Mandarin Orange-Sweet Potato Casserole
A comforting casserole combining sweet potatoes and mandarin oranges, topped with Grape-Nuts for crunch, flavored with cinnamon and orange peel, perfect for holiday or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil sweet potatoes until tender and set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, cornstarch, lite salt, and cinnamon.
- Add apricot nectar and grated orange peel to the saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter.
- Slice and peel the cooked sweet potatoes and place them in a greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the sweet potatoes and mandarin oranges.
- Sprinkle Grape-Nuts cereal on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until heated through and topping is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, you can substitute the apricot nectar with orange juice or pineapple juice. If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. Make sure to check the sweetness of the sweet potatoes; if they're naturally sweet, you might want to reduce the brown sugar. This recipe can also be made ahead and baked just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole as a delightful side dish during holiday meals or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham. For a complete vegetarian meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or a warm grain dish. This dish also makes a great addition to a potluck spread alongside favorites like Jiffy Strawberry Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overheat, as it may dry out the sweet potatoes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mandarin Orange-Sweet Potato Casserole contains roughly 331 calories, with 1g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and sauce a day in advance. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly and saves time on the day of your gathering.
Can I substitute the Grape-Nuts cereal?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different texture, consider using crushed cornflakes or even chopped nuts as a topping. Just remember to adjust the amount based on how crunchy you want the topping to be.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this casserole vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Additionally, check that the brown sugar is vegan, as some brands may be processed with bone char. You can also use agave syrup for a different sweetener option.
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).