Yam Stuffed Oranges
Sweet and savory, Yam Stuffed Oranges combines roasted yams with spiced pecan filling, topped with toasted marshmallows. The vibrant orange cups add a fresh citrus touch, making it an impressive dish perfect for festive gatherings or special occasions that delight the palate with warm flavors and bright presentation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet at 350°F for about 1 1/2 hours, then peel and mash well.
- Blend together butter, light brown sugar, beaten eggs, cream, ground cloves, cinnamon, salt, orange juice, and chopped pecans.
- Spoon the mashed sweet potato mixture into the orange halves with the fruit removed.
- Bake the filled orange cups for 15 minutes or until the tops are brown.
- Top with miniature marshmallows and bake for another 5 minutes until marshmallows are toasted and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts or almonds can make excellent substitutes. To save time, you can use canned sweet potatoes as a shortcut. Be careful not to overfill the orange halves to prevent spillage during baking. For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of nutmeg on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These yam stuffed oranges make a delightful side dish for holiday meals or a unique addition to a brunch spread. They pair beautifully with roasted meats or can be served alongside a fresh salad. For a sweet treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side. Consider pairing with Aunt Agnes' Carrot Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yam Stuffed Oranges contains roughly 965 calories, with 11g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (100% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value), and calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1562mg per serving (68% 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 prepare the stuffed oranges in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and fill the orange halves just before baking. This will save time on the day of serving. Just make sure to store the filling in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.
What if I don't have fresh oranges?
If fresh oranges are unavailable, you can use other citrus fruits like grapefruits or lemons. Alternatively, you could serve the sweet potato mixture in a baking dish without the orange cups, which would still be delicious.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done baking?
Sweet potatoes are done baking when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Depending on their size, this could take anywhere from 1 to 1.5 hours. Make sure to check them periodically to avoid overcooking.
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).