Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potato Bake
Disclosure: The Southeast Dairy Association compensated The Recipe ReDux (co-owned by ReganMillerJones, Inc. and Teaspoon Communications), to sponsor this recipe contest. We are therefore not eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. Opinions expressed are our own.
Consider the humble sweet potato; what a versatile veggie. It can star in an appetizer, entree or dessert - or even a delicious sweet potato fries snack. Really, the only thing tricky about sweet potatoes is that they tend to go bad quickly - which I always seem to forget since their white potato cousins keep so well. So faced with a pile of sweet potatoes ready to go bad and the challenge of the “Festively Lactose Free” recipe contest for members of The Recipe ReDux (sponsored by the Southeast Dairy Association,) I knew I'd have no problem coming up with any number of sweet potato dishes. The Sweet & Spicy Sweet Potato Bake I created using maple and smoked paprika flavors and topped with brown sugared pecans could actually be served at any point in a meal:
Atop toasted bread as an appetizer
As a Thanksgiving side dish with my all-time favorite turkey recipe
Add some chopped bacon and serve as a light entree with a vinaigrette dressed salad
For dessert topped with low-lactose sweetened frozen Greek yogurt
Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potato Bake
Description
This sweet (maple syrup & brown sugar) and spicy (smoked paprika) sweet potato bake is a sure hit for your holiday table. Made with lactose-free milk, too.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 large sweet potatoes
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup low-fat lactose free milk
- ½ cup (2.5 oz) chopped pecans
- ÂĽ cup brown sugar
- ÂĽ cup whole wheat flour
- 2 ½ tablespoons canola oil (or melted butter which is not lactose free)
Instructions
- Coat a 2 -quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake potatoes for 50 minutes or until tender.
- Peel potatoes, removing strings, and mash. Stir in syrup, eggs, spices, milk. Pour into prepared dish.
- Combine pecans, brown sugar, flour and oil in a bowl; spread topping over potatoes.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 side dishes, 15 appetizers
Have you served sweet potatoes as appetizer, entree and dessert?
This looks and sounds delicious! I have made a similar dish before, although no flour or smoked paprika in it. Love the versatility of this dish too...can't say I've ever eaten sweet potatoes from breakfast, but am loving your idea to add a little bacon 🙂
I'm telling you, I think bacon would be awesome! Glad you agree EA!
This sounds and looks amazing! It is going on my menu for Thanksgiving!! Very creative.
I'm going to make this Sweet Potato Casserole instead of my usual one for Thanksgiving this year. My mom really loves the version I've been making, but I know she'll love this one, too.
Definitely let us know the verdict! Serena's version is my new favorite too 🙂
We loved it! I did sub in a combination of cumin and sweet paprika instead of the smoked paprika. I think there are a lot of spice variations that would work well. I might try it with a tablespoon or two of grated ginger for Christmas (or sooner!).
I never could imagine how people can eat a sweet dish like this as a side, but it sure sounds good for dessert!
Or breakfast?! I love, love these sorta sweet, sorta savory dishes for breakfast...or great idea for dessert Mia!
Looks heavenly! Making for the family this holiday 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving Francesca! I'm making it right now for tomorrow!
I made it again this year for Thanksgiving. It was still a hit. 🙂
So appreciate you letting me know Pamela! I did too! (: Happy holidays to your and your family!
Sweet potatoes are my favorite part of Thanksgiving!
They sure do brighten the table, don't they?!
The sweet and spicy is a fabulous combo!
Thanks Deborah! Happy Thanksgiving!