Orange Glaze Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes glazed with a fragrant orange sauce create a delightful balance of sweetness and citrus zest, perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and bake the sweet potatoes in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for about an hour until just fork tender.
- Mix brown sugar, white sugar, cornstarch, salt, grated orange peel, and orange juice in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Boil until the mixture begins to thicken, about 1-2 minutes.
- Allow the baked potatoes to cool slightly, then cut into large chunks.
- Place the potato chunks in an 8 x 8-inch baking dish and pour the orange glaze over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for about an hour to allow the flavors to permeate the potatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the orange glaze. If you're out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with coconut sugar or honey for a different sweetness profile. Ensure the sweet potatoes are not overcooked; they should be just fork-tender before glazing. This dish pairs beautifully with Christmas Coke-Cherry Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the orange glaze sweet potatoes as a delicious side dish for holiday dinners or family gatherings. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats and green vegetables. For a complete meal, consider adding a protein like grilled chicken or a Breakfast Frittata for brunch. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional grated orange peel for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover orange glaze sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Glaze Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 700 calories, with 0g protein, 177g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1209mg 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 canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
While fresh sweet potatoes yield the best texture and flavor, you can use canned sweet potatoes as a shortcut. Just drain and rinse them, then follow the recipe from step 4. The cooking time may be reduced, so keep an eye on them.
What can I substitute for orange juice in the glaze?
If you don't have orange juice, you can use another citrus juice like lemon or lime for a different tangy flavor. Alternatively, apple juice or a citrus-flavored soda can work in a pinch, but adjust the sweetness if needed.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply ensure that the brown and white sugars are vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char. You can also substitute the orange juice with a homemade blend of other fruit juices for a unique flavor twist.
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).