cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes

Okay, friends, let’s talk fall! You know how much I LOVE this time of year, right? Give me all the cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice everything, and especially those warm, comforting flavors that just scream “holidays are coming!” And if you’re looking for a super easy and totally delicious side dish that’ll wow everyone at your Thanksgiving or Christmas table (or, honestly, any family meal!), you HAVE to try these cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes.

Seriously, these are AMAZING. They’re packed with sweet and tart flavors, they’re surprisingly simple to make, and they look absolutely gorgeous on a holiday buffet. Plus, they’re way more exciting than your average mashed potatoes, ya know?

I remember my grandma always making sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving, and while I loved it, it was always SO sugary sweet. These cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes are my take on that classic, but with a healthier twist and a whole lot more flavor. Trust me, you’re gonna love ’em!

Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Seriously, what’s not to love? But just in case you need convincing, here’s why you’ll be obsessed with these:

Easy to Make

Don’t let “twice-baked” scare you off! This recipe is seriously straightforward. If you can bake a potato and scoop out some filling, you’re golden. No fancy techniques needed, I promise!

Perfect for Holidays

Cranberry and apple? Hello, fall flavors! These just scream Thanksgiving and Christmas, right? That sweet-tart combo is SO festive, and they look absolutely beautiful on your holiday table.

Delicious and Nutritious

Okay, so they taste amazing (sweet potatoes + apples + cranberries = YUM!), but they’re also packed with good stuff! Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins, and the cranberries and apples add even more goodness. It’s a win-win!

Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty short list!

Sweet Potatoes

You’ll want 4 medium sweet potatoes. Try to find ones that are roughly the same size so they bake evenly, okay?

Olive Oil

Just a tablespoon of olive oil. This is for rubbing on the sweet potatoes before they bake – it helps the skin get nice and tender.

Salt and Pepper

A little salt and pepper goes a long way! We’re talking about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

Apples

Grab 1 cup of chopped apples. I LOVE using Honeycrisp because they’re sweet and crisp, but really, any good baking apple will work!

Dried Cranberries

You’ll need 1/2 cup of dried cranberries. These add that perfect tartness that balances out the sweetness. Yum!

Pecans

Get 1/4 cup of chopped pecans ready. These add a little crunch and nutty flavor. So good!

Maple Syrup

Two tablespoons of maple syrup. I usually go for Grade A dark amber – it has the best flavor, in my opinion!

Butter

Last but not least, 1 tablespoon of melted butter. This adds richness to the filling. Mmm!

How to Make Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to make these cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it step-by-step. You got this!

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, give those sweet potatoes a good scrub under some running water. Gotta get rid of any dirt, ya know? Then, pat ’em dry with a paper towel. Now, grab a fork and pierce each sweet potato several times. This lets steam escape so they don’t explode in the oven – trust me, you don’t want that!

Baking the Sweet Potatoes

Next, rub each sweet potato with that tablespoon of olive oil, and then sprinkle them with salt and pepper. This helps the skin get nice and crispy. Pop ’em in the oven and bake for about 45-60 minutes. How do you know when they’re done? They should be soft when you poke them with a fork. Like, REALLY soft. If they’re still hard, give ’em a little more time.

Making the Cranberry Apple Filling

Once the sweet potatoes are baked, let them cool slightly – you don’t want to burn your fingers! When they’re cool enough to handle, cut each one in half lengthwise. Now, grab a spoon and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch border of sweet potato attached to the skin. This will help the skins hold their shape. Put the scooped-out sweet potato flesh in a bowl and mash it up with the chopped apples, dried cranberries, pecans, maple syrup, and melted butter. Mmm, smells good already, right?

Twice Baking the Cranberry Apple Sweet Potatoes

Alright, now it’s time to spoon that delicious cranberry apple sweet potato mixture back into the sweet potato skins. Pile it high! Pop those filled sweet potatoes back into the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for them to be heated through and slightly browned on top. And that’s it! Serve ’em up warm and get ready for the compliments to roll in!

Tips for the Best Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Want to take these cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes to the NEXT LEVEL? Of course you do! Here are a few of my favorite tips for making them absolutely perfect:

Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes

Seriously, size matters! Try to pick sweet potatoes that are about the same size and shape. This makes sure they bake evenly, you know? Nobody wants one sweet potato that’s mushy and another that’s still hard!

Don’t Overbake

This is a big one! Overbaking the sweet potatoes the first time around can lead to a dry filling. Keep an eye on ’em and take them out as soon as they’re soft. A little underbaked is better than overbaked in this case!

Add a Pinch of Spice

Want to kick up the flavor even more? Toss a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger into the filling. It’ll add a warm, cozy vibe that’s just perfect for fall. My favorite part is adding just a bit of nutmeg, but whatever you enjoy most works!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Okay, so maybe you’re missing an ingredient, or you have an allergy? No problem! Here are some easy swaps you can make for these cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes:

Pecan Substitutions

Got a pecan allergy? No sweat! Walnuts are a fantastic substitute. They’ll give you that same nutty crunch. Or, if you’re not a fan of nuts, you can totally skip them altogether! Sunflower seeds would be good too!

Maple Syrup Alternatives

Out of maple syrup? Honey or agave nectar will work just fine! Just use the same amount (2 tablespoons). The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious, I promise!

Vegan Option

Want to make these vegan? Easy peasy! Just use vegan butter and make sure your maple syrup is 100% pure (some brands might sneak in honey). That’s it!

Serving Suggestions for Your Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Okay, so you’ve got these gorgeous cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes… now what do you serve them with? Here are a couple of my go-to ideas:

Main Course Pairing

These sweet potatoes are AMAZING with roasted turkey, ham, or chicken. Seriously, they’re the perfect side dish for any holiday feast! They’d even pair really nicely with a pork tenderloin, yum!

Garnish Ideas

Want to make them look extra fancy? Sprinkle a few fresh herbs on top! Thyme or rosemary are both delicious and add a pop of color. Plus, they smell amazing! I’ve even used a few fresh cranberries on top for more color!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get about these cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes:

Can I make these Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can totally prep these ahead of time. Just bake the sweet potatoes, scoop out the filling, mix everything together, and stuff ’em back into the skins. Then, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake them the second time, just take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes beforehand, then bake as directed. Easy peasy!

How do I store leftover Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes?

Leftovers? If you have any (which I doubt!), just wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them for a minute or two, or pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until they’re heated through. My favorite is a quick and easy microwave, but the oven works too!

Can I freeze Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes?

Yep, you sure can! Wrap each sweet potato tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. Just be aware that the texture might be a little softer after freezing, but they’ll still taste amazing!

Nutritional Information for Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Okay, so here’s the deal: nutritional info can vary *a lot* depending on the brands you use and how big your sweet potatoes are. So, this is just a general estimate, okay?

Enjoy Your Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes!

Alright, friends, that’s it! I hope you LOVE these cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes as much as my family does. Seriously, they’re a total crowd-pleaser! If you try them, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And don’t forget to snap a pic and share it on social media – tag me so I can see your creations!