Introduction
Transform humble sweet potatoes into a show-stopping side dish that’s perfect for any holiday gathering (or a cozy weeknight dinner!). This Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potato recipe takes simple ingredients and elevates them to a whole new level of deliciousness. Get ready for a burst of sweet and savory flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly easy to make, yet tastes incredibly impressive. The combination of sweet potatoes, tart cranberries, and crisp apples creates a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. It’s also incredibly versatile – perfect as a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, but also delicious enough for a simple weeknight meal.
Key Ingredients
🍠 4 large sweet potatoes
🍎 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and diced
🍊 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
🧈 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
🍯 2 tablespoons maple syrup
🍂 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
🌰 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt
🥣 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork.
2️⃣ Bake the sweet potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork. They should be very soft.
3️⃣ Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, cut them lengthwise and scoop out the flesh into a large bowl, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh on the skin.
4️⃣ Add the melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the sweet potato flesh. Mash well until smooth.
5️⃣ Gently stir in the diced apple and cranberries.
6️⃣ Spoon the sweet potato mixture back into the sweet potato skins.
7️⃣ Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese (optional).
8️⃣ Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is slightly browned.
9️⃣ Let cool slightly before serving.
Handy Tips
- Use a fork to prick the sweet potatoes before baking – this prevents them from exploding in the oven!
- For extra sweetness, add a tablespoon or two of brown sugar to the mixture.
- If you don’t have maple syrup, honey works just as well.
Heat Control
Baking at 400°F (200°C) ensures the sweet potatoes are cooked through without becoming mushy. The lower initial temperature ensures even cooking of the potatoes, followed by a slightly higher temperature in the second bake to create a slightly crispy top.
Crunch Factor
The diced apple adds a wonderful textural contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes. The cranberries offer a delightful burst of tartness and a bit of chewiness.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a shortcut, use pre-cooked sweet potatoes (from a can or microwave). Just make sure to drain them well!
- Add a pinch of ground ginger for a warmer, spicier flavor.
- To make this a truly decadent treat, top with a dollop of whipped cream before serving!
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These twice-baked sweet potatoes would make a lovely holiday gift! Simply package them in a festive container or basket, and add a small card with the recipe.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Pumpkin Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the mixture for a warm, autumnal twist.
🌟 Pecan Crunch: Top with chopped pecans before the second bake for added crunch and flavor.
🌟 Cranberry Sauce Swirl: Instead of mixing the cranberries in, swirl a spoonful of homemade cranberry sauce on top before baking.
🌟 Sweet & Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick!
Troubleshooting
- Sweet potatoes too dry: Add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to the mixture.
- Sweet potatoes too mushy: Bake them for a shorter time.
- Topping not browning: Increase the oven temperature slightly during the second bake.
FAQ
- Can I use other types of apples? Yes! Any type of apple will work, but Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are recommended for their tartness and crisp texture.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the sweet potatoes and refrigerate them overnight. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Can I freeze these? It’s best to enjoy this recipe fresh, but you can freeze the unbaked sweet potato mixture and bake it from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. Their delicious combination of sweet, savory, and subtly spiced flavors is irresistible. Give this recipe a try and don’t forget to share your creations and rate them on Ratemyrecipes.com! Enjoy!
Cranberry Apple Sweet Potato Magic
A delightful combination of sweet potatoes, tart cranberries, and crisp apples, baked to perfection for a comforting side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 medium apples, cored and diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190u00b0C (375u00b0F).
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed sweet potatoes, cranberries, and diced apples.
- In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, melted butter, orange juice, and salt.
- Pour the sugar mixture over the sweet potato mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking.
- Feel free to substitute maple syrup for brown sugar for a different sweetness.