Different Sweet Potatoes
A sweet and savory casserole featuring tender sweet potatoes, apricots, pecans, and a flavorful brown sugar and orange rind glaze, perfect for family gatherings or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the sweet potatoes and apricot juice, saving enough juice to measure 1 1/4 cups.
- Dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Layer the sweet potatoes, apricot halves, and pecan halves in a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- In a saucepan, mix the brown sugar, cornstarch, orange rind, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the apricot juice over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter or margarine.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for 25 to 35 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the sauce mixture. If sweet potatoes aren't available, you can substitute with butternut squash for a similar texture. For added crunch, try using walnuts instead of pecans. Adjust the sweetness by reducing the brown sugar if desired, especially if using very sweet apricots.
Serving Suggestions
This dish makes a delightful side for holiday meals, particularly alongside glazed ham or roasted turkey. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a simple green salad. It also pairs beautifully with Blueberries N' Cream Cheesecake for dessert, creating a perfect balance of flavors in your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Different Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 196 calories, with 1g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.
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 canned?
Yes, you can use fresh sweet potatoes. Boil or steam them until tender, then peel and dice before layering. This will add a fresher taste and texture to the dish, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I use instead of apricot halves?
If you can't find apricot halves, peach or pear slices can be a great alternative. Both fruits will provide a similar sweetness and texture, enhancing the dish while keeping it delicious and visually appealing.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products. Just ensure that the butter or margarine used is vegetarian. To make it vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative such as coconut oil or vegan margarine.
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).