Best Ever Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes baked with a rich, caramelized orange sugar glaze, topped with marshmallows for a comforting, sweet side perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the sweet potatoes until thickened.
- Place the cooked and sliced sweet potatoes in a buttered dish.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, orange juice, cornstarch, melted butter, and brown sugar.
- Cook until the mixture thickens.
- Pour the sugar mixture over the sweet potatoes in the dish.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Top with marshmallows and return to the oven until melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, mash the sweet potatoes before placing them in the dish. You can substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar for a richer flavor or use maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the sugar by half and add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. This recipe is great for holiday gatherings alongside American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet potatoes make a delightful side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. They pair beautifully with roasted meats like turkey or ham and can also complement vegetarian recipes. Consider serving them with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for added flair. For a complete meal, serve alongside dishes like Shepherd Pie or Broccoli And Cheese Tart.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sweet potatoes in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick reheating option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Ever Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 529 calories, with 5g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Drain them well and adjust the cooking time, as they are already cooked. You may need to reduce the sugar slightly, depending on your taste preference. Just mash them before adding the sugar mixture.
What can I do if my mixture doesn't thicken?
If your sugar mixture doesn’t thicken, ensure that you’ve cooked it long enough and that the cornstarch has activated. If it's still too runny, you can mix a little more cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the mixture over heat until it thickens.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and sugar mixture a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. This makes it a convenient dish for gatherings or busy weeknights.
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).