Sweet Potatoes With Apples
Sweet potatoes and tart apples are layered and baked with a fragrant orange and ginger glaze, creating a comforting dish bursting with natural sweetness and warm spices. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, this dish offers a delightful combination of soft, tender produce with a hint of citrus and spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cover sweet potatoes with water and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until just tender.
- Drain and cool slightly.
- Peel and cut into 1/4-inch slices.
- Alternate layers of sweet potatoes and apples in a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Pour orange juice over the layered sweet potatoes and apples.
- Mix brown sugar, ground ginger, and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the top.
- Dot with butter or margarine.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 45 minutes or until apples are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or using honey instead of brown sugar for sweetness. You can substitute the tart apples with Granny Smith or any other firm variety. If you prefer a creamier texture, try mixing in a little coconut milk before baking. Make sure to slice the sweet potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can be served as a hearty side for a vegetarian meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or with crusty bread like No-Knead Wheat Bread for a complete meal. It also makes a great addition to a holiday feast, bringing a delightful sweetness to your table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil, warming in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick warm-up.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Potatoes With Apples contains roughly 294 calories, with 1g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.
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 apples?
Yes, you can use other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just ensure they are tart enough to balance the sweetness of the sweet potatoes. Experimenting with different apple varieties can add unique flavors to the dish.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done cooking?
The sweet potatoes should be just tender after simmering for about 30 minutes. You can check by piercing them with a fork; they should not be mushy but should yield slightly. Overcooking may lead to a watery texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and apples, layer them in the baking dish, and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just make sure to add a little extra baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
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).