Tropical Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes glazed with tropical pineapple, apricot, and orange flavors create a vibrant, flavorful side perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes ⓘ
- 1 (8 1/2 oz.) can crushed pineapple (undrained) ⓘ
- 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons grated orange rind ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can apricots (undrained and pureed) ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine (softened) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook sweet potatoes in boiling water for 20 to 25 minutes or until tender.
- Let the sweet potatoes cool to touch, then peel and cut into 1/2 inch slices.
- Arrange the slices in a lightly greased 12 x 8 x 2-inch baking dish so that edges overlap.
- Prepare the glaze by combining crushed pineapple (with juice), brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, and grated orange rind in a saucepan.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring until it thickens.
- Add the pureed apricots to the glaze and stir well.
- Pour the warm glaze over the sweet potato slices in the baking dish.
- Dot with softened butter or margarine.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through and glazed.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of coconut milk to the glaze for a richer tropical taste. If you don't have apricots, pureed peaches can be a delicious substitute. Ensure the sweet potatoes are fully cooked before slicing for the best texture. Also, for a bit of crunch, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These glazed sweet potatoes make a delightful side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. They pair beautifully with roasted meats or can be served alongside vegetarian recipes for a colorful plate. Consider serving them with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture, and a refreshing salad on the side to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Tropical Glazed Sweet Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a covered baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tropical Glazed Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 615 calories, with 4g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1233mg per serving (54% 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 pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple for a more vibrant flavor. Just ensure to finely chop it and include the juice to maintain the consistency of the glaze. This substitution will add a fresh twist to the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the butter or margarine with a plant-based alternative. Additionally, ensure the brown sugar is vegan-friendly, as some brands use bone char in the processing.
What can I serve with Tropical Glazed Sweet Potatoes?
These sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled chicken or pork, and they also complement a range of vegetarian options like quinoa salads or roasted vegetables. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside a Pineapple 2 Cake for dessert.
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).