Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe scent of sweet potatoes roasting in the oven is a cozy reminder that the holidays are just around the corner. As I gather the fresh cranberries and crisp apples, I can’t help but feel a spark of excitement for my Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes. This nutritious, festive side dish not only adds color and flavor to your holiday table but also brings a wholesome and satisfying twist that everyone will adore. With quick prep and customizable ingredients, these twice-baked beauties are your perfect partner for any gathering—whether it’s a family feast or an elegant dinner party. So, are you ready to elevate your holiday menu? Let’s dive into this delightfully vibrant recipe together! Why Choose Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes? Nutritious and Festive: These Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are a wholesome twist on traditional sides, bursting with flavor and colorful appeal. Loaded with Ingredients: Combining tart cranberries and crispy apples, their vibrant taste brings an exciting flavor profile that brightens up any meal. Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for roasted meats or served as a vegetarian main, these sweet potatoes fit seamlessly into any occasion, making them crowd pleasers! Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up effortlessly, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the festivities. Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare them in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving. Talk about a time-saving solution for busy holiday schedules! These beautiful sweet potatoes are sure to impress your guests as much as a Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese would, combining comfort and festive cheer in every bite. Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Ingredients For the Sweet Potatoes • Sweet Potatoes – A slightly sweet base providing creaminess; for best results, choose firm ones for even baking. • Unsalted Butter – Adds richness to the filling and helps meld the ingredients together during the second baking stage. For the Filling • Fresh Cranberries – Bring a delightful tartness to the dish; if fresh are unavailable, frozen cranberries work well. • Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – Offer a crisp texture and juicy sweetness; be sure to chop them into small pieces for better mixing. • Brown Sugar – Enhances the natural sweetness with its deep, caramel-like flavor; it’s essential for achieving the perfect taste balance. • Ground Cinnamon – Infuses a cozy warmth and aromatic spice to the filling, elevating the overall taste. • Salt – A little pinch is crucial for balancing the sweetness, enhancing the flavors of your Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes will cook evenly and thoroughly. While the oven heats, gather your sweet potatoes and give them a good wash to remove any dirt. This step is essential to prepare them for the baking process. Step 2: Bake the Sweet Potatoes Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender and a fork can easily pierce through. You’ll know they’re ready when they give slightly when squeezed. Step 3: Prepare the Filling Once the sweet potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10-15 minutes until they are easier to handle. Carefully slice each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving about 1/4 inch around the edges to keep the skins sturdy for the filling. Step 4: Mix the Ingredients In the bowl with the sweet potato flesh, add the chopped apples, fresh cranberries, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt. Use a fork or potato masher to blend these ingredients together until well combined, taking care to maintain some texture. The mixture should be creamy yet slightly chunky, with the vibrant colors shining through. Step 5: Refill the Sweet Potato Skins Spoon the flavorful filling back into the hollowed-out sweet potato skins, packing it gently but firmly. Ensure that each skin is filled generously, showcasing the colorful cranberry and apple mixture. This step not only makes for beautiful presentation, but it also enhances the flavor balance of your Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes. Step 6: Bake Again Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) in preparation for the second bake. Place the filled sweet potatoes back into the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they are done when they are heated through and the tops are slightly caramelized, with the cranberries bursting beautifully in the filling, creating an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. What to Serve with Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Elevate your festive meals with delightful flavors and textures that beautifully complement the vibrant essence of these sweet potatoes. Roast Chicken: The juicy, savory notes of roast chicken beautifully contrast with the sweet and tart flavors of the sweet potatoes, making for a well-rounded meal. Garlic Green Beans: Crisp, sautéed green beans offer a fresh crunch that balances the creamy texture of the twice-baked potatoes, adding a bright touch to your plate. Pecan-Crusted Salmon: A flaky fish paired with a nutty topping creates an elegant combination that elevates the festive table while echoing the flavors of the filling. Cranberry Sauce: A side of homemade cranberry sauce enhances the fruitiness of the sweet potatoes, building on those tart notes and making every bite a burst of flavor. Mixed Greens Salad: A refreshing salad with tangy vinaigrette contrasts nicely with the warmth of sweet potatoes, adding depth and refreshing crunch to every forkful. Creamy Corn Chowder: A bowl of rich corn chowder not only brings comfort but also harmonizes with the dish’s sweet flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner. Sweet Cinnamon Apples: For a dessert-like complement, sweet sautéed apples echo the flavors in your sweet potatoes, tying the meal together with warmth and sweetness. Sparkling Apple Cider: The festive fizz of sparkling apple cider enhances the celebratory mood while harmonizing with the flavors of the dish, making it a joyful beverage choice. How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Fridge: Store leftover Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap unbaked sweet potatoes tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and baked straight from the freezer. Reheating: To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes if thawed, or increase time if from frozen. Ensure they’re heated through