Delicious Cranberry Apple Stuffed Potatoes

Welcome to a recipe that will surely become a staple on your dinner table – Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Potatoes! These delightful sweet potatoes are elevated with the addition of spiced apples, tart cranberries, and buttery pecans, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is perfect for any time of year.

I first crafted this recipe after a visit to a local orchard, and it quickly became a beloved dish at family gatherings. The contrast of the nutty pecans against the silky sweet potato and zesty cranberries creates a unique and irresistible combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you serve them as a side dish to complement your holiday roast or as a vegetarian main alongside a fresh salad, these Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Potatoes are sure to impress. The nostalgic and cozy flavors of this dish celebrate the harvest season and bring a touch of warmth to your table. Give this recipe a try, and let its irresistible appeal win over your taste buds!

Quick Benefits

• Nostalgic and Cozy Dish: Brings autumn brightness and nostalgic comfort to the dinner table, making it a favorite for family potlucks and gatherings.
• Versatile and Customizable: Can be easily customized with ingredient swaps like yams, walnuts, or maple syrup, allowing for different flavor profiles to suit personal preferences.
• Nutrient-Rich Option: Leaves the skins on sweet potatoes for added nutrients, offering a wholesome and satisfying meal that can be a showstopping side or a main dish for vegetarians.
• Convenient Make-Ahead Option: Can be prepped ahead of time and only requires a final bake before serving, making it a convenient dish for busy weeknights or holiday meals.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Cranberry Apple Stuffed Potatoes Recipe

• Nostalgic and Cozy Dish: Perfect for bringing a little autumn brightness to the dinner table, this recipe is a comforting and decadent side or main dish that evokes a sense of nostalgia.
• Vibrant Flavors: The combination of spiced apples, tart cranberries, buttery pecans, and sweet potatoes offers a burst of vibrant and complementary flavors in every bite.
• Kid-Approved: Dubbed “dessert potatoes” by a young family member, this dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easy ingredient swaps allow for customization based on personal preferences or what’s on hand, making this recipe adaptable and accessible.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The filling can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for busy days or meal prepping.
• Showstopping Side or Main: Whether served alongside roast meats or as a vegetarian main with a simple salad, these twice-baked potatoes are versatile and impressive.
• Harvest Flavors: Celebrate the harvest season with the blend of cranberries, apples, and pecans, capturing the essence of autumn on your plate.
• Blend of Traditions: Drawing inspiration from Southern and holiday cooking traditions, this recipe offers a twist on the classic twice-baked technique, blending old and new influences.
• Conversation Starter: A talking point at gatherings, these sweet potatoes are bound to leave a lasting impression on your friends and family.
• Perfect for Various Occasions: Ideal for holiday meals, brunches, or simply as a comforting autumn-inspired dish, these cranberry apple twice-baked potatoes are a versatile addition to any menu.

Ingredients for Delicious Cranberry Apple Stuffed Potatoes

Main Ingredients

• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 120 milliliters dried cranberries
• 60 milliliters chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, diced into 2.5 cm cubes

Pro Tips for Delicious Cranberry Apple Stuffed Potatoes

For the Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Potatoes recipe, here are some pro tips to enhance your cooking experience:

1. To save time, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the sweet potatoes just before the final bake. This will help streamline the process and make it easier to serve a warm and fresh dish for your guests or family.

2. Experiment with different nuts such as walnuts or almonds to add a new dimension of flavor and texture to the dish. The crunchiness of these nuts complements the sweet and tart filling of apples, cranberries, and spices, creating a delightful contrast that will elevate the overall dish.

3. Consider leaving the skins on the sweet potatoes when roasting them. Not only does this save time in the preparation process, but it also adds extra nutrients and structure to the dish. Plus, the skins can become crispy and delicious when baked, providing a tasty contrast to the soft and creamy interior of the sweet potatoes.

How to Make Delicious Cranberry Apple Stuffed Potatoes

Step 1: Roast Sweet Potatoes

Preheat oven to 218°C. Scrub and dry sweet potatoes. Place in a baking dish, pierce with a fork, and roast for 40-45 minutes until tender.

Step 2: Prepare Apple-Cranberry Filling

While the sweet potatoes are baking, melt butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add apples, cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. Sauté until apples are tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Incorporate Pecans

Add chopped pecans and cook for one more minute, stirring until nuts are evenly mixed.

Step 4: Fill and Twice-Bake

Using a fork, fluff the interior of each roasted sweet potato. Spoon apple-cranberry mixture over the top of each potato. Bake in the oven at 218°C for 10 minutes until filling is bubbling.

Step 5: Serve

Take out of the oven and serve while still warm.

Storage Tips

Once you have made these delicious Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, storing any leftovers is simple. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to four days. When you are ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat the sweet potatoes in a 350F oven for about fifteen minutes or microwave them covered until they are warmed through. Remember that these potatoes do not freeze well due to the apples and texture, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh or refrigerated.

For those looking to prepare ahead, you can make the filling in advance and assemble the sweet potatoes just before the final bake. This way, you can save time and have a delicious dish ready to pop in the oven whenever you are ready to enjoy it. Whether served as a showstopping side dish with roast chicken, turkey, or pork, or as a main dish for vegetarian guests alongside a simple salad or roasted Brussels sprouts, these Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are a versatile and comforting addition to any meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have sweet potatoes, yams or golden potatoes can be used as substitutes to create a slightly different flavor profile. Walnuts or almonds can replace pecans for a nutty crunch in the dish. Additionally, you can swap coconut sugar or brown sugar with maple syrup for a different fall-inspired twist in the recipe. If dried cranberries are not available, raisins or chopped dates can be used as an easy alternative in the filling.

Remember to leave the potato skins on when roasting for added nutrients and structure. You can also assemble the sweet potatoes with the filling ahead of time and refrigerate them, then bake for the final 10 minutes before serving. This dish can be a delightful addition to holiday meals, brunches, or even serve as a main course for vegetarian guests looking for an autumn-inspired meal.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting these Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Potatoes as individual servings by scooping out the sweet potato flesh, mixing it with the spiced apple, cranberry, and pecan filling, and then restuffing the potato skins. Arrange them on a platter, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, and serve as an elegant and flavorful side dish at your next dinner party.

Another fun way to enjoy these autumn-inspired potatoes is to turn them into a brunch dish by serving them alongside a variety of breakfast items like scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit. The sweet and savory flavors of the potatoes pair beautifully with classic brunch fare and will surely impress your guests with a unique and delicious twist on a traditional breakfast spread.

FAQs for Delicious Cranberry Apple Stuffed Potatoes

Can I use a different type of sugar if I don’t have coconut sugar?

Yes, brown sugar or white sugar can be used as a substitute for coconut sugar. Each type of sugar will provide subtle differences in flavor and sweetness to the dish.

Should I leave the skins on the sweet potatoes when roasting?

Yes, it’s best to leave the skins on the sweet potatoes when roasting. The flesh is scooped or fluffed after baking for structure and added nutrients.

Can I use a different type of nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can be used as alternatives to pecans. They will also pair well with the sweet and tart filling, adding a pleasant crunch to the dish.

Can I assemble the sweet potatoes with the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sweet potatoes with the filling and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them for the final 10 minutes before serving to ensure they are warm and delicious.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Potatoes are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that will elevate any meal. Whether you’re enjoying them as a side dish at a holiday gathering or savoring them as a comforting main course, these potatoes are sure to impress and satisfy. The combination of spiced apples, tart cranberries, and buttery pecans nestled in a creamy sweet potato is pure autumn magic that will have your taste buds singing with delight.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with this recipe by experimenting with different nuts, sweeteners, or fruits to suit your taste preferences. Embrace the warmth and nostalgia of this dish that beautifully marries tradition with innovation. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Potatoes and watch as your loved ones indulge in every delicious bite.

Delicious Cranberry Apple Stuffed Potatoes

“Autumn’s essence captured in these Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, a comforting blend of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time55 Minutes

Total Time70 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings2 Servings (2 filled sweet potatoes)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 120 milliliters dried cranberries
• 60 milliliters chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, diced into 2.5 cm cubes

Instructions

1. Roast Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 218°C. Scrub and dry sweet potatoes. Place in a baking dish, pierce with a fork, and roast for 40-45 minutes until tender.
2. Prepare Apple-Cranberry Filling: While the sweet potatoes are baking, melt butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add apples, cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. Sauté until apples are tender, stirring occasionally.
3. Incorporate Pecans: Add chopped pecans and cook for one more minute, stirring until nuts are evenly mixed.
4. Fill and Twice-Bake: Using a fork, fluff the interior of each roasted sweet potato. Spoon apple-cranberry mixture over the top of each potato. Bake in the oven at 218°C for 10 minutes until filling is bubbling.
5. Serve: Take out of the oven and serve while still warm.