Microwave Baked Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar-Pecan Delight
This Microwave Baked Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar-Pecan Delight recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a scrumptious side dish that’s sure to please. After relocating to Texas, I discovered the wonderful combination of sweet potatoes, gooey brown sugar, and crunchy pecans, which adds a delightful twist compared to traditional baking potatoes. This method of 'baking' in the microwave not only cooks the potatoes to perfection but also saves you valuable time in the kitchen. Serve these savory-sweet treats at your next family gathering or holiday dinner for a mouthwatering dish that is as satisfying as it is simple.
4
Servings
120
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
4 (Scrubbed and pierced)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Softened)
Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons (Packed)
Pecans
1.5 tablespoons (Finely chopped and toasted)
Instructions
1
Start by toasting the pecans: Spread the chopped pecans on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
2
Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water, but do not peel them. Pat them dry with a towel.
3
Using a fork, pierce the sweet potatoes in several places to allow steam to escape during cooking.
4
Place the prepared sweet potatoes in the microwave and cook on HIGH for about 12 minutes, or until they are tender. Cooking times may vary based on the size of the potatoes and your microwave wattage.
5
While the potatoes are cooking, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and toasted pecans in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
6
Once the potatoes are fully cooked, carefully remove them from the microwave and let them stand for a minute. Slice each potato lengthwise about two-thirds of the way down, without cutting all the way through.
7
Gently push the ends of the potato toward each other to fluff the insides and create a well for the butter mixture.
8
Spoon a generous scoop of the brown sugar-pecan butter into the center of each potato.
9
Wrap the stuffed potatoes in foil to keep them warm until serving.
Nutrition Information
6.25g
Fat
16.25g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I cook sweet potatoes in the microwave for this recipe?
You should cook the sweet potatoes on HIGH for about 12 minutes or until they are tender.
How many servings does this sweet potato recipe provide?
This recipe provides 4 servings.
How do you toast pecans in the microwave?
Spread chopped pecans on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
Should I peel the sweet potatoes before microwaving?
No, you should scrub them thoroughly but do not peel them.
What is the calorie count for Microwave Baked Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar-Pecan Delight?
Each serving contains 120 calories.
What are the ingredients for the sweet potato topping?
The topping consists of softened butter, packed brown sugar, and finely chopped toasted pecans.
Why do I need to pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork?
Piercing the potatoes in several places allows steam to escape during the cooking process.
How much fat is in one serving of this dish?
There is 6.25g of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 16.25g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is found in these sweet potatoes?
There is 1.5g of protein per serving.
How do I fluff the inside of the sweet potato?
Gently push the ends of the sliced potato toward each other to fluff the insides.
What is the purpose of wrapping the potatoes in foil?
Wrapping the stuffed potatoes in foil helps keep them warm until you are ready to serve.
How deep should I slice the sweet potatoes after cooking?
Slice each potato lengthwise about two-thirds of the way down.
Can the cooking time vary for the potatoes?
Yes, cooking times may vary based on the size of the potatoes and your microwave wattage.
What should I look for to know the pecans are toasted?
The pecans should be fragrant and lightly browned; be careful not to burn them.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Yam/Sweet Potato.
How many total ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and pecans.
Is this recipe considered a quick side dish?
Yes, using the microwave makes this a fast and easy side dish compared to oven baking.
How much brown sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
How much butter is required?
You will need 2 tablespoons of softened butter.
What is the preparation for the pecans?
The pecans should be finely chopped and toasted.
What should I do after the potatoes are fully cooked?
Carefully remove them from the microwave and let them stand for one minute before slicing.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday dinners?
Yes, it is described as a mouthwatering dish perfect for family gatherings or holiday dinners.
What inspired this specific flavor combination?
The combination of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and pecans was discovered by the author after moving to Texas.
How many sweet potatoes are used?
The recipe uses 4 sweet potatoes.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include baked sweet potatoes, microwave cooking, quick side dish, Southern recipes, and comfort food.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
The butter should be softened to mix well with the sugar and pecans.
Do I need to dry the potatoes after washing?
Yes, after scrubbing them under running water, pat them dry with a towel.
What is the texture of the resulting dish?
The dish features a gooey brown sugar mixture with crunchy pecans inside a tender sweet potato.
Can I serve this as a dessert?
While listed as a side dish, its sweet profile makes it a satisfying treat similar to a dessert.