Description
These Irresistible Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are a healthy and flavorful twist on a classic side dish. Filled with mashed sweet potato, crisp apples, tangy cranberries, and warm spices, they make the perfect balance of sweet and savory — ideal for holiday dinners or cozy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 apple, peeled and finely diced (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)
- 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scrub and pierce sweet potatoes several times with a fork. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until tender.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4-inch of the shell intact.
- In a bowl, mash the sweet potato flesh with butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced apples and sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in cranberries and maple syrup, cooking another 1–2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and glossy.
- Add the apple-cranberry mixture to the mashed sweet potatoes and stir to combine.
- Spoon the mixture back into the sweet potato shells, mounding slightly.
- Top with chopped nuts if desired and return to the oven for 10 minutes to warm through.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme and serve warm.
Notes
- Use dried cranberries if fresh aren’t available — reduce maple syrup slightly if they’re sweetened.
- For a vegan version, use coconut oil instead of butter.
- These can be made ahead — just reheat in the oven before serving.
- Perfect as a Thanksgiving or holiday side dish!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American