I’m excited to share my orange glazed sweet potatoes recipe with you. This dish transforms simple sweet potatoes into a sweet and tangy side that will brighten up any meal.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings
I love making orange glazed sweet potatoes because they are both elegant and easy to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes gourmet without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is perfect if you want to try something fresh and flavorful with sweet potatoes.
Description
This recipe requires only seven key ingredients: sweet potatoes, dark brown sugar, grated orange zest, fresh orange juice, melted unsalted butter, salt, and ground cinnamon. I start by peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes into 1-inch thick rounds. Then, I mix the glaze ingredients in a bowl until well combined and pour the mixture over the arranged sweet potato slices in two baking pans. Covered with foil, the potatoes bake until fork-tender. After removing the foil, a short bake allows the glaze to thicken into a syrupy finish. The result is a dish that is both sweet and tangy with a beautiful glossy finish.
Ingredients
- 6 medium sweet potatoes, washed
- 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch thick slices.
- Spray two 9 x 13-inch baking pans with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange the sweet potato slices evenly in the pans.
- Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, grated orange zest, fresh orange juice, melted butter, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Stir well until the mixture is smooth.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes in both pans.
- Cover the pans with aluminum foil or a lid.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Finish the Glaze:
- Remove the foil from the pans.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency.
- Serve:
- Remove the pans from the oven and serve the sweet potatoes hot.
Process Details
- Slicing Evenly: Cutting the sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch slices helps them cook evenly and absorb the glaze properly.
- Glaze Preparation: Mixing the glaze ingredients thoroughly ensures that each slice is coated with a balanced blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
- Baking Technique: Covering the pan allows the potatoes to steam and become tender, while the uncovered finish helps thicken the glaze into a luscious syrup.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Slices: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice the sweet potatoes evenly.
- Drain Excess Moisture: Pat the slices dry with a paper towel before glazing to help the sauce stick better.
- Monitor the Final Bake: Keep an eye on the glaze during the last 5 minutes to prevent it from burning while reaching the perfect syrupy consistency.
- Enhance the Flavor: For extra zing, add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of lemon juice to the glaze.
Serving Ideas
- As a Side Dish: These glazed sweet potatoes are a perfect accompaniment to roasted chicken, pork, or fish.
- Festive Occasions: Serve them at holiday dinners or special gatherings to add a touch of color and flavor to your table.
- Vegetarian Meal: Pair them with a hearty salad or vegetable medley for a satisfying vegetarian option.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 180–220
- Fat: 4–6 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40–45 grams
- Protein: 2–3 grams
I truly enjoy making orange glazed sweet potatoes because they are simple to prepare and pack a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors. This dish is a fantastic way to elevate your sweet potato game and add a gourmet touch to any meal. I hope you try this recipe and enjoy its vibrant taste as much as I do. Please share your feedback—I’d love to hear your thoughts!