Irresistible Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Yams Recipe with Citrus Zing

Slow cooker yams transport your palate on a velvety journey of flavor and comfort that melts in your mouth.

These sweet potatoes undergo a magical transformation, becoming impossibly tender and rich with minimal kitchen effort.

Aromatic spices weave through each luscious bite, creating a sensory symphony that tantalizes hunger.

Starchy roots surrender their natural sweetness during the leisurely cooking process, developing complex layers of taste.

Effortless preparation means you can enjoy restaurant-quality side dishes without standing over a hot stove.

The slow cooker works culinary alchemy, concentrating sugars and softening fibers into a dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Let the magic begin – your taste buds will thank you.

Cooking Yams Slow and Steady

• Prep Sweet Potato Magic

Scrub and slice sweet potatoes into hearty chunks. Dust lightly with cornstarch, creating a delicate powdery coating that will help transform these humble roots into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

• Build Flavor Foundation

Coat your slow cooker with a whisper of butter. Arrange sweet potato chunks in a cozy layer, dotting the surface with butter nuggets that will melt and infuse rich, creamy goodness throughout the dish.

• Unleash Flavor Explosion

Shower sweet potatoes with brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and a hint of cayenne for a tantalizing kick. Splash vanilla and orange juice over the top, adding a splash of water and a pinch of salt to create a symphony of flavors.

• Slow Cook To Perfection

Secure the lid and let the slow cooker work its magic on low heat for 3-4 hours. Gently stir occasionally, watching as the sweet potatoes transform into tender, caramelized bites of pure comfort.

• Serve With Flair

Transfer the glistening sweet potatoes to a beautiful serving dish. Sprinkle with crunchy toasted walnuts and a shower of fresh parsley. Dive into this heavenly creation that blends sweet, spicy, and utterly irresistible flavors.

Tips for Sweet or Savory Yam Variations

• Spice Up Your Sweet Potato Experience: Creative Twists and Pro Tips
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper based on heat preference. Start with a pinch for mild warmth, increase gradually for bolder palates. Cayenne adds exciting kick without overwhelming natural sweet potato flavor.
• Mix Nut Variations: Experiment with different nuts instead of walnuts. Pecans bring rich buttery notes, almonds offer crisp texture, while pistachios provide delightful green color and nutty crunch. Toast nuts beforehand to enhance their deep, complex flavors.
• Elevate Serving Options: Transform this side dish into multiple meals. Mash cooked sweet potatoes for creamy texture, use as pie filling, or blend into smoothies. Leftovers can become delicious breakfast hash or quick lunch topping.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace butter with coconut oil for rich, tropical undertone. Coconut oil provides similar caramelization and adds subtle sweetness that complements sweet potatoes perfectly. Vegan guests will appreciate this simple substitution.

Ways to Serve Your Yams with Style

• Elevate Comfort Meal: Pair these rich, spiced sweet potatoes with roasted chicken or grilled pork tenderloin for a hearty dinner that satisfies.
• Create Brunch Delight: Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and crispy bacon to transform your morning meal into a gourmet experience.
• Add Texture Boost: Top with extra toasted walnuts or crumbled goat cheese to enhance the dish's complexity and provide delightful crunch.
• Highlight Seasonal Charm: Present in a rustic ceramic dish during autumn gatherings to showcase the warm, comforting flavors of the recipe.

Storage Solutions for Cooked Yams

• Preserve Sweet Potato Goodness: Store leftover sweet potatoes in airtight containers, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Wrap tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Reheat with Care: Warm gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water or orange juice to restore original moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain that delightful caramelized texture.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Pack cooled sweet potatoes in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Safely store for up to 2-3 months, ready to thaw and enjoy whenever a craving strikes.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare a large batch of these sweet potatoes in advance for quick, nutritious sides throughout the week. Portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick dinner accompaniments that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Flavorful Slow Cooker Yams

• Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, vibrant orange tubers without bruises or soft spots for best flavor and texture.
• Cornstarch: Select a high-quality, gluten-free cornstarch to create a light, crispy coating that helps caramelize the sweet potatoes.

• Unsalted Butter: Opt for fresh, creamy butter that adds rich depth and helps prevent sticking in the slow cooker.
• Brown Sugar: Look for moist, dark brown sugar that provides deep caramel notes and natural sweetness.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Select a fresh, aromatic blend that brings warmth and complexity to the dish.
• Cayenne Pepper: Use freshly ground cayenne for a subtle, balanced heat that complements the sweet potatoes.
• Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for authentic, rich flavor without artificial undertones.
• Orange Juice: Select fresh, 100% pure orange juice for bright, citrusy undertones.

• Kosher Salt: Use coarse kosher salt to balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Walnuts: Pick crisp, fresh walnuts and toast them briefly to maximize their nutty, aromatic qualities.
• Fresh Parsley: Choose bright green, crisp parsley leaves for a fresh, herbal garnish.
• Water: Use clean, filtered water to help create the perfect cooking environment.

Tools to Cook Tender Yams Every Time

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing sweet potato chunks with cornstarch.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure cornstarch and other ingredients.
• Vegetable peeler: Makes removing sweet potato skin quick and easy.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping sweet potatoes.
• Sharp knife: Essential for cutting sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks.
• Slow cooker: Allows for even, gentle cooking and caramelization.
• Butter knife or small spoon: Helps dot butter evenly across sweet potatoes.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients during cooking.
• Serving dish: Transfers cooked sweet potatoes for presentation.
• Measuring spoons: Precisely adds spices, salt, and vanilla extract.

Succulent Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Yams Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Pioneer woman slow cooker yams deliver a comforting Southern side dish that melts in your palate. Home cooks can savor rich, sweet potato goodness without complex kitchen work.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 tbsps (56 g) salted butter
• 1 cup (220 g) packed brown sugar
• 1 ½ tbsps (11 g) cornstarch
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ tsp cayenne
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Juice of 1 orange
• Chopped walnuts, toasted, for serving
• Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly coat sweet potato cubes with cornstarch in a large mixing bowl, ensuring each piece is lightly and evenly dusted.
2. Layering: Arrange cornstarch-coated sweet potato cubes in a uniform layer within the slow cooker, strategically placing butter chunks across the surface. Sprinkle brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and a hint of cayenne pepper evenly over the cubes.
3. Seasoning: Drizzle vanilla extract and freshly squeezed orange juice over the sweet potatoes. Add water and a pinch of kosher salt to elevate the flavor profile.
4. Cooking: Secure the slow cooker lid and set the temperature to low. Allow sweet potatoes to gently simmer for approximately 3 hours, stirring occasionally to promote even tenderness and prevent sticking.
5. Finishing: Once sweet potato cubes reach a perfect tender consistency, gently toss them to ensure thorough coating with the aromatic cooking liquid. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with toasted walnuts and freshly chopped parsley for a delightful textural and visual contrast.

Notes

• Cornstarch Coating Technique: Lightly dust sweet potato cubes with cornstarch to create a crispy exterior and help thicken the cooking liquid, preventing mushiness during slow cooking.
• Butter Placement Strategy: Strategically distribute butter chunks across the surface to infuse rich flavor and create a smooth, luxurious texture throughout the dish.
• Spice Balance Tip: Carefully measure pumpkin pie spice and cayenne pepper to achieve a perfect sweet-and-slight-heat profile without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the yams.
• Stirring Importance: Gently mix the sweet potatoes every hour to ensure even cooking, prevent sticking, and distribute seasonings consistently for maximum flavor development.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg