Caramelized Sweet Potatoes with Cajeta Drizzle
Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of Caramelized Sweet Potatoes with Cajeta Drizzle. This delightful dish combines the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with a luscious sauce made from butter, brown sugar, and traditional Mexican cajeta caramel. Perfect as a side dish for holiday gatherings or a comforting addition to any meal, these potatoes are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. With a hint of cinnamon and a splash of lemon juice, this recipe brings a balance of flavors that will elevate your dining experience.
2
Servings
175
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Brown Sugar
1 tablespoon (packed)
Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Cajeta Caramel Sauce
2 tablespoons (for drizzling)
Sweet Potatoes
1 can (15 ounces) (drained and mashed)
Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam.
2
Add the brown sugar and cinnamon to the skillet, stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture starts to bubble.
3
Once bubbling, carefully stir in the cajeta caramel sauce until fully combined.
4
Pour the can of sweet potatoes into the skillet, including the juice, and gently stir to coat them with the caramel mixture.
5
Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, mixing well to incorporate.
6
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sweet potatoes are heated through and the sauce thickens into a glaze, about 5-7 minutes.
7
Serve warm as a delightful side dish, drizzled with additional cajeta if desired.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
27g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Caramelized Sweet Potatoes with Cajeta Drizzle?
It is a rich and sweet side dish made with canned sweet potatoes glazed in a mixture of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and Mexican cajeta caramel sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 2 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 175 calories.
What are the main ingredients needed?
You will need butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cajeta caramel sauce, a 15-ounce can of sweet potatoes, and fresh lemon juice.
What is cajeta caramel sauce?
Cajeta is a traditional Mexican caramel sauce made from goat's milk, which gives it a more complex and savory flavor than standard cow's milk caramel.
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you would need to boil or roast them until they are tender before beginning the glazing process in the skillet.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients listed are vegetarian-friendly.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 7g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates does a serving contain?
Each serving contains 27g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe contains 1g of protein per serving.
How long does it take to cook this recipe?
Once you have your ingredients in the skillet, it takes about 5-7 minutes for the potatoes to heat through and the sauce to thicken.
Why is lemon juice included in a sweet recipe?
Lemon juice adds a touch of acidity that helps balance the intense sweetness of the brown sugar and cajeta.
Can I substitute white sugar for brown sugar?
You can use white sugar, but brown sugar is recommended because its molasses content adds a deeper flavor that pairs better with the caramel.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and uses pre-cooked canned sweet potatoes for quick preparation.
Is this a good holiday side dish?
Absolutely, it is designed for holiday gatherings and pairs well with roasted turkey, ham, or pork.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this sweet potato dish?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture of the sweet potatoes and the consistency of the glaze may change once thawed.
How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
Use medium heat and stir the mixture occasionally to ensure the sugars do not stick to the bottom of the skillet and burn.
Can I add nuts to this dish?
Yes, pecans or walnuts would make an excellent addition to provide a crunchy texture to the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan caramel sauce or coconut-based cajeta.
What kind of butter should I use?
You can use either salted or unsalted butter; however, unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish more accurately.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double all the ingredients and use a larger skillet to serve four people.
What should the consistency of the sauce be?
The sauce should be cooked until it thickens enough to form a glossy glaze that coats the sweet potatoes.
Can I use maple syrup instead of cajeta?
Yes, maple syrup is a valid substitute, though the flavor will be less like Mexican caramel and more like a traditional maple glaze.
Do I need to drain the sweet potatoes?
While the ingredient list mentions 'drained', the instructions suggest including the juice from the can to help build the glaze.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, children generally enjoy the sweet and buttery flavors of this glazed potato dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but always verify that your specific brand of cajeta sauce does not contain gluten-based thickeners.
How should I reheat these sweet potatoes?
You can reheat them gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until they are warm throughout.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
The provided nutritional information does not list a specific amount, but butter and cajeta (made from milk) naturally contain cholesterol.
What is the best way to serve this?
Serve it warm as a side dish, and if you like extra sweetness, drizzle additional cajeta caramel over the top before serving.