Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes & Cranberries with Toasted Pecans
This delightful Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes & Cranberries dish beautifully marries the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with the tartness of cranberries, making it a must-have for your holiday table or any family gathering. The addition of toasted pecans brings a delightful crunch and richness, perfectly complementing the soft, tender sweet potatoes. Easy to prepare and slow-cooked to perfection, this recipe guarantees a warm and inviting side dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
8
Servings
225
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
sweet potatoes
3 (uncooked, peeled, and diced)
cranberries
1 cup (fresh or frozen)
apple
1 (peeled and diced)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
brown sugar
3/4 cup (packed)
orange juice
1/3 cup (freshly squeezed)
pecans
1/2 cup (toasted)
Instructions
1
First, rinse the sweet potatoes under cold water. Peel and dice them into bite-sized pieces.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes, cranberries, diced apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and orange juice. Toss well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly coated.
3
Transfer the mixture to your crock pot, ensuring an even layer is formed.
4
In a dry skillet or an oven, toast the pecans over medium heat until fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Once toasted, set aside to cool.
5
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir the mixture every hour to promote even cooking.
6
About 1-2 hours before serving, prop the lid open with a toothpick to allow some steam to escape, which will help thicken the sauce if it appears too watery.
7
Once cooked to your desired tenderness, transfer the dish to a serving bowl and sprinkle the toasted pecans on top for an added crunch before serving.
Nutrition Information
8.75
Fat
37.5
Carbs
2.25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook the sweet potatoes on low heat?
The sweet potatoes should be cooked on low for approximately 6 hours until they are tender.
What is the cooking time if I use the high setting on my slow cooker?
If you are cooking on high, the sweet potatoes will take about 3 to 4 hours to reach tenderness.
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen cranberries for this dish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
Should the sweet potatoes be peeled before dicing?
Yes, the sweet potatoes should be rinsed, peeled, and then diced into bite-sized pieces.
Is this Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How do I toast the pecans for this dish?
Toast the pecans in a dry skillet or oven over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until they become fragrant, stirring frequently.
Why should I prop the crock pot lid open with a toothpick?
Propping the lid open about 1-2 hours before serving allows steam to escape, which helps thicken the sauce.
How often should I stir the sweet potato mixture while it is cooking?
It is recommended to stir the mixture every hour to ensure even cooking and coating of all ingredients.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
Can I substitute the apple with another fruit?
While the recipe calls for one peeled and diced apple, you could experiment with pears for a similar texture and sweetness.
What type of orange juice is best for this recipe?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, though bottled juice can be used.
Is there any fat in this dish?
Yes, there is about 8.75g of fat per serving, primarily coming from the pecans.
What spices are needed for the glaze?
The glaze uses ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg for a warm holiday flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture in advance, but it is best to add the toasted pecans just before serving to maintain their crunch.
How much brown sugar is used?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
What size should the sweet potato pieces be?
The sweet potatoes should be cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
Can I omit the pecans if I have a nut allergy?
Yes, you can omit the pecans. The dish will still be delicious, though it will lack the added crunch.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are approximately 37.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this dish suitable for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely! It is tagged as a Thanksgiving and holiday recipe, making it an ideal side dish for festive meals.
Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, yams can be used as a substitute for sweet potatoes in this slow cooker recipe.
Does this recipe contain any protein?
Yes, it provides about 2.25g of protein per serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute honey or maple syrup for the brown sugar, though it may slightly alter the final flavor and sauce consistency.
Is the dish very sweet?
It has a balanced sweet and tart profile thanks to the combination of brown sugar, orange juice, and tart cranberries.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
You can reheat it in the microwave or in an oven-safe dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through.
Can I add other nuts like walnuts?
Yes, toasted walnuts or even slivered almonds would work well as a substitute for pecans.
Does the recipe require any oil or butter?
No, this specific recipe does not require added oils or butter, as the glaze is formed from juice, sugar, and fruit moisture.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
All ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific brand of brown sugar and spices to be sure.
How much orange juice is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of orange juice for this recipe.