Easy Orange-Glazed Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Yams Recipe

Slow cooker yams transform ordinary sweet potatoes into a magical culinary experience that tingles taste buds and warms hearts.

Creamy, rich, and impossibly tender, these delectable root vegetables absorb incredible depth of flavor during their leisurely cooking process.

Subtle spices dance through each succulent bite, creating a symphony of comfort and warmth.

Starchy goodness meets sweet indulgence in this foolproof method that guarantees consistent results every single time.

Home cooks adore how minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness with this hands-off approach to preparing a crowd-pleasing side dish.

The slow cooker works its enchantment, breaking down fibers and concentrating natural sugars into an irresistible sensation.

Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners, this method elevates humble ingredients into something extraordinary: prepare to be amazed.

Pro Tips for Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Yams

• Customize Sweetness: Dial up or down brown sugar based on your personal flavor preference, experimenting with incremental changes.
• Boost Spice Profile: Intensify heat by introducing chili powder or amplifying cayenne for a bold, fiery twist.
• Experiment with Nuts: Swap traditional walnuts for pecans or almonds, creating unique textural and flavor dimensions.
• Twist Citrus Notes: Introduce lemon juice instead of orange for a bright, zesty undertone that balances the dish's richness.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Transform recipe to dairy-free by substituting butter with coconut oil and selecting vegan-friendly brown sugar.

How to Store Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Yams

• Vacuum Seal Method: Lock in peak freshness by using a vacuum sealer for cooked yams. Press out all air before sealing to prevent freezer burn and preserve original flavor and texture. Works perfectly for meal preppers wanting long-term storage solutions.
• Mason Jar Technique: Transfer cooled yams into clean glass mason jars with tight-fitting lids. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate immediately and consume within 4-5 days for optimal taste and quality.
• Portion Control Strategy: Divide remaining yams into individual serving sizes using small airtight containers. Label each container with date and contents. Stack containers efficiently in refrigerator to maximize space and track freshness more easily. Helps reduce food waste and streamline meal planning.

Creative Twists on Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Yams

• Citrus Maple Infusion: Replace orange juice with fresh lemon juice and swap brown sugar for pure maple syrup, creating a bright, tangy flavor profile that complements the sweet potatoes' natural sweetness.
• Spicy Coconut Fusion: Incorporate coconut milk instead of water and add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, introducing a tropical warmth and creamy texture to the classic recipe.
• Herbal Mediterranean Blend: Substitute pumpkin pie spice with dried rosemary, thyme, and a touch of oregano, then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for an Mediterranean-inspired vegetable side dish that brings earthy, aromatic notes to the table.
• Smoky Chipotle Version: Add chipotle powder instead of cayenne, include a splash of tequila with the liquid, and top with crumbled queso fresco after cooking to create a bold, southwestern-style sweet potato preparation that packs a flavorful punch.

Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Yams: A Sweet and Savory Side Dish

Sweet potato magic unfolds in this Pioneer Woman slow cooker masterpiece, where rustic comfort meets culinary innovation.

Southern charm radiates through each tender, caramelized chunk kissed with brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice.

Complex flavor profiles dance between sweet, spicy, and earthy notes, creating a memorable side dish perfect for family gatherings.

Kitchen shortcuts never tasted so sophisticated, transforming humble ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

Complex seasonings elevate simple sweet potatoes into a gourmet sensation that whispers home-style elegance.

Passionate cooks and casual meal preparers will fall in love with this foolproof recipe that promises deliciousness without demanding hours of complicated preparation.

When you discover this recipe, share its magic, spread delightful comments, and inspire fellow culinary adventurers to embrace slow cooker brilliance.

Why Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Yams Are the Ultimate Comfort Side

• Effortless Comfort Cooking: Slow cooker method transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into a melt-in-your-mouth dish with minimal hands-on preparation, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals without complex techniques.
• Flavor Explosion Profile: Brilliant combination of sweet brown sugar, warming pumpkin pie spice, subtle cayenne heat, and bright orange juice creates a multilayered taste experience that dances between sweet, spicy, and tangy sensations.
• Texture Magic Transformation: Cornstarch coating ensures each sweet potato chunk develops a luxurious, slightly crispy exterior while maintaining a creamy, tender interior, delivering a delightful contrast in every single bite.
• Versatile Celebration Dish: Adaptable recipe works wonderfully for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, potlucks, and seasonal celebrations, offering a sophisticated side dish that impresses guests with minimal cooking skills required.

Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Yams

Main Ingredients:

Sweet Potatoes: Classic root vegetable that forms the heart of this dish, providing creamy texture and rich flavor. Choose firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes without bruises or soft spots.

Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy coating for the sweet potatoes. Select unsalted butter for better flavor control.

Flavor Enhancers:

Brown Sugar: Brings deep caramel sweetness and helps create a delicious glaze. Look for fresh, soft brown sugar without hardened clumps.

Pumpkin Pie Spice: Warming blend that adds complexity and traditional holiday flavor. Fresh spice mix ensures maximum aromatic impact.

Vanilla Extract: Deepens the overall sweetness and adds subtle complexity to the dish. Pure vanilla extract provides the best flavor profile.

Cayenne: Introduces a subtle heat that balances the sweet elements. Use sparingly for a gentle warmth.

Supporting Ingredients:

Cornstarch: Helps create a light coating on sweet potatoes and thickens the cooking liquid. Choose a high-quality, finely ground cornstarch.

Orange Juice: Adds brightness and helps create a light, tangy sauce. Fresh-squeezed juice offers the best flavor.

Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances all the other flavors in the dish. Provides a clean, pure seasoning.

Water: Helps create moisture in the slow cooker and prevents burning.

Garnish:

Walnuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor to the finished dish. Toast for enhanced flavor.

Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, green contrast and bright visual appeal.

How to Prepare Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Yams

Step 1: Prepare Sweet Potato Base

Wash and peel 4-5 large sweet potatoes. Cut into 1-inch chunks. In a large mixing bowl, toss sweet potato chunks with cornstarch until evenly coated, ensuring each piece has a light powdery layer.

• Sweet potatoes
• Cornstarch

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

Grease slow cooker with butter or cooking spray. Carefully layer coated sweet potato chunks into the slow cooker. Dot the surface with unsalted butter, cutting butter into small chunks for even distribution.

• Unsalted butter
• Sweet potato chunks

Step 3: Infuse Delicious Seasonings

• Brown sugar
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Cayenne pepper

Drizzle vanilla extract and orange juice over the top. Add water and a pinch of kosher salt.

Step 4: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 3-4 hours, stirring gently 1-2 times during cooking to ensure even tenderness. Sweet potatoes should become soft and caramelized.

Step 5: Garnish And Serve

Once sweet potatoes are tender, give a final gentle toss to coat with cooking juices. Transfer to serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts and chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your delectable creation!

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Yams Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy Southern yams from Pioneer Woman promise pure comfort in a dish. Rich with buttery marshmallows and warm spices, these slow-cooked sweet potatoes deliver home-style goodness you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potato Base:

• 6 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) salted butter

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 1 cup (220 grams) packed brown sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons (11 grams) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne
• 1 pinch kosher salt

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Juice of 1 orange
• Chopped walnuts, toasted, for serving
• Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the sweet potato cubes by thoroughly coating them with cornstarch in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring each piece is evenly and lightly dusted.
2. Transfer the cornstarch-coated sweet potato cubes into the slow cooker, arranging them in a uniform layer and strategically placing butter chunks across the surface.
3. Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and a subtle hint of cayenne pepper evenly over the sweet potato cubes.
4. Delicately drizzle vanilla extract and freshly squeezed orange juice over the seasoned sweet potatoes, then pour 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) of water and sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt to elevate the overall taste.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and set the temperature to low, allowing the sweet potatoes to gently simmer and develop their rich, complex flavors.
6. Periodically stir the sweet potatoes during the 3-hour cooking process to promote even tenderness and prevent any potential sticking or uneven cooking.
7. Once the sweet potato cubes reach a perfect tender consistency, gently toss them to ensure they are thoroughly coated with the aromatic cooking liquid.
8. Elegantly transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a serving dish, garnishing with toasted walnuts and freshly chopped parsley for a delightful textural and visual contrast.

Notes

• Savor the magic of slow-cooked yams that transform ordinary sweet potatoes into a holiday masterpiece bursting with unexpected flavors.
• Cornstarch works its culinary wizardry by creating a gorgeous caramelized exterior while keeping each chunk remarkably tender and golden.
• Warm spices dance with brown sugar, weaving a comforting sweetness that hugs the earthy yam’s natural richness like a cozy blanket.
• Subtle cayenne pepper sneaks in a gentle heat, playing perfectly against the dish’s sweet undertones and creating a delightful flavor complexity.
• Bright splashes of orange juice and vanilla extract elevate the entire recipe, adding sophisticated layers that make taste buds sing with joy.
• Toasted walnuts scattered across the top provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, luxurious sweet potato texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg