Slow-Cooker Maple-Orange Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans
Effortlessly creamy mashed sweet potatoes infused with bright orange juice and rich maple syrup, finished with butter and toasted pecans. This hands-off slow cooker side dish transforms humble sweet potatoes into an elegant accompaniment perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners. The long, gentle cooking process creates an incredibly smooth texture while the maple and orange flavors meld beautifully with the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Spray slow cooker with cooking spray and place sweet potatoes inside
- 2
Pour orange juice over the potatoes
- 3
Cover and cook on low heat setting for 8 hours
- 4
Drain potatoes and discard the orange juice
- 5
Return potatoes to slow cooker and mash with potato masher or spoon
- 6
Add whipping cream, maple syrup, butter, salt and pepper
- 7
Stir until butter is melted and mixture is smooth
- 8
Sprinkle with toasted pecans before serving
Tips
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant for the best flavor.
For extra smooth texture, use an electric mixer instead of mashing by hand.
Make sure to drain the potatoes well before mashing to prevent watery results.
Good to Know
Refrigerate for up to 4 days in covered container
Can be made 1 day ahead and reheated gently
Serve hot as a side dish
Common Mistakes
Don't skip draining the potatoes to avoid watery texture
Add liquid gradually to prevent mixture from becoming too thin
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes, boil cubed sweet potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes, then drain and proceed with mashing and adding ingredients.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in microwave or on stovetop with a splash of cream if needed.
Can I freeze these mashed sweet potatoes?
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat, stirring in extra cream if texture seems dry.