and the tops are slightly caramelized once again. Make-Ahead: Prepare the filled sweet potatoes up to the second baking stage and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready to serve, ensuring a delightful warm dish awaits your guests! Expert Tips for Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Choose Firm Sweet Potatoes: Selecting firm sweet potatoes ensures they bake evenly and hold their shape, avoiding an overly mushy filling. Taste for Balance: Always taste your filling before the second baking. Adjust sweetness with brown sugar or acidity with a dash of lemon juice to enhance the flavor of your Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes. Get Creative with Spices: While cinnamon is a must, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to introduce more warmth and complexity to the filling. Consider Toppings: For added texture and flavor, top your sweet potatoes with toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a festive touch. Keep Cranberries Fresh: If using fresh cranberries, ensure they are not shriveled or soft, as this will affect the overall taste and presentation of your dish. Make Ahead Options These Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to save time when hosting gatherings. You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance—simply scoop out the sweet potato flesh, mix it with apples, cranberries, and spices, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This not only enhances the flavors but also keeps your ingredients fresh. When you’re ready to serve, refill the sweet potato skins with the chilled mixture, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. This approach ensures you’ll have a delicious and impressive side without the last-minute rush! Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Variations Feel free to get creative with your Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes to customize them just the way you love! Fruit Swap: Replace apples with pears or figs to create a lovely new fruit profile; the sweetness will harmonize beautifully. Crunchy Topping: Add toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before the second baking for an irresistible crunch and added flavor. Spice It Up: Incorporate nutmeg or ginger to introduce richer warmth and complexity; these spices will elevate the flavors even more. Cheesy Delight: Experiment with creaminess by mixing in goat cheese or feta for a savory twist that beautifully contrasts with the sweet filling. Maple Drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of pure maple syrup after cooking to enhance sweetness and add a comforting, holiday vibe. Herb Infusion: Mix in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic surprise; the herbal notes will contrast magically with sweetness. Spicy Kick: Toss in some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a warm, spicy finish; it’s a delightful way to awaken your taste buds. Vegan Option: Swap out butter for coconut oil or vegan butter for a plant-based alternative that still delivers a rich, creamy filling. As you dive into these variations, consider how these creative twists align with other dishes, like a vibrant Cucumber Sweet Pepper Salad or a comforting Garlic Shrimp Potatoes. Enjoy the journey of experimenting in your kitchen! Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best sweet potatoes? Absolutely! When selecting sweet potatoes, look for firm, smooth ones without dark spots or blemishes. The ideal sweet potatoes should feel heavy for their size and have a consistent shape to ensure even baking. How long can I store leftovers in the fridge? Leftover Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure you cool them completely before sealing to retain their deliciousness! Can I freeze these twice-baked sweet potatoes? Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap unbaked stuffed sweet potatoes tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. How can I reheat twice-baked sweet potatoes? For reheating, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). If your sweet potatoes are thawed, bake them for about 20-25 minutes until heated through and slightly caramelized. If they are still frozen, you can pop them in the oven for 30-40 minutes, checking to ensure they’re warmed all the way through. Are these sweet potatoes safe for pets? Very! Cooked sweet potatoes are generally safe for dogs and cats in moderation. However, ensure that the filling is free of added sugars, spices, or butter before giving them to your pets. As always, consult with your veterinarian if you’re uncertain about any food. What if my cranberries are shriveled? If your cranberries are shriveled or have dark spots, it’s best to avoid using them. Fresh cranberries should be plump and firm. If they’re unavailable, frozen cranberries can be a great substitute, providing the same tartness and festive color without compromising on taste. Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes for Festive Cheer Enjoy the festive flavors of Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes—a colorful and nutritious side dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 2 hours hrs Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Sweet Potatoes4 large Sweet Potatoes Choose firm ones for even baking.2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Adds richness to the filling.For the Filling1 cup Fresh Cranberries Frozen cranberries can be used if fresh are unavailable.2 medium Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) Chopped into small pieces.1/4 cup Brown Sugar Enhances natural sweetness.1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Provides cozy warmth.1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness. Equipment Ovenbaking sheetMixing bowlforkPotato Masher Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and wash the sweet potatoes.Pierce each sweet potato with a fork and bake for 45-60 minutes until tender.Let the sweet potatoes cool, then slice in half and scoop out the flesh.Mix the sweet potato flesh with apples, cranberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and salt.Spoon the filling back into the sweet potato skins.Bake the filled sweet potatoes at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Nutrition Serving: 1sweet potato halfCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 12000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg NotesThese sweet potatoes can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Consider topping with nuts or a drizzle of maple syrup for added flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
