Chef Maxime learned early that the best holiday sides are the ones that look fancy but don’t steal your sanity. One Thanksgiving, he tried to reinvent sweet potato casserole—and spent two hours layering marshmallows while the turkey timer screamed.
Now he takes a smarter approach: Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes that bake once, get stuffed with warm spiced apples and tart cranberries, then go back in the oven for a golden finish. Simple technique, big holiday impact, and way more flavor than another casserole.
Summary
Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes combine naturally sweet potatoes with buttery caramelized apples, tangy cranberries, warm cinnamon, and crunchy pecans for a stunning side dish that tastes like fall in every bite.
Why this recipe works:
- Twice-baked method creates fluffy, creamy potato filling with crispy edges.
- Apples and cranberries add bright flavor and beautiful color.
- No marshmallows, no heavy cream—just real ingredients with bold taste.
Category: Evening Eats
Pinterest Board fit: Holiday Baking, Nutrients Recipes
Equipment (Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes)
- Baking sheet
- Fork (for pricking potatoes)
- Medium skillet
- Cutting board + knife
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Spoon (for stuffing)
Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 6–8 oz each)
Apple-cranberry filling
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, diced into ½-inch cubes
- ½ cup dried cranberries (or fresh cranberries if preferred)
- 2–3 tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Topping
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
Focus Keyphrase: Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Additional Keywords: twice baked sweet potatoes, holiday side dish, sweet potato recipe, apple cranberry filling, Thanksgiving sides, fall recipes.
Instructions (Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes)
Step 1: Bake the sweet potatoes (first bake)
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Scrub sweet potatoes clean and dry completely.
- Prick all over with a fork (prevents bursting).
- Place on a baking sheet and bake 40–50 minutes until very tender when squeezed gently.
- Let cool slightly until safe to handle.
Step 2: Make the apple-cranberry filling
- While potatoes bake, melt butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced apples, dried cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Sauté 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and caramelized.
- Add chopped pecans and cook 1 more minute to toast lightly.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Stuff the sweet potatoes
- Cut each baked sweet potato in half lengthwise.
- Use a fork to gently fluff and mash the inside flesh, creating a little well.
- Spoon the warm apple-cranberry-pecan mixture generously over each potato half.
Step 4: Second bake
- Return stuffed potatoes to the oven (still at 425°F).
- Bake 10–15 minutes until the filling bubbles slightly and edges get golden.
- Remove and let cool 2–3 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
- Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
- Serve warm as a holiday side or cozy weeknight dinner addition.
Nutrition Facts (tableau)
Estimated per serving (1 stuffed sweet potato half), based on 4 medium sweet potatoes (8 halves total).
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 45 mg |
Nutritional Highlights
Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes bring natural sweetness and fiber:
- Sweet potatoes provide beta-carotene, vitamin A, and potassium for eye health and muscle function.
- Apples and cranberries add antioxidants and natural fruit fiber.
- Pecans contribute healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.
Dietitian Tips
Make Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes fit your goals:
- For lower sugar: reduce brown sugar to 1 tbsp or skip it entirely (apples add natural sweetness).
- For dairy-free: use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
- For more protein: serve alongside roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or a protein-rich main.
Tips and Variations for Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Customize this recipe to match your holiday table or weeknight vibe.
Flavor twists
- Maple cinnamon: swap brown sugar for pure maple syrup and add extra cinnamon.
- Orange zest: add 1 tsp orange zest to the apple filling for bright citrus notes.
- Spiced pecans: toss pecans with cinnamon sugar before adding.
Apple and cranberry swaps
- Use fresh cranberries (they’ll burst and add tartness).
- Try pears instead of apples for a softer, sweeter filling.
- Add raisins or dried cherries if cranberries aren’t available.
Nut-free option
- Skip pecans or replace with toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch without tree nuts.
Make-ahead and storage
- Bake sweet potatoes up to 2 days ahead; store in the fridge.
- Prepare apple-cranberry filling and refrigerate separately.
- Stuff and do the second bake right before serving for best texture.
- Leftovers keep 3–4 days in the fridge; reheat gently in the oven.
FAQs
1) Can I make Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes—bake the potatoes and make the filling, then refrigerate separately. Stuff and do the final bake just before serving.
2) What apples work best?
Honeycrisp and Fuji stay slightly firm and sweet. Granny Smith adds tartness and holds shape well during cooking.
3) Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes—fresh cranberries burst during cooking and add a tangy pop. Adjust sugar slightly if they’re too tart.
4) How do I prevent sweet potatoes from bursting?
Prick them all over with a fork before baking to let steam escape safely.
5) Can I freeze Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes?
The texture of sweet potatoes can change slightly when frozen, but they reheat well. Freeze stuffed potatoes (before the second bake) and bake from frozen, adding extra time.
6) What can I serve with these sweet potatoes?
They pair beautifully with roasted turkey, grilled chicken, green beans, or a simple salad for a complete holiday meal.
CONCLUSION for Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
When you need a side dish that looks impressive but stays easy, Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes deliver every time. The warm spiced apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans turn simple sweet potatoes into something special—without the stress.
Internal links (more holiday favorites):
<a href=”https://nutrientsrecipes.com/maple-roasted-carrots/”>Maple Roasted Carrots</a>
<a href=”https://nutrientsrecipes.com/garlic-herb-mashed-potatoes/”>Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes</a>
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