Yams And Cherries
Yams and cherries combine in this warm, comforting dish featuring sweet potatoes, cherry pie filling, and aromatic spices. The rich, sweet flavors are perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, offering a delightful balance of fruity sweetness and spiced goodness that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
- Arrange a layer of sweet potato slices in a buttered casserole dish.
- Mix the brown sugar, salt, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg; sprinkle over the sweet potatoes.
- Dot the layer with 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add half of the cherry pie filling over the layer. Repeat the layering process with remaining sweet potatoes, dry ingredients, butter, and cherries.
- Pour the liquid from the sweet potatoes over the layers until visible.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned, and adjust the spices to your liking. If you're out of cornstarch, all-purpose flour can serve as a substitute, but it may alter the texture slightly. This dish can also be enhanced with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch. Serve alongside Broccoli Or Spinach Cornbread for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm as a comforting side during family gatherings or holiday meals. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or grilled vegetables, creating a balanced plate. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or some Easy Artichoke Dip for an appetizer to whet the appetite.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole 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 quicker option, ensuring they are covered to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yams And Cherries contains roughly 269 calories, with 1g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1176mg 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 cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries; however, you will need to sweeten them to match the flavor of cherry pie filling. Consider adding sugar and a bit of cornstarch to thicken the juices as they cook, mimicking the texture of the pie filling.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian, making it a great option for vegetarians or those looking for meatless dishes. The sweet potatoes and cherries provide a deliciously sweet and satisfying flavor combination without any meat ingredients.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply replace the cornstarch with a gluten-free thickener, such as arrowroot powder or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Always check labels to ensure that all ingredients used are certified gluten-free for safety.
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).