The cozy scent of cinnamon and nutmeg wafts through the air as autumn settles in, inviting us to savor the flavors of the season. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite recipe for Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, a delightful twist on comfort food that’s perfect for both festive gatherings and simple weeknight dinners. Not only do these sweet potato halves boast a deliciously creamy interior, but they also feature a vibrant topping of tart cranberries and juicy apples that harmonize beautifully. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a hearty, vegetarian option packed with nutrients. Plus, its make-ahead convenience means you can enjoy stress-free entertaining! Ready to dive into a recipe that will warm your heart and kitchen? Let’s get started! Why is this recipe a must-try? Comforting and Cozy: Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes bring all the warmth of fall to your table. Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, this dish is as healthy as it is delicious. Make Ahead Magic: Prepare them in advance for stress-free entertaining or busy weeknights. Impressive Presentation: The vibrant topping of cranberries and apples not only looks stunning but also adds a delightful contrast of flavors to every bite. Whether served alongside roasted turkey or as a stand-alone vegetarian dish, this recipe is sure to win over your guests—just like my Garlic Mashed Potatoes or a cozy Sweet Chili Chicken! Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Ingredients Get ready to fall in love with this cozy dish! For the Potatoes Sweet Potatoes – These fluffy veggies form the nutritious base; opt for firm, blemish-free ones for the best results. For the Filling Fresh or Frozen Cranberries – They add a delightful tartness and antioxidants; feel free to substitute with dried cherries or raisins if needed. Apple – Choose a tart variety like Honeycrisp or Gala for juiciness and crunch. Butter – This rich addition enhances depth of flavor; plant-based butter can be used for a vegan alternative. For the Spices Nutmeg – Infuses warm, aromatic notes essential for capturing that fall flavor. Cinnamon – A warm spice that enhances sweetness; don’t skip it for that seasonal taste! For Sweetness Maple Syrup – Adds natural sweetness and richness; swap with honey or agave for varied flavor profiles. Salt – Balances the sweetness, ensuring all flavors shine through. Embrace the spirit of fall with these Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes—a dish that’s as healthy as it is heartwarming! 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 temperature is crucial for baking the sweet potatoes to perfection, ensuring they become wonderfully soft and ready for stuffing. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to make clean-up easier. Step 2: Bake the Sweet Potatoes Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. The sweet potatoes are done when their skins are slightly wrinkled, and they feel tender when gently squeezed. Step 3: Cool Down Once baked, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10-15 minutes until they are cool enough to handle. This cooling step will make it easier to scoop out the flesh without burning your hands, setting the stage for the delicious filling in your Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes. Step 4: Sauté the Filling While the sweet potatoes cool, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apple, cranberries, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, stirring gently. Cook this mixture for 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and the cranberries begin to burst, releasing their sweet-tart juices that will flavor the filling beautifully. Step 5: Sweeten the Mixture After the apple and cranberry filling has softened, stir in maple syrup and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This step will bind the flavors together and enhance the natural sweetness of the dish, creating a tart and sweet blend perfect for your stuffed sweet potatoes. Step 6: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes After cooling, carefully slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer attached to the skin. Make sure not to pierce the skin, as it will hold the filling. Place the scooped-out sweet potato flesh in a mixing bowl for the next step. Step 7: Mash the Sweet Potatoes In the mixing bowl with the sweet potato flesh, mash it until smooth. Fold in half of the sautéed apple and cranberry mixture, combining everything until you achieve a creamy, flavorful filling. This delightful mixture is the heart of your Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes. Step 8: Refill the Sweet Potatoes Spoon the sweet potato mixture back into the hollowed-out sweet potato skins. Be generous and pack the filling in, then top each sweet potato half with the remaining apple and cranberry mixture. This layering adds both visual appeal and delicious flavor, making them even more tempting. Step 9: Final Bake Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes. Look for a golden-brown topping and a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. They are ready when heated through and the filling is slightly caramelized, showcasing the delicious flavors of your Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes. 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 3-5 days for optimal freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the stuffed sweet potatoes tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping is slightly crisp. Make-Ahead: These sweet potatoes can be fully prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making them an easy option for stress-free entertaining or busy weeknights. What to Serve with Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Elevate your mealtime experience with delightful pairings that complement this cozy fall dish, balancing flavors and textures beautifully. Herb-Roasted Turkey: The savory richness of roasted turkey brings a hearty balance to the sweet-tart flavors of the sweet potatoes. Perfect for Thanksgiving! Mixed Greens Salad: A fresh salad topped with nuts and a tangy vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast, bringing brightness to your plate. Baked Ham: The sweetness of glazed ham beautifully pairs with the fruity filling, creating a classic flavor harmony that’s hard to resist. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery garlic mashed potatoes offer nostalgia and comfort alongside these sweet treats, a match made in heaven! Quinoa Pilaf: For a hearty vegetarian option, a savory quinoa pilaf with herbs and vegetables provides a lovely, nutty contrast to the sweet potatoes. Spiced Apple Cider: A warm glass of spiced apple cider enhances the autumnal vibes, infusing your meal with seasonal joy and warmth. Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce can accentuate the dish’s own cranberry flavors, making each bite even more vibrant. Toasted Pecan Crumble: Sprinkling some toasted pecans on top adds a delightful crunch and nutty richness that melds beautifully with the creamy sweet potatoes. These pairings are sure to bring your dining table to life, creating a warm and inviting fall feast! Make Ahead Options These Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are a fantastic option for meal prep! You can bake the sweet potatoes and prepare the apple-cranberry filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the cooled sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and keep the filling in a separate container to maintain quality. When you’re ready to enjoy them, scoop out the sweet potato, mix it with half of the filling, refill the skins, and top with the remaining goodness. Bake them for about 10-12 minutes to warm through, and you’ll have a delicious, cozy meal ready with minimal effort! Expert Tips for Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for larger sweet potatoes to create more filling capacity, making each bite even more delightful. Don’t Rush Baking: Be sure to bake until the sweet potatoes are really soft—this ensures a creamy texture and easy scooping for your twice-baked sweet potatoes. Mind Your Spices: Use fresh spices, especially cinnamon and nutmeg, for a more vibrant fall flavor. Those little details make a big difference! Mix and Match Fruits: Feel free to substitute cranberries with other dried fruits and adjust based on what you have to keep the flavors interesting! Store Properly: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-5 days. Reheating keeps the flavors intact for another cozy meal. Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Variations Feel free to customize these delightful sweet potatoes to suit your taste and dietary preferences! Cherry Twist: Substitute cranberries with dried cherries for a sweeter bite. The rich cherry flavor pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes! Nutty Crunch: Top with toasted pecans or walnuts to add a satisfying crunch and earthiness. These nuts not only enhance texture but also complement the sweet-tart filling. Vegan Delight: Swap regular butter for plant-based butter to make a delicious vegan version of this comforting dish. Your guests won’t even miss the dairy! Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the filling for a hint of heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness. This twist can wake up your taste buds in the most delightful way. Cinnamon-Oat Topping: Mix oats with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup for a crunchy topping. This adds a warm, autumnal crunch that’s simply irresistible. Savory Option: Replace cranberries with sautéed onions and sage for a more savory take. This creates a hearty side that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats. Maple Swap: Replace maple syrup with honey or agave nectar for a different layer of sweetness. Each option brings its own unique flavor to the dish. Apple Varieties: Experiment with different apple varieties such as Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for a sweeter profile. Each type offers its own twist to the overall taste and texture of the dish. For delicious pairings, try serving these sweet potatoes alongside my flavorful Sausage Potatoes Skillet or warm up with a slice of Apple Crumble Cheesecake for dessert! Enjoy the journey of flavor exploration! Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best sweet potatoes? Absolutely! When selecting sweet potatoes, look for ones that are firm, smooth, and free of dark spots or blemishes. These indicators suggest freshness and will provide the best texture and flavor for your Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes. How should I store leftovers? Store your leftover Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish more than once! Can I freeze the stuffed sweet potatoes? Yes, you can! To freeze your Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. What if my sweet potatoes are too hard after baking? No worries! If your sweet potatoes are still too firm after the initial baking, simply return them to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. Just make sure to check for tenderness by inserting a fork; they should feel soft all the way through before scooping. Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of? Yes, while this recipe is vegetarian and packed with nutrients, it’s always wise to check for allergies. If you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, ensure they can tolerate the main ingredients such as sweet potatoes, apples, and cranberries. You can also swap butter for a plant-based alternative for a vegan version! Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes: Fall's Cozy Delight Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes feature a deliciously creamy filling topped with tart cranberries and juicy apples, perfectly embodying the flavors of autumn. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 50 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 4 potatoesCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Potatoes4 large Sweet Potatoes Firm, blemish-freeFor the Filling1 cup Fresh or Frozen Cranberries Or substitute with dried cherries or raisins1 medium Apple Tart variety like Honeycrisp or Gala2 tablespoons Butter Plant-based butter for vegan optionFor the Spices1 teaspoon Nutmeg Freshly grated if possible1 teaspoon Cinnamon Ground cinnamonFor Sweetness2 tablespoons Maple Syrup Can substitute with honey or agave1/2 teaspoon Salt To taste Equipment OvenBaking sheetskilletmixing bowl Method Preparation StepsPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet.Pierce each sweet potato with a fork, place on the baking sheet, bake for 45-50 minutes.Remove from oven and cool for 10-15 minutes.Melt butter in a skillet, add apple, cranberries, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt, cook for 5-7 minutes.Stir in maple syrup and cook for an additional 2 minutes.Slice each sweet potato in half, scoop out flesh, and mash it.Mix the mashed sweet potato with half of the sautéed filling.Spoon the mixture into the sweet potato skins, top with remaining filling.Return stuffed sweet potatoes to oven, bake for 10-12 minutes. Nutrition Serving: 1potatoCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 850mgFiber: 6gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 20000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
