Apricot Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes and apricots come together in this warm, flavorful casserole, featuring a fragrant orange and cinnamon glaze. Perfect for holiday dinners or cozy family meals, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, with a crunchy pecan topping that adds texture and richness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Grease a 1 to 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Arrange the sweet potato slices in the casserole.
- In a heavy quart saucepan, mix brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, and grated orange peel.
- Add apricot nectar and water to the saucepan.
- Cook on high heat until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in apricot halves and margarine.
- Pour the apricot mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the apricot mixture. If you don't have apricot nectar, peach nectar or even orange juice can work as great substitutes. To enhance the texture, you can sprinkle some chopped pecans on top before baking, which adds a delightful crunch. This dish is also a great way to use leftover sweet potatoes from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
This Apricot Sweet Potatoes dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. It can also be served as a side at holiday gatherings or family dinners. For a complete meal, consider complementing it with a main dish like Beef Roast Sunday Dinner or a fresh vegetable medley to round out the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 651 calories, with 2g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1409mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh sweet potatoes! Simply peel, slice, and boil them until tender before layering in the casserole. This will give you a fresher taste and texture, but will require additional cooking time.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you need a substitute for brown sugar, you can use an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses. This will mimic the flavor and moisture of brown sugar quite well.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, simply replace the margarine with a plant-based butter alternative and ensure that your apricot nectar is free from any animal products. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).