Recipe

slow cooker Palm Sunday glazed sweet potatoes

Written by Deborah Jackson

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Palm Sunday Glazed Sweet Potatoes (Easy Holiday Side)

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing side dish for your holiday table, these slow cooker Palm Sunday glazed sweet potatoes are the answer. Sweet, buttery, and perfectly spiced, they come out tender with a rich caramelized glaze that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

This is the kind of recipe that shines at church potlucks and family gatherings—simple ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum flavor. Just layer everything in the slow cooker, let it do its magic, and show up with a dish everyone will be talking about.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Only 4 ingredients (plus optional pinch of salt)
  • Perfect for holidays & potlucks
  • Hands-off cooking in the slow cooker
  • Beautiful presentation with glossy, caramelized rounds
  • Sweet, cozy flavor with brown sugar and cinnamon

 Ingredients

  • 3 pounds garnet sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾-inch rounds
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Optional: pinch of salt

 How to Make Glazed Sweet Potatoes in the Slow Cooker

1. Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and slice into thick, even rounds (about ¾ inch thick) so they hold their shape while cooking.

2. Grease the Slow Cooker

Lightly coat your slow cooker with nonstick spray or butter.

3. Make the Glaze

Whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional salt until smooth and glossy.

4. Layer

Arrange a layer of sweet potatoes, spoon some glaze on top, and repeat layers. Finish with glaze on top.

5. Cook

  • LOW: 3½ to 4 hours
    Cook until fork-tender but still holding their shape. Avoid stirring.

6. Finish the Glaze

Remove the lid and spoon glaze from the bottom over the top. Let sit uncovered 10–15 minutes to thicken if needed.

7. Serve

Transfer to a platter and spoon extra glaze over the top for that irresistible shine.

 Serving Suggestions

These glazed sweet potatoes pair beautifully with:

  • Baked ham
  • Roasted chicken
  • Pot roast
  • Sliders and dinner rolls
  • Deviled eggs
  • Fresh salads or green beans (to balance the sweetness)

They’re perfect for Palm Sunday, Easter, Thanksgiving, or any cozy Sunday dinner.

 Variations & Tips

Make Ahead:
Slice sweet potatoes the night before and store in cold water in the fridge. Drain and dry before cooking.

Extra Caramelized:
Broil cooked rounds for 2–4 minutes to deepen color and crisp edges slightly.

Citrus Twist:
Swap 2 tbsp butter for orange juice + add orange zest for brightness.

Warm Spice Flavor:
Add nutmeg, cloves, or pumpkin pie spice for a richer holiday taste.

Extra Sauce:
Increase brown sugar to 1¼ cups and butter to 6 tablespoons.

Dairy-Free Option:
Use plant-based butter substitute.

 Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store up to 4 days in an airtight container
  • Reheat: Microwave or warm in oven with a splash of water
  • Tip: Spoon extra glaze over before serving to refresh texture

Final Thoughts

These slow cooker glazed sweet potatoes are everything a holiday side dish should be—easy, comforting, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re bringing them to a church potluck or serving them at home, don’t be surprised if you leave with an empty dish and a handful of recipe requests.

About the author

Deborah Jackson