Citrus Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

This Citrus Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic Thanksgiving side dish. Combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a tangy citrus glaze creates a vibrant and flavorful addition to any holiday meal. The creamy texture of the potatoes paired with the zesty orange flavor will make this dish a favorite at the table!

Ingredients:

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange

For the Citrus Glaze:

• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Zest of 1 orange

For the Topping (Optional):

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Directions:

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into bite-sized chunks.
   • Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot of water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return the sweet potatoes to the pot.
2. Mash the Sweet Potatoes:
   • Add the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, orange juice, and orange zest to the sweet potatoes.
   • Mash the mixture until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a chunkier texture, mash less.
3. Transfer to Casserole Dish:
   • Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish.
4. Make the Citrus Glaze:
   • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), butter, and orange zest.
   • Stir occasionally until the mixture starts to simmer. If you want a thicker glaze, mix in the cornstarch and stir until it thickens.
   • Pour the glaze evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes.
5. Prepare the Topping (Optional):
   • In a small bowl, mix the chopped pecans (or walnuts), brown sugar, and melted butter.
   • Sprinkle the topping evenly over the glazed sweet potatoes.
6. Bake:
   • Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is heated through.
7. Serve:
   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the bright, citrusy twist on a classic favorite!