Sweet Potatoes With Pecans
Sweet potatoes combined with brown sugar, pecans, and orange juice create a flavorful, comforting side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the sweet potatoes until tender and mash them.
- Combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the beaten egg, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, orange juice, and salt.
- Beat the mixture until light and fluffy.
- Gently fold in 1/3 cup of coarsely chopped pecans.
- Transfer the mixture into a buttered shallow casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining pecans and brown sugar over the top.
- Drizzle with the remaining melted butter.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the sweet potato mixture. You can substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. If you're short on pecans, walnuts can work well too. Ensure your sweet potatoes are fully cooked for the best texture in the final dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a delightful side for holiday meals, pairing beautifully with roasted turkey or glazed ham. For an added touch, serve with a dollop of Vanilla Cream Cheese Sauce For Carrot Cake for an indulgent twist. A fresh green salad can balance the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store 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 portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Potatoes With Pecans contains roughly 973 calories, with 12g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (29% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1624mg per serving (71% 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
How can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
You can easily adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of brown sugar or using a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup. Start with less sugar and taste the mixture before baking to ensure it meets your desired sweetness level.
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).