Citrus-Infused Sweet Potato Bake
This delightful Citrus-Infused Sweet Potato Bake, inspired by a classic recipe from Betty Crocker's Cookbook (1971), has become a cherished holiday dish in my family. With its vibrant flavors and irresistible glaze, this dish transforms simple sweet potatoes into a festive centerpiece. The combination of fresh orange juice and zest adds a zesty brightness, while the buttery glaze enriches the naturally sweet potatoes. Although traditionally enjoyed during Christmas gatherings, this side dish is perfect for any occasion throughout the year, bringing a burst of sunshine to your table.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
2 lbs (peeled and sliced into 1-inch thick rounds)
White Sugar
2/3 cup (none)
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Grated Orange Peel
1 teaspoon (zested from a fresh orange)
Orange Juice
1 cup (freshly squeezed preferred)
Butter
2 tablespoons (cut into small pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into 1-inch thick rounds and arrange them in a lightly greased 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
3
In a small saucepan, combine the white sugar, cornstarch, salt, and grated orange peel. Mix well.
4
Gradually stir in the orange juice, ensuring there are no lumps in the mixture.
5
Add the butter and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Let it boil while stirring for an additional minute.
6
Pour the hot orange glaze evenly over the arranged sweet potatoes in the casserole dish. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, basting occasionally with the glaze from the bottom of the dish.
8
For a festive touch, you may bake the sweet potatoes and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just reheat the sauce, assemble the dish, and bake for an additional 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Feel free to top with mini marshmallows for extra sweetness, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus-Infused Sweet Potato Bake?
It is a festive and vibrant side dish featuring sweet potatoes glazed in a buttery, zesty orange sauce, inspired by a 1971 Betty Crocker recipe.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a classic version found in Betty Crocker's Cookbook from 1971.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 1 1/2-quart casserole dish is required for this recipe.
How should the sweet potatoes be prepared?
The sweet potatoes should be peeled and sliced into 1-inch thick rounds.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What ingredients are in the orange glaze?
The glaze consists of white sugar, cornstarch, salt, grated orange peel, orange juice, and butter.
How long does it take to cook the glaze?
The glaze should be cooked over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened, then boiled for one additional minute.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, the casserole dish should be covered with a lid or aluminum foil during the baking process.
How long do the sweet potatoes need to bake?
The potatoes should bake for 1 hour at 400°F.
Do I need to baste the potatoes?
Yes, it is recommended to baste the potatoes occasionally with the glaze from the bottom of the dish while they bake.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the potatoes and prepare the sauce ahead of time, then assemble and reheat later.
How do I reheat the dish if prepared in advance?
Reheat the sauce, assemble the dish, and bake for 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I add a topping to this bake?
Yes, you can top the dish with mini marshmallows for extra sweetness if desired.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
What type of orange juice is best?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is preferred for the best flavor.
How much sweet potato is required?
You will need 2 lbs of sweet potatoes.
What role does cornstarch play in the recipe?
Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent for the orange juice glaze.
How much sugar is used in the glaze?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of white sugar.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of butter, cut into small pieces.
Is orange zest included in the recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of grated orange peel (zest) is used to add brightness.
Is this a holiday dish?
Yes, it is specifically described as a cherished holiday dish for Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Can I serve this during other times of the year?
Absolutely, it is suitable for any occasion throughout the year.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How do you avoid lumps in the glaze?
Gradually stir the orange juice into the dry ingredients (sugar, cornstarch, salt, peel) to ensure a smooth mixture.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
What is the category of this recipe?
The recipe is categorized under Yam/Sweet Potato.
Is there any nutritional information provided?
No, nutritional values like calories, fat, and protein are not specified in this raw data.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 total ingredients.
What texture should the glaze have?
The glaze should be thick and syrupy after cooking for 5-7 minutes.