side-dishes
Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes
These classic baked sweet potatoes are roasted until tender, then coated in a warm, glossy orange glaze made from fresh orange juice, zest, sugar, and butter. The result is a sweet, citrus-bright side dish with a silky texture and glowing glaze. Perfect for holidays but simple enough for weeknight dinners, this nostalgic Southern recipe adds a comforting brightness to any meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 6 sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), halved lengthwise
Orange Glaze
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potatoes Preheat the oven to **400°F**. Pare **6 sweet potatoes** and slice each in half lengthwise. Arrange the halves in an ungreased **1½-quart casserole dish**.
- Make the orange glaze In a small saucepan combine **2/3 cup sugar**, **1 tablespoon cornstarch**, **1 teaspoon salt**, and **1/2 tablespoon orange zest**. Slowly whisk in **1 cup orange juice** until smooth. Add **2 tablespoons butter**. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to boil. Boil and stir **1 minute**.
- Bake Pour the hot glaze evenly over the arranged sweet potatoes. Cover the casserole and bake for **1 hour**, basting occasionally with the orange syrup as it cooks.
- Serve Remove from the oven and serve warm with extra glaze spooned over the top.
Notes
- Basting during baking helps the glaze cling and caramelize.
- Blood orange juice adds deeper color and flavor.
- For a thicker glaze, simmer an extra minute before pouring over the potatoes.