Christmas Ambrosia Sweet Potatoes
A festive and sweet side dish combining tender sweet potatoes, juicy oranges, pineapple, coconut, and cherries, perfect for holiday gatherings and adding a tropical touch to the meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange orange slices alternately with cooked sweet potatoes in a shallow pan.
- Mix crushed pineapple, brown sugar, oleo, coconut, cherries, and oranges well in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture over the arranged sweet potatoes and oranges.
- Top with additional coconut and cherries as desired.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until heated through and slightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a plant-based alternative to the mixture. If you don't have oleo, unsalted butter works well as a substitute. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar or opt for a natural sweetener like maple syrup. Enhance the flavor with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful dish warm as a side for your holiday feast. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey or ham. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh salad, such as Cucumber, Onion And Pepper Salad, to balance the sweetness. Garnish with extra cherries or orange slices for an appealing presentation.
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, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Ambrosia Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 532 calories, with 4g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. It also contributes 11g 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 fresh sweet potatoes instead of cooked ones?
Yes, you can use fresh sweet potatoes! Simply peel and chop them, then boil or steam until tender. This will ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the other flavors in the dish.
Is there a vegan substitute for oleo?
Absolutely! You can replace oleo with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil for a vegan-friendly option. Both will provide the necessary fat and richness without compromising the dish's flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day in advance. Assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and saves you time on the day of your gathering.
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).