Prepare to revolutionize your dinner table with a mouthwatering dish that combines the creamy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with a golden, crispy oatmeal topping that will make your taste buds dance! This isn't just another side dish – it's a culinary adventure that transforms humble sweet potatoes into a gourmet experience that's both comforting and surprisingly elegant. With a zesty orange twist and a perfectly caramelized oatmeal crunch, this recipe is about to become your new favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 orange, zested
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Using a fork, pierce the sweet potatoes several times to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Place the whole sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The skin should be slightly crisp and the inside soft.
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the oatmeal topping. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, brown sugar, melted butter, orange zest, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 5-10 minutes until they are comfortable to handle.
- Slice each sweet potato lengthwise and gently open them, creating a slight pocket. Use a fork to slightly mash the interior, creating a fluffy texture.
- Sprinkle the prepared oatmeal topping generously over each sweet potato, ensuring even coverage.
- Return the topped sweet potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the oatmeal topping is golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the sweet potatoes rest for 5 minutes before serving. The topping will continue to crisp up slightly during this time.
- Serve warm, optionally garnishing with additional orange zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes with smooth, firm skin and no soft spots. Uniformly sized potatoes will ensure even cooking.
- Piercing is Key: Always remember to pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork before roasting. This allows steam to escape and prevents potential potato explosions in your oven.
- Zest Matters: Use fresh orange zest for the most vibrant flavor. Avoid the white pith underneath the orange skin, as it can taste bitter.
- Topping Texture Tip: For an extra crispy oatmeal topping, you can briefly toast the oats in a dry skillet before mixing with other ingredients.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the sweet potatoes rest for a few minutes after the final bake. This helps the topping set and makes serving easier.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the sweet potatoes and topping separately in advance and assemble just before the final bake, making this perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 277kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: mg
