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Roasted Orange Molasses Sweet Potatoes

These roasted orange molasses sweet potatoes offer a sophisticated twist on a classic vegetarian side dish. By simmering fresh orange juice with aromatic zest and rich molasses, you create a deeply flavoured glaze that caramelises beautifully in the oven. The natural sweetness of the potatoes is perfectly balanced by the slight acidity of the citrus and the earthy depth of the syrup, resulting in a vibrant dish that brings both colour and warmth to the dinner table.

Ideal for a Sunday roast or as a festive accompaniment, this recipe is effortless to prepare yet delivers professional results. The high roasting temperature ensures the wedges develop tender interiors and sticky, glazed edges. Serve these alongside roasted meats or as part of a plant-based spread for a nutritious, flavour-packed addition to your meal.

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Ingredients for Roasted Orange Molasses Sweet Potatoes

  • Unsalted butter for buttering pan

  • 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh orange zest

  • 300ml fresh orange juice

  • 2 tablespoons molasses (not robust or blackstrap)

  • 1/2 teaspoons salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

  • 4 large sweet potatoes (1.2kg), peeled and cut lengthwise into 1-inch-wide wedges

How to make Roasted Orange Molasses Sweet Potatoes

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 232°C. Generously butter a large (13- by 9- by 2-inch) shallow baking pan.

Heat zest, juice, molasses, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan over moderate heat, stirring, until molasses is dissolved.

Toss potatoes with molasses mixture in baking pan and arrange, cut sides down, in 1 layer. Bake, uncovered, turning over once (to other cut side), until tender and glazed, 25 to 30 minutes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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