Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Why Make This Recipe

Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are a delightful dish perfect for any occasion, especially during fall and winter holidays. The combination of sweet potatoes, tart cranberries, and juicy apples creates a warm and comforting flavor that is both healthy and satisfying. This recipe not only tastes great but also provides a beautiful presentation, making it an attractive addition to your table.

How to Make Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

You will need four medium-sized sweet potatoes for this recipe. Choose firm and unblemished ones to ensure they bake evenly. Sweet potatoes provide a naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture when baked. Use one cup of fresh cranberries, as these tart berries add a wonderful zing and vibrant color to the dish. If fresh ones are unavailable, you can substitute them with frozen cranberries. Select two medium apples; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties work best. Chop the apples into small pieces to mix well with the other ingredients. They contribute a juicy crunch that balances the sweetness of the potatoes. Add 1/4 cup of brown sugar to elevate the sweetness of your mixture. The molasses content in brown sugar gives it a rich flavor that beautifully complements the other ingredients. Incorporate 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for warmth and spice. Cinnamon enhances the overall flavor profile while giving off an inviting aroma as it bakes. Use two tablespoons of unsalted butter to enrich the filling’s creaminess. Butter adds depth to the flavors and helps bind all ingredients together during baking. A pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon) of salt balances out the sweetness in this recipe. Salt is essential in enhancing flavors without overpowering them.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash the sweet potatoes and poke holes in them with a fork. Bake in the oven for about 45-60 minutes or until tender.
3. While the sweet potatoes are baking, prepare the filling. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cranberries, chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook until the cranberries begin to pop and the apples soften, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Once the sweet potatoes are ready, let them cool slightly. Cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh into a bowl, leaving a little in the skins.
5. Mix the sweet potato flesh with the cranberry-apple filling until well combined.
6. Spoon this mixture back into the sweet potato skins. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

How to Serve Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Serve these twice-baked sweet potatoes as a side dish during holiday dinners or as a cozy comfort food on chilly evenings. They pair well with roasted meats or can be enjoyed on their own as a wholesome meal.

How to Store Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave them for a quick meal.

Tips to Make Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

• To save time, you can bake the sweet potatoes in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to prepare the filling.
• Don’t skip the salt! A little bit really helps to enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Feel free to add nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch and flavor in the filling.

Variation

You can change up the fruits based on your preference. Pears or even dried fruits like raisins could also work well in this recipe.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
While you can use canned sweet potatoes, they may not have the same texture. Fresh sweet potatoes give a better flavor and creaminess.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and bake the sweet potatoes a day in advance, then reheat them when you’re ready to serve.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
To make this a vegan dish, simply replace the butter with a vegan alternative or coconut oil.

Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

These twice-baked sweet potatoes are a delightful side dish, combining the sweetness of apples with the tartness of cranberries, all in a creamy, flavorful filling.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings 6 people

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Fork
• Large Bowl
• Potato Masher (or fork)

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 6 medium Sweet Potatoes
• 1/2 cup Butter (1 stick), melted
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar packed
• 1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce whole berry
• 1 medium Apple peeled, cored, and finely diced
• 1/2 cup Pecan Halves chopped (optional, for topping)
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce sweet potatoes several times with a fork and bake for 30-45 minutes until very tender.
• Once cool enough to handle, slice each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh into a large bowl, leaving about 1/4-inch shell.
• In the bowl with the sweet potato flesh, add melted butter, brown sugar, cranberry sauce, diced apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; mash until well combined and creamy.

Baking

• Spoon the sweet potato mixture evenly back into the potato skins.
• Sprinkle with chopped pecans, if desired.
• Return filled potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and topping is lightly browned.

Notes

These can be prepared ahead of time and reheated. For an extra touch, toast the pecans before sprinkling for more flavor.