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly across the top.
4. Cover and cook on Low for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, stirring once or twice if you can, until the fries are tender, heated through, and coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar glaze.
5. Gently stir, transfer to a serving dish, and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Add a little salt: If you like that sweet-and-savory balance, add a small pinch of salt before cooking. It helps the sweet potato flavor stand out and keeps the dish from tasting one-note.
Make it holiday style: For a more festive version, add a light sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice in place of some of the cinnamon. It gives the dish a cozy flavor that works especially well with ham or turkey.
Keep texture in mind: Slow cookers soften foods more than ovens do, so these will be tender rather than crispy. If you want a firmer texture, shorten the cooking time slightly and avoid over-stirring.
Double-check your crock size: A 4- to 6-quart slow cooker works best for one standard bag. If the fries are piled too deeply, they may cook unevenly, so spread them out as much as possible.