Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

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Cozy, colorful, and bursting with autumn flavor, these Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are a holiday-worthy side dish that brings a little magic to your table. Each sweet potato half is roasted until tender, then scooped and filled with a warm medley of caramelized apples and juicy cranberries. A hint of cinnamon and maple syrup ties everything together for a festive dish that looks as good as it tastes.

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Perfect for Thanksgiving or any chilly night when you crave comfort food, this dish bridges the gap between savory and sweet. The soft, fluffy sweet potato acts as the perfect base for the rich fruit topping, making every bite a blend of textures and flavors. Whether you’re entertaining guests or elevating a weeknight dinner, this recipe will absolutely shine.


What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Should I Use?

For the best texture and flavor, go with medium-sized orange-flesh sweet potatoes (like Garnet or Jewel varieties). They roast up creamy and slightly sweet, creating a lovely contrast with the tart cranberries and tender apples.


Ingredients for the Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

  • Sweet Potatoes: The star of the dish, these provide the creamy, earthy base for the filling.
  • Apples: Choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best texture after sautéing.
  • Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries add a tart pop of color and flavor.
  • Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener enhances the caramelization and adds depth.
  • Butter: For richness and to help sauté the fruit filling.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that ties the whole dish together.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.

How To Make the Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then pierce them with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes or until fork-tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the potatoes bake, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped apples and cook for 5 minutes. Toss in cranberries, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the fruit is tender and syrupy, about 7-10 minutes.

Step 3: Scoop and Fill

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out a bit of the flesh from the center of each half, creating a well. Lightly mash the scooped-out portion and stir it into the apple-cranberry mixture.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake Again

Spoon the fruit mixture back into the sweet potato halves. Return them to the oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and slightly caramelized on top.


Serving and Storing These Twice-Baked Beauties

Serve these warm, straight from the oven as a side or even a vegetarian main dish. They’re wonderful for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.


What to Serve With Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes?

Herb-Roasted Turkey

A classic holiday pairing that complements the sweet-tart flavors beautifully.

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Bright and savory, these add crunch and freshness to your plate.

Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken

The richness of this creamy chicken dish balances well with the fruit-filled sweet potatoes. Try it here

Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Go all in on potatoes with this ultra-creamy version alongside. Find the recipe

Cheesecake Fruit Salad

A light, creamy, and sweet finish to a flavorful meal. Get it now


Want More Holiday Side Dish Ideas?

If you loved these Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, check out more savory-sweet favorites:


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Tried it with a twist? Maybe a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a dollop of whipped maple butter? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

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Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes


  • Author: Julia Walton
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Warm, comforting, and bursting with sweet and tart flavors, these Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are the perfect seasonal side dish. Roasted sweet potatoes are filled with a buttery apple and cranberry mixture, lightly sweetened with maple syrup and spiced with cinnamon. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or just craving something cozy, this easy recipe delivers that satisfying balance of sweet and savory. It’s a delicious addition to any fall table and perfect for anyone looking for easy dinner ideas, festive food ideas, or a wholesome vegetarian option that stands out.


Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup chopped apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)

3/4 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch salt


Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then pierce them with a fork.

2. Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45–60 minutes, or until fork-tender.

3. While the potatoes bake, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add apples and sauté for 5 minutes.

4. Add cranberries, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Cook until the fruit softens and becomes syrupy (about 7–10 minutes).

5. Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice in half lengthwise and scoop out a small well in each half.

6. Lightly mash the scooped-out potato and stir it into the apple-cranberry mixture.

7. Fill each sweet potato half with the fruit mixture.

8. Return to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes until heated through and caramelized on top.

Notes

Use firm apple varieties so they hold shape while cooking.

You can add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and extra flavor.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed half
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: vegetarian, sweet potato recipe, easy holiday side, cranberry apple, fall recipes

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