Orange Sweet Potato Casserole
A warm, flavorful casserole combining sweet potatoes, mandarin oranges, and caramelized pecans, perfect for holiday tables or cozy family dinners with a citrusy, nutty twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Process cooked or canned sweet potatoes, 2 tablespoons butter, 4 tablespoons brown sugar, dark rum, and salt in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Fold in half of the mandarin oranges or tangerines.
- Spread the mixture into a 2-quart buttered casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining oranges and arrange whole pecans in a decorative pattern on top.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 6 tablespoons butter, and chopped pecans.
- Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of milk or cream to the sweet potato mixture before blending. If you don't have dark rum on hand, bourbon or apple juice can be good substitutes. To save time, consider using canned sweet potatoes instead of cooking fresh ones. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to bake.
Serving Suggestions
This Orange Sweet Potato Casserole makes a delightful side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Mae'S 'Chicken Dressing' or a savory roast. For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. You can also enjoy it as a sweet breakfast treat!
Storage & Reheating
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven will keep the topping crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Sweet Potato Casserole contains roughly 704 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1180mg per serving (51% 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 fresh oranges instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tangerines or oranges in place of canned ones. Just peel and segment them before folding them into the mixture. Fresh fruit will add a bright flavor and a little more texture to the casserole.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This Orange Sweet Potato Casserole is completely vegetarian. The ingredients are plant-based, making it a great option for those following vegetarian recipes. Just ensure the butter used is vegetarian-friendly.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free brown sugar. If you're concerned about cross-contamination, check the labels of all ingredients you use. This dish is a delicious addition to any gluten-free holiday table.
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).