Thanksgiving is a time to indulge, and what better way to celebrate than with Thanksgiving Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes? These vibrant sweet potatoes, filled with a tantalizing blend of tart cranberries and sweet apples, create a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. turkey melt sliders with cranberry aioli The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have your family and friends drooling before they even take a bite.
Imagine sitting around the table, laughter echoing as you serve these uniquely delicious sweet potatoes. They’re not just visually appealing with their rich orange color; they also deliver a flavor punch that embodies the spirit of Thanksgiving. Trust me, these little gems are not just side dishes but culinary stars in their own right! For more inspiration, check out this crispy potato pancakes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Thanksgiving Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are easy to prepare, ensuring you spend less time cooking and more time feasting
- Their sweet and savory flavor profile perfectly complements any holiday meal
- With their vibrant colors and textures, they steal the show on any dinner table
- Versatile enough for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts, they’re a crowd-pleaser!
I remember the first time I made these sweet potatoes for my family; the look on my grandmother’s face was priceless as she devoured every last bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
-
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries work best; dried can be used but will alter the texture slightly.
-
Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweetness.
-
Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for a softer caramelization during baking.
-
Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to balance the flavors beautifully.
-
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred; it allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
-
Pecans or Walnuts: Chopped nuts add crunch and richness; toast them lightly for extra flavor.
-
Salt & Pepper: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. cheesy stuffed flank steak.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab those beautiful sweet potatoes and wash them thoroughly under cool water. Pat them dry with a towel because nobody likes soggy spuds.
Bake those Sweet Potatoes! Place your whole sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 45 minutes or until they are soft enough to mash easily when poked with a fork.
Prepare the Filling! While those beauties are baking, chop your apples and cranberries finely. In a bowl, mix them together with brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. The combination should smell like autumn in your kitchen!
Scoop & Mash! Once baked, let your sweet potatoes cool slightly before slicing them in half lengthwise. Scoop out most of the flesh into a mixing bowl but leave some to maintain structure. Add butter to the scoopings and mash until smooth.
Mix Everything Together! Fold in your apple-cranberry mixture into the mashed sweet potato until well combined. Taste it—yes, you can afford to sample at this stage!
Fill & Bake Again! Spoon this delicious filling back into the sweet potato skins generously. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch. Pop them back into the oven for 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until everything is heated through and slightly golden.
With each step taken toward finishing your Thanksgiving Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, you’re one step closer to an unforgettable holiday feast! Enjoy every moment as much as every bite! creamy cauliflower mashed potatoes.
You Must Know
- Thanksgiving Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors
- The creamy texture combined with a crunchy topping makes every bite a festive experience
- They are sure to impress your guests and become a holiday favorite!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking sweet potatoes until tender, then scoop out the insides for mixing. While baking, prepare the cranberry-apple filling to maximize flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch, or swap cranberries for raisins if you prefer. Spice it up with cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure sweet potatoes are evenly sized to bake uniformly; this prevents some from being undercooked
- For a creamier filling, add more butter or cream cheese when mixing
- Topping with marshmallows creates a fun twist that kids will love!
Sharing these Thanksgiving Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes always brings back memories of family gatherings and laughter over delicious food. crispy oven baked sweet potatoes
FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the filling and stuff the potatoes, then refrigerate before baking.
What can I substitute for cranberries?
Raisins or chopped dried apricots work beautifully as alternatives in this recipe.
How do I know when sweet potatoes are done baking?
Sweet potatoes are ready when they feel soft and yield easily when pierced with a fork.
Thanksgiving Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Thanksgiving Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, perfect for your holiday feast. These vibrant sweet potatoes are filled with a delicious mixture of tart cranberries and sweet apples, creating a festive dish that will impress your family and friends. Easy to prepare, this recipe ensures you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the festivities. With their stunning appearance and mouthwatering taste, these twice-baked sweet potatoes are bound to become a Thanksgiving favorite!
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup Granny Smith apples, chopped
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the sweet potatoes.
- Bake sweet potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 45 minutes until tender.
- While baking, mix chopped apples, cranberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Once baked, cool slightly, slice potatoes in half lengthwise, and scoop out most flesh into a bowl.
- Mash the potato flesh with butter until smooth. Fold in the apple-cranberry mixture.
- Spoon the filling back into potato skins and top with chopped nuts.
- Return to the oven at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed potato half (150g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
