Festival Sweet Potatoes
Festive and sweet, these roasted sweet potatoes topped with caramelized brown sugar and pineapple create a warm, tropical flavor combination perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Boil sweet potatoes in their skins for 20 to 30 minutes until tender.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and mash or put through a ricer.
- Season with salt and 1/4 cup of brown sugar.
- Form the sweet potato mixture into balls using an ice cream scoop.
- Place each ball on top of a slice of pineapple in a baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, heat the remaining brown sugar and the liquid (rum, brandy, dry sherry, or water) until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the syrup over the sweet potato balls and pineapple slices.
- Bake for 30 minutes, basting often with the syrup in the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture. If you're short on rum or brandy, dry sherry can be a great substitute. You can also use canned pineapple slices for convenience, but fresh pineapple offers a brighter taste. Ensure the sweet potatoes are fully cooked for easier mashing to achieve the right texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Festival Sweet Potatoes make a delightful side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. They pair beautifully with roasted meats like beef roast in the coals or glazed ham. Consider serving with a crisp salad on the side or a refreshing drink like rosemary punch to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sweet potato balls and pineapple slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a covered baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, basting with any leftover syrup to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Festival Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 265 calories, with 1g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1220mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
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 regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
While regular potatoes can be used, they won't provide the same sweetness and flavor. Sweet potatoes enhance the dish's overall taste and texture, making it a festive treat. If you're looking for alternative vegetables, consider using butternut squash for a similar sweetness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance. Form the balls and store them in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, simply place them on the pineapple slices, pour the syrup over, and bake as directed. This saves time and allows for flavors to meld.
What can I use instead of brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses for a similar flavor. Alternatively, coconut sugar or maple sugar can also add a unique taste while keeping the dish sweet and flavorful.
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).