Imagine a dish that perfectly balances the sweetness of caramelized sweet potatoes and the tartness of juicy apples, all enveloped in a warm, spiced glaze. Welcome to "Sweet Potatoes with Apples"—a delightful American classic that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary side dish! This recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but also fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds. With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, you'll discover how easy it is to create this heartwarming dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Get ready to elevate your culinary game and impress your loved ones with this simple yet sensational recipe!
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 apples, cored and sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in the prepared baking dish.
- Core and slice the apples into thin wedges, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Distribute the apple slices evenly among the sweet potato cubes.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Pour the butter and spice mixture over the sweet potatoes and apples, using a spatula or spoon to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, covered.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to allow the edges to caramelize and become slightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to cool slightly.
- Serve warm as a side dish, garnishing with additional cinnamon if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor combination, opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This will add depth to your dish.
- Uniform Cubes: Ensure your sweet potatoes are cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. This helps them cook evenly, resulting in a perfect texture throughout.
- Don't Skip the Foil: Covering the dish with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking traps steam, which helps to soften the sweet potatoes and apples before caramelization.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize the spice mixture! Adding a pinch of ginger or a splash of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor profile even more.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for about 5 minutes after baking. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making each bite more delicious.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of additional cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup just before serving can elevate the dish’s appearance and flavor, making it even more inviting!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
