Citrus-Infused Sweet Potato Volcanoes
These Citrus-Infused Sweet Potato Volcanoes are a delightful twist on a classic side dish, combining the natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes with zesty orange juice and crushed pineapple. This dish is not only visually appealing but packed with flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners, these volcanoes can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient option for busy cooks. Simply refrigerate the stuffed sweet potatoes after preparing them and pop them in the oven just before serving. The optional pecans add a delightful crunch, making each bite a delicious combination of textures. Enjoy a burst of flavor that complements any meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium sweet potatoes
6 (scrubbed and pierced)
orange juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed or bottled)
butter
3 tablespoons (softened)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
crushed pineapple
8 ounces (drained)
chopped pecans
1/2 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pierce each one several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape while baking.
3
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
4
Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Cut a 1-inch strip lengthwise from the top of each potato.
5
Carefully scoop out the pulp of the sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl, leaving enough of the potato around the edges to maintain the structure of the shell.
6
Add the orange juice, butter, and salt to the bowl with the potato pulp. Use a whisk or electric mixer to beat the mixture until it is fluffy and well combined.
7
Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple to add a refreshing sweetness.
8
Spoon the sweet potato mixture back into the shells, mounding it slightly at the top. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans over the filled potatoes for added texture and flavor.
9
If serving right away, bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is completely warmed through. If prepared in advance, cover and refrigerate, then bake for an additional 10 minutes to heat through.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Citrus-Infused Sweet Potato Volcanoes?
They are a side dish made by baking sweet potatoes, scooping out the pulp, mixing it with orange juice, butter, and pineapple, and then restuffing the shells to create a 'volcano' appearance.
How many sweet potatoes are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 6 medium sweet potatoes.
What oven temperature is needed for baking the potatoes?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for both the initial and final baking steps.
How long do the sweet potatoes need to bake initially?
Bake the whole sweet potatoes for approximately 1 hour, or until they are tender.
Why do I need to pierce the potatoes with a fork?
Piercing the potatoes allows steam to escape while they are baking, preventing them from bursting.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and stuff the potatoes in advance, then cover and refrigerate them until you are ready to bake.
How do I reheat the potatoes if I made them ahead of time?
If they have been refrigerated, bake them for an additional 10 minutes beyond the standard warming time to ensure they are heated through.
What type of orange juice should I use?
You can use either freshly squeezed or bottled orange juice for this recipe.
Do I need to drain the crushed pineapple?
Yes, it is important to drain the 8 ounces of crushed pineapple before adding it to the mixture.
Are pecans required for Citrus-Infused Sweet Potato Volcanoes?
No, the 1/2 cup of chopped pecans is optional and used mainly for added texture and crunch.
How much butter is needed for the filling?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of softened butter.
How do I make the potato filling fluffy?
Use a whisk or an electric mixer to beat the potato pulp with orange juice, butter, and salt until it reaches a fluffy consistency.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to your personal taste.
What is the best way to scoop out the potato pulp?
Cut a 1-inch strip lengthwise from the top and carefully scoop the pulp into a bowl, leaving enough potato around the edges to maintain the shell's structure.
How long is the final baking time if serving immediately?
Bake the stuffed potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is completely warmed through.
Is this recipe suitable for a holiday meal?
Yes, its visual appeal and flavor profile make it a perfect side dish for holiday gatherings or family dinners.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple?
Yes, as long as the fresh pineapple is finely crushed or chopped and well-drained.
What should the texture of the filling be?
The filling should be fluffy from the beating process with a bit of texture from the folded-in pineapple and optional pecans.
What size sweet potatoes work best for volcanoes?
Medium-sized sweet potatoes are recommended to ensure they hold their shape and provide a good serving size.
Can I add the pecans into the mixture instead of on top?
While the instructions suggest sprinkling them over the top, you can certainly fold them into the mixture if you prefer.
Should the potatoes be scrubbed before baking?
Yes, you should scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt since the skins act as the serving shells.
How much orange juice is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of orange juice.
What is the role of the pineapple in this recipe?
The crushed pineapple adds a refreshing sweetness and a burst of flavor that complements the citrus and sweet potato.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
No, you bake them in their skins and keep the skins intact to serve as the 'volcano' shells.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, walnuts or almonds would also provide a nice crunch if you don't have pecans.
Is it okay to use salted butter?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the additional teaspoon of salt slightly to account for the salt in the butter.
Why is the dish called a 'volcano'?
The name comes from mounding the sweet potato mixture high inside the shell, making it look like a volcanic peak.
How do I know when the potatoes are done during the first bake?
They are done when a fork easily pierces through to the center without resistance.
Should the orange juice be room temperature?
It isn't required, but room temperature juice may help the butter melt into the potatoes more easily.
Can I substitute the butter with something else?
You can use a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil if you want to make the recipe dairy-free.