If you are craving a warm, comforting side dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and a touch of sweetness, the Orange-Glazed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is just what you need. This dish transforms tender sweet potatoes into a luscious, glossy delight thanks to a citrus-infused glaze that perfectly balances sweet and tangy notes. It’s a fantastic way to elevate simple canned sweet potatoes into a show-stopping accompaniment that pairs beautifully with so many meals, especially during the holidays or any cozy family dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Orange-Glazed Sweet Potatoes Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, each serving a special purpose to build layers of flavor and texture. From the naturally sweet canned sweet potatoes to the zesty orange juice concentrate, every element is essential to the final dish.
- Canned sweet potatoes (1 x 40-oz can and 2 x 15-oz cans): Convenient and tender, these form the hearty base and soak up all the delicious glaze.
- Butter (2 Tbsp): Adds a rich, creamy softness that melds the flavors and gives the glaze a beautiful shine.
- Brown sugar (5½ Tbsp): Deep caramel notes that enhance sweetness without overpowering the citrus.
- Undiluted frozen orange juice concentrate (6 Tbsp): The star of the glaze, bringing vibrant and tangy freshness with a naturally fruity punch.
- Ground nutmeg (½ tsp): Warm and subtly spicy, it complements the sweet potatoes and cinnamon.
- Cinnamon (½ tsp): Rounded, fragrant warmth that enriches the overall flavor profile.
- Dried cranberries (½ cup): Chewy bursts of tart sweetness that contrast beautifully with the smooth glaze and tender potatoes.
How to Make Orange-Glazed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Drain the canned sweet potatoes, reserving half a cup of the syrup — that syrup is golden liquid flavor that will be crucial for your glaze. Cut the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces if needed, or leave them as they are if already in small chunks, and spread them evenly in the baking dish’s bottom.
Step 2: Make the Orange Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the brown sugar, undiluted frozen orange juice concentrate, ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and the reserved sweet potato syrup. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to fully dissolve the sugar and marry the spices. Once it bubbles up, remove from heat and fold in the dried cranberries—their tartness brings a heavenly contrast once baked.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the glossy, fragrant glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes in your baking dish. The sweet potatoes will soak up this luscious sauce while they bake, resulting in caramelized edges and a tender interior. Bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, letting the glaze thicken slightly and the cranberries plump up with citrus-infused juiciness.
How to Serve Orange-Glazed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra layer of visual appeal and texture, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts just before serving for a satisfying crunch. Fresh orange zest can also brighten the dish and amplify the citrus aroma, making every bite as vibrant as it looks.
Side Dishes
This Orange-Glazed Sweet Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with savory mains like roast chicken, glazed ham, or even a hearty vegetable loaf. Its sweet and tangy profile offers a perfect counterbalance to richer meats and adds festive flair to your dinner spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, transfer the baked sweet potatoes to individual ramekins or serve on a decorative platter surrounded by fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary or thyme. This elevates the dish from simple side to centerpiece-worthy treat that will impress friends and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover orange-glazed sweet potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making the leftovers just as delightful, if not more.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to make it in advance. Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 325ºF, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring gently, for quick weekday enjoyment without sacrificing flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh sweet potatoes, peel, cube, and boil or roast them until tender before proceeding with the glaze. Adjust cooking times as needed since fresh potatoes may require a bit longer in the oven to fully absorb the flavors.
What can I substitute for frozen orange juice concentrate?
If you don’t have frozen orange juice concentrate, fresh orange juice works too but reduce the liquid slightly to avoid a runny glaze. You might also add a bit of orange zest for a more intense citrus flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Swap out the butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and make sure to use brown sugar that’s vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, just bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
Why add dried cranberries to the sweet potatoes?
Dried cranberries add a welcoming tartness and chewy texture that contrast beautifully with the soft sweet potatoes and smooth glaze, creating a harmonious balance of flavors in every bite.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Orange-Glazed Sweet Potatoes Recipe enough—it’s an easy, flavorful way to bring warmth and brightness to your table. Whether for holiday dinners or a cozy weeknight side, this dish promises to become a beloved staple you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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Orange-Glazed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully sweet and tangy, these Orange-Glazed Sweet Potatoes combine tender sweet potato chunks with a luscious orange-flavored glaze studded with dried cranberries. Baked to perfection, this vibrant side dish offers a perfect balance of citrus zing, warm spices, and subtle caramel notes, making it ideal for holiday dinners or everyday meals alike.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 1 (40-oz) can cut sweet potatoes with syrup
- 2 (15-oz) cans cut sweet potatoes with syrup
Glaze
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 5½ Tbsp brown sugar
- 6 Tbsp undiluted frozen orange juice concentrate
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Drain Sweet Potatoes: Drain the canned sweet potatoes, carefully reserving ½ cup of the syrup for the glaze.
- Cut and Arrange Potatoes: Cut the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces if needed, then place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, orange juice concentrate, ground nutmeg, cinnamon, and the reserved syrup. Stir the mixture well.
- Boil and Add Cranberries: Bring the glaze mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then promptly remove it from the heat and stir in the dried cranberries to soften them slightly.
- Coat Sweet Potatoes: Pour the warm orange glaze evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish, making sure all pieces are well coated.
- Bake: Bake the sweet potatoes uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes until bubbly and heated through, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Using canned sweet potatoes with syrup adds natural sweetness and moisture, which enhances the dish’s flavor.
- If fresh sweet potatoes are used instead, cook and mash them lightly before glazing.
- The orange juice concentrate can be substituted with ¼ cup fresh orange juice plus 1 tsp orange zest for a fresher taste.
- For added texture and flavor, consider sprinkling chopped pecans on top before baking.
- This dish reheats well and can be made a day ahead to deepen the flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
