If you are looking for a festive, comforting side that will brighten any holiday table, then the Cranberry Apple Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes (Easy Holiday Side Dish) Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the tart zing of cranberries and the crisp, juicy bursts of apple, all wrapped in warm spices and a touch of maple syrup. It’s a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, from creamy and fluffy to crunchy and fresh, making it a holiday side that everyone will rave about and keep asking for year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cranberry Apple Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes (Easy Holiday Side Dish) Recipe lies in its simple but carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building the flavors and textures that make this dish so special and comforting during the colder months.
- 4 medium sweet potatoes: The creamy base, naturally sweet and perfect for roasting to enhance their full flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to sauté the apples and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 small apple, finely diced: Adds a crisp, fresh bite and a hint of tartness that balances the sweet potatoes.
- ½ cup fresh or dried cranberries: Contribute vibrant color and a wonderful tart contrast.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For richness and a luscious, smooth texture.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Enhances the natural sweetness with a warm, earthy depth.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Introduces cozy spice that evokes holiday warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds subtle, nutty undertones to complement the cinnamon.
- Salt to taste: Balances and elevates all the flavors.
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional): For an extra crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional): Provides an herbal freshness and beautiful presentation.
How to Make Cranberry Apple Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes (Easy Holiday Side Dish) Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it warms, scrub your sweet potatoes thoroughly and prick them a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Lay them on a baking sheet and roast for about 45 to 55 minutes until they become fork-tender and their natural sweetness is intensified by the heat.
Step 2: Sauté the Apple and Cranberries
While those sweet potatoes are roasting, warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced apple and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until just slightly softened — you want to maintain some bite here. Toss in your cranberries next, letting them cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, which helps bring out their tang while softening just enough to meld with the apples.
Step 3: Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling
Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, carefully cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop out most of the flesh and place it in a mixing bowl, taking care to leave a thin layer inside the skins so they can hold the filling later on. Now mash the sweet potato flesh together with butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until creamy and smooth. Finally, fold in your fragrant apple-cranberry mixture and, if you like, the chopped pecans for some crunch.
Step 4: Bake the Filled Sweet Potatoes
Spoon this delicious mixture back into each sweet potato skin, mounding it slightly to create a generous filling. Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This step warms everything through and lets the tops develop a lovely, lightly golden crust that adds an irresistible texture.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary if you want to add a bright herbal note and a visually festive touch. Serve the Cranberry Apple Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes (Easy Holiday Side Dish) Recipe warm, so every bite bursts with holiday flavors.
How to Serve Cranberry Apple Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes (Easy Holiday Side Dish) Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate your Cranberry Apple Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes. Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs provide lovely fragrance and a pop of green, balancing the sweetness and making your dish look extra special — perfect for impressing guests at holiday dinners.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or your favorite plant-based main course. Adding some crisp green beans, Brussels sprouts, or a fresh salad alongside will round out the meal with contrasting textures and colors, making your holiday plate both festive and well-balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful holiday buffet, arrange these twice baked sweet potatoes on a wooden board or festive platter, garnished with fresh herbs and extra chopped pecans scattered around. You could also serve them in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for an elegant, personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Cranberry Apple Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes (Easy Holiday Side Dish) Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy this cozy dish again without starting from scratch.
Freezing
For longer storage, these twice baked sweet potatoes freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap each half tightly in foil, then store in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, making them a great make-ahead holiday treat.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 to 25 minutes. To keep their texture intact, avoid microwaving if possible, but it works in a pinch—just be aware the skin might lose some crispness.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Both fresh and dried cranberries work well in this recipe. Dried cranberries provide a more concentrated sweetness and chewy texture, while fresh ones add more tartness and juiciness. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed when using fresh berries.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Cranberry Apple Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes (Easy Holiday Side Dish) Recipe is naturally gluten-free. It’s perfect for anyone avoiding gluten, as it contains no gluten-containing ingredients and is a wholesome vegetable-based dish.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can easily make this recipe vegan by swapping the unsalted butter for a plant-based alternative such as vegan butter or coconut oil. Maple syrup and other ingredients are already vegan-friendly, so it’s a straightforward modification.
How can I add more protein to this side dish?
While this recipe is primarily a vegetable side, you can add chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts to bump up protein and add extra texture. Alternatively, serve alongside a high-protein main dish to balance your meal.
Will this dish keep its flavor if made ahead?
Yes! The flavors often improve when made ahead, giving the spices and fruit time to meld with the sweet potatoes. Just reheat gently before serving to enjoy the best taste and texture from this holiday favorite.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about serving the Cranberry Apple Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes (Easy Holiday Side Dish) Recipe at your festive gatherings. It combines comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance all in one satisfying dish. Once you try it, this recipe is bound to become one of your holiday staples — perfect for sharing warmth, joy, and delicious moments with your loved ones.
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Cranberry Apple Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes (Easy Holiday Side Dish) Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 halves (4 servings)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Apple Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and festive holiday side dish combining the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with a savory blend of sautéed apples, cranberries, warm spices, and a touch of maple syrup. This easy recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and sure to impress your guests with its vibrant colors and comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small apple, finely diced
- ½ cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt to taste
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly, then pierce them a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 45–55 minutes until they are fork-tender.
- Sauté Apples and Cranberries: While the sweet potatoes bake, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced apple and sauté for 3–4 minutes until it becomes slightly softened. Stir in the cranberries and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, then set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Sweet Potato Flesh: Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each one in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer inside the skin to maintain its structure.
- Mash and Mix: Mash the sweet potato flesh with the butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth and creamy. Fold in the apple-cranberry mixture along with the chopped pecans if you’re using them.
- Fill and Bake Again: Spoon the sweet potato mixture back into the skins, mounding it slightly. Arrange the filled sweet potatoes on the baking sheet and return to the oven for 15–20 minutes until the filling is heated through and lightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired, and serve the twice baked sweet potatoes warm for a perfect holiday side dish.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated just before serving for convenience.
- Perfect addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas meals.
- Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, suitable for various dietary needs.
- Optional pecans add a nice crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
