Ham Smothered In Sweet Potatoes
A hearty dish featuring tender ham smothered in sweet, caramelized sweet potatoes, perfect for comforting family dinners with a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the ham into 3/4 inch thick slices and brown slightly on both sides.
- Arrange the ham slices over the bottom of a buttered baking dish.
- Add diced sweet potatoes over the ham.
- Pour hot water and melted butter over the sweet potatoes.
- Sprinkle sugar over the top. Optionally add a little powdered cinnamon.
- Cover the dish and bake in a 400°F oven for 45-50 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked and ham is tender.
- Uncover and let brown attractively before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful dish, consider marinating the ham in a mixture of brown sugar and mustard before browning. If you don't have sweet potatoes, butternut squash can be a delicious substitute. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the optional powdered cinnamon can enhance the sweetness and warmth of the dish, making it reminiscent of the flavors found in Fantastic Rice Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp salad to balance the richness of the ham and sweetness of the potatoes. A light vinaigrette can work wonders. This ham smothered in sweet potatoes also pairs beautifully with the flavors of Chicken Fried Steak Bake, making it a great addition to any comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Smothered In Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 287 calories, with 7g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (74% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 8g 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 other types of ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other varieties like smoked or honey-glazed ham for added flavor. Just ensure the thickness is similar to avoid uneven cooking. Adjust the sugar quantity based on the sweetness of the ham.
What can I do if I don't have sweet potatoes?
If sweet potatoes are unavailable, you can substitute with regular potatoes or even carrots for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for tenderness.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this dish healthier, consider using less sugar or substituting it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You could also use a leaner cut of ham or reduce the butter to lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor.
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).