Are you ready to elevate your autumn meal game? Look no further than Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes! This delightful dish combines the sweet earthiness of sweet potatoes with the tangy burst of cranberries and the juicy crunch of apples. It’s a warm, comforting recipe perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how easy it is to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Simple steps mean you can whip these up without a fuss.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything on hand or can find them easily.
- Perfect for Fall: The flavors of apple and cranberry are classic autumn tastes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone, from kids to adults, will love these sweet and savory bites.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The blend of ingredients creates a unique and mouthwatering flavor combination you won’t forget.
Ingredients Needed
For the base:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- Salt to taste
For the filling:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 juicy apple, diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
How to Make Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Gently pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until they’re soft and tender.
- Cool Time: Once baked, let the sweet potatoes cool for a few minutes so you can handle them safely.
- Cook the Filling: While the sweet potatoes cool, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt.
- Add Fruits and Spices: Toss in the diced apple, cranberries, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook everything for 5-7 minutes, stirring now and then, until the fruit is tender and the cranberries begin to pop.
- Sweeten the Mixture: Pour in the maple syrup and cook for another 2 minutes until everything is nicely combined.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Slice each baked sweet potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer inside to help them keep their shape.
- Mash Sweet Potato: In a bowl, mash the scooped sweet potato flesh. Combine it with half of the cranberry apple filling.
- Stuff the Potatoes: Spoon this sweet potato mixture back into the skins you just prepared.
- Top It Off: Place the remaining cranberry apple mixture on top of the stuffed sweet potatoes.
- Bake Again: Put the filled sweet potatoes back on the baking sheet and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
How to Serve Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Serve these delicious twice-baked sweet potatoes warm. They can be a stunning side dish at a holiday gathering or the star of a weeknight meal. Consider garnishing with some additional cranberries or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair!
How to Store Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave for quicker heating.
Tips to Make Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Choose Sweet Potatoes Wisely: Look for firm, smooth sweet potatoes for the best texture.
- Customize the Filling: If you prefer different fruits, feel free to swap cranberries for raisins or pecans for a crunchy bite.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling in advance and stuff the sweet potatoes right before baking.
Variation
For a twist, try adding some chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for added texture. You can also drizzle a little extra maple syrup on top before serving for a caramel-like finish!
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture will differ. Sweet potatoes offer a unique sweetness that complements the filling well!
How do I make this gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure that any spices or syrups you use are certified gluten-free.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the stuffed sweet potatoes before the second baking step. Just allow them to cool completely, then wrap well in plastic wrap and foil. Bake them from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process.
Conclusion
Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are not just a delicious treat; they bring together the rich flavors of fall in a satisfying dish. Whether for a special gathering or a comforting family dinner, these sweet potatoes are sure to impress. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Also, don’t forget to share your variations on social media! What exciting twists did you bring to these sweet potatoes? Let us know below!
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Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful autumn dish combining sweet potatoes with cranberries and apples, perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 juicy apple, diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Gently pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake for 45-50 minutes until soft.
- Let cool for a few minutes.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the diced apple, cranberries, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the fruit is tender.
- Stir in the maple syrup and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh.
- Mash the scooped sweet potato and mix with half of the cranberry apple filling.
- Spoon the mixture back into the sweet potato skins.
- Top with the remaining cranberry apple mixture.
- Bake again for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
Notes
Can be served as a stunning side dish or a comforting meal. Customize by swapping fruits or adding nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg