Microwave Candied Sweet Potatoes
Sweet and syrupy microwave candied sweet potatoes feature warm cinnamon and orange zest, perfect as a comforting side dish for holidays or everyday meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain sweet potatoes, reserving 1/4 cup of the syrup.
- In a 2-quart microwave-safe dish, place brown sugar, butter, orange rind, cinnamon, and reserved syrup.
- Cook at High for 4 minutes until mixture is slightly thickened.
- Add sweet potatoes, gently stirring to coat with glaze.
- Cook at High for 1 minute until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. You can substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile. If fresh sweet potatoes are available, you can roast them first, then mash and replace the canned variety, adjusting the syrup as needed.
Serving Suggestions
These candied sweet potatoes make a delightful side dish for holiday meals or gatherings. They pair beautifully with roasted meats and can complement dishes like Green Chile Egg Salad for a balanced meal. For a complete experience, serve alongside a light salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated thoroughly. You can add a splash of water to maintain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Candied Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 518 calories, with 1g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value) and calcium (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g 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 fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh sweet potatoes! Simply peel, cube, and boil them until tender, then proceed with the recipe by mashing and mixing them with the glaze ingredients. Adjust the syrup to your taste for desired sweetness.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Additionally, ensure that the canned sweet potatoes are in a vegan-friendly syrup. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
What can I serve with these candied sweet potatoes?
These sweet potatoes pair well with savory mains like roasted chicken or ham. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside a hearty salad or even dishes like Lemon Krispie Dessert for a sweet finish. They are versatile enough to complement various meal types.
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).