As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there's nothing quite like the comforting warmth of a Glazed Harvest Sweet Potato Bake. This dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a luscious caramel sauce and crunchy pecans, making it perfect for any fall gathering or holiday feast.
Sweet potatoes are the star here, offering their natural sweetness and creamy texture. We slice them into rounds for even cooking and visual appeal. Granulated sugar and brown sugar team up to create a rich caramel glaze, while unsalted butter adds a silky richness. A splash of heavy cream helps achieve that velvety smooth sauce. For flavor, we add vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves to bring in those cozy, warm spices. A touch of salt balances the sweetness, and finally, chopped pecans lend a pleasant crunch.
This sweet potato bake pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or ham, making it a perfect side for holiday dinners. For a vegetarian feast, serve it alongside a hearty green salad or a warm bowl of butternut squash soup. It’s also a delightful addition to a brunch spread, paired with freshly baked biscuits.
First, get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). While that's warming up, peel your sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/4-inch rounds. This thickness is just right for absorbing the glaze while still holding their shape. Pop them into a large pot of boiling water and let them cook for about 10 minutes, just until they're tender without being mushy. Drain them well and set aside.
Next, let’s make the glaze. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt, and keep stirring until everything’s smooth and slightly thickened. This should take around 5 minutes.
Time to assemble! Lay the sweet potato slices in a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading them out so they’re even. Pour that glorious caramel sauce over them, making sure each piece gets a nice coating. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top, which will toast beautifully in the oven.
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the glaze is bubbly and the pecans are lightly toasted. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can meld together. Enjoy the magic!
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