Glazed Sweet Potatoes With Pears
Sweet potatoes and pears glazed with maple syrup and orange juice create a warm, comforting dish with a hint of nuttiness, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart microwaveproof casserole, combine sweet potatoes, butter, and 1/4 cup of orange juice.
- Cover and microwave on High for 6 minutes.
- Stir mixture; cover and microwave on High for 4 to 6 minutes or until crisp and tender.
- Add pears; cover and microwave on High 2 to 4 minutes or until fruit is tender but holds its shape.
- Stir in the walnuts; cover and let stand.
- In a 1-cup glass measure, combine water, maple syrup, cornstarch, and remaining 1/4 cup of orange juice. Stir.
- Microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes or until the mixture boils and thickens.
- Pour over the sweet potato and pear mixture and toss gently to coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, try replacing some sweet potatoes with butternut squash. If you don't have orange juice, apple juice is a great substitute that complements the flavors well. When microwaving, check the doneness of the sweet potatoes and pears frequently to prevent overcooking. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the dish's flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the glazed sweet potatoes with pears as a delightful side dish for roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian feast. They pair beautifully with Ham-Potato Bake or a fresh Creamy Cucumber Salad Dressing for a balanced meal. Garnish with additional walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power, adding a splash of water to keep the sweet potatoes moist, or heat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Glazed Sweet Potatoes With Pears contains roughly 238 calories, with 4g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g 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 for this recipe?
While fresh sweet potatoes provide the best texture and flavor, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just reduce the cooking time significantly to avoid mushiness, as they are already cooked. Drain and rinse them before adding them to the dish.
What can I substitute for the walnuts?
If you have nut allergies or simply prefer not to use walnuts, try substituting with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts. You can also omit them altogether for a nut-free version of this dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and pears, then store them separately in the refrigerator. To serve, reheat and add the glaze just before serving to keep the flavors fresh. This makes it a great choice for meal prep or holiday gatherings.
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).