Glazed Sweet Potatoes

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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If you're looking for a dish that's both comforting and a little bit special, these Glazed Sweet Potatoes are your answer. Perfectly tender and coated in a rich, buttery glaze, they bring out the best of sweet potatoes' natural flavors. This recipe is a fantastic side dish, especially during the cooler months when sweet potatoes are at their peak.

Ingredients for Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are the star, offering a naturally sweet and creamy base for our dish. Their firm texture holds up well during baking.

Brown sugar adds depth and a caramel-like sweetness, enhancing the natural sugars of the sweet potatoes.

Unsalted butter brings richness and helps the glaze adhere beautifully to the potatoes, providing a silky finish.

Water aids in dissolving the sugar for a smooth glaze.

Orange juice adds a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the sweetness and complements the spices.

Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are the classic spices that give the dish a warm, cozy flavor profile, perfect for fall.

Salt enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and bringing everything together.

Tips & Tricks

  • Cut the sweet potatoes evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
  • Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor—it's worth the extra step.
  • For a thicker glaze, let the sauce simmer a bit longer before pouring it over the potatoes.
  • If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar by a quarter cup.

Serving Suggestions

These glazed sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey or chicken. They're also a great companion to a hearty lentil stew or alongside sautéed greens for a balanced meal. For a festive touch, sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze and slice the sweet potatoes a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble just before baking.
What if I don't have orange juice?
Lemon juice can work in a pinch, though it will add a slightly different flavor profile. You may want to add a bit more sugar to balance the tartness.
Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
Certainly! Just keep an eye on the texture as yams can sometimes take longer to cook.

Glazed Sweet Potatoes Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot by the time your dish is ready to go in. Meanwhile, grab those sweet potatoes. Peel them and get them sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds. This thickness is just right to ensure they cook through evenly.

Next, let's make the glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, stir in the brown sugar, water, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Keep stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth—this will only take a couple of minutes.

Now, arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer in your baking dish. Try not to overlap them too much so they all get a good coating of the glaze. Pour the glaze evenly over the top. Make sure each slice gets some love from the glaze.

Cover your dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, which gives the potatoes a chance to start softening up. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and let them bake for another 15-20 minutes. This step allows the glaze to thicken and bubble up beautifully while the potatoes finish cooking.

Once they're done, let them cool slightly. This will help the glaze set a bit, making them easier to serve. And there you have it! Your Glazed Sweet Potatoes are ready to enjoy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
  • The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
  • Uses pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have.
  • A crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings or family dinners.
  • The aroma while baking is simply irresistible.

Ingredients

4 lbs sweet potatoes
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the brown sugar, water, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
4. Arrange the sweet potato slices in a baking dish.
5. Pour the glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the glaze is bubbly.
8. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

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