Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apples & Cranberries – Cozy, Sweet & Savory Fall Side

There’s something magical about the way fall flavors come together—warm spices, caramelized sweetness, and a touch of tart brightness. These Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Cranberries capture that magic in every bite. Imagine creamy mashed sweet potatoes folded with butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then baked again with tender apple chunks and bursts of ruby-red cranberries. The result? A side dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome, cozy yet festive. This is one you’ll want to save for every autumn gathering!

Why You’ll Love It

• Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with apples and cranberries.
• Easy to prepare ahead—just bake once, stuff, and reheat when ready.
• A gorgeous fall side dish that looks stunning on holiday tables.
• Family-friendly comfort food that feels both healthy and indulgent.
• Gluten-free and vegetarian, making it great for mixed-diet gatherings.
• Pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving turkey, roasted chicken, or vegetarian mains.

Time Needed

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Servings: 6 halves

Ingredients

• 3 large sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 small apple, diced
• ½ cup fresh or dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the sweet potatoes Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the sweet potatoes, prick them with a fork, and bake on a lined sheet for 50–60 minutes, until fork-tender.
2. Scoop and mash Once cool enough to handle, slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop the flesh into a bowl, leaving a thin layer inside the skins to keep them sturdy.
3. Mix the filling Mash the sweet potato flesh with butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until creamy. Fold in diced apples and cranberries.
4. Stuff and bake again Spoon the filling back into the sweet potato skins. Sprinkle with pecans if using. Return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes until warmed through and lightly golden on top.
5. Serve & enjoy Place the twice baked sweet potatoes on a platter and serve warm. They’re delicious as a festive side for holidays or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Variations to Try

• Savory Twist: Add caramelized onions and goat cheese for a more savory balance.
• Nutty Crunch: Use walnuts or almonds in place of pecans for added texture.
• Spiced Holiday: Sprinkle a little ground ginger or cloves for a deeper seasonal flavor.
• Vegan Option: Replace butter with coconut oil or olive oil, and use maple syrup for sweetness.

Tips from Chef Emma

• Choose evenly sized sweet potatoes so they bake at the same rate.
• Don’t over-scoop—leave enough flesh in the skins so they hold their shape.
• Fresh cranberries add tartness, while dried cranberries give a chewy, sweet bite—both work beautifully.
• Prep ahead by baking the potatoes and mixing the filling a day early; just stuff and reheat before serving.

Nutrition Info per Serving

• Serving Size: 1 half
• Calories: 210
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Sugars: 13g
• Fat: 5g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 80mg

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
  A: Yes! You can prepare the filling and stuff the potatoes a day ahead. Store covered in the fridge and bake until warm before serving.
• Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
  A: Absolutely. Dried cranberries will be sweeter and chewier, while fresh cranberries bring tartness.
• Q: Do I need to peel the apples?
  A: No need! Leave the peel on for extra texture and color, but you can peel them if you prefer a softer bite.
• Q: Can I freeze twice baked sweet potatoes?
  A: Yes, freeze them stuffed but unbaked. When ready to serve, bake straight from frozen at 375°F until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

These Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Cranberries are a true taste of fall—sweet, cozy, and festive all in one. They make an elegant holiday side or a comforting family dinner addition. Whether for Thanksgiving, a fall dinner party, or just a chilly weeknight, they’re guaranteed to bring warmth to the table. Save this recipe to your fall board so you’ll have it ready for your next gathering!

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