Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray Recipe

If you’re craving a bright, cozy dish that marries the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the tart burst of cranberries and the crisp freshness of apples, then this Cranberry Apple Sweet Potatoes recipe is exactly what you need. Before you dive in, here’s a handy nugget: it’s crucial to grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure your vibrant medley bakes up perfectly without sticking, creating a luscious, fragrant side that everyone will adore at your holiday table or any comforting dinner occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, wholesome ingredients bring this dish to life with layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role — from the earthy sweetness of the sweet potatoes to the zesty warmth of spices, making the dish truly shine in color and taste.

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: Provides a creamy, sweet base that holds the dish together beautifully.
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped: Adds a crisp, slightly tart contrast — Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are fantastic choices.
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries: Brings lovely tang and vibrant color throughout.
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Offers a delightful crunch that complements the soft textures.
• 1/4 cup maple syrup: Infuses natural sweetness and a touch of luxury.
• 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil: Adds richness and helps marry all the flavors.
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar: Enhances caramelized notes during baking.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warms the dish with gentle spice.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds complexity and a nutty fragrance.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a subtle zingy brightness.
• Pinch of salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness.
• Pinch of ground cloves (optional): For a hint of warming depth, perfect for festive meals.

How to Make Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Veggies

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot for baking. Peel and cube your sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces — this size will help them cook evenly without turning mushy. Likewise, peel, core, and chop the apples to a similar size. Getting your chopping uniform goes a long way in ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 2: Combine the Fruit and Nuts

In a large bowl, toss together the sweet potatoes, apples, cranberries, and if you want, chopped pecans or walnuts. This mix is already looking colorful and inviting, a true autumnal feast of flavors.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Sweet Sauce

In a smaller bowl, combine the maple syrup, melted butter (or coconut oil if you’re keeping it vegan), brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and cloves if you’re using them. Whisk this until completely combined — the fragrant spices and sweetness will soak into every element, transforming them during baking.

Step 4: Pour Sauce Over Mixture and Toss

Here’s where the magic happens: pour your spiced syrup over the fruit and sweet potato mixture and toss gently but thoroughly. This step ensures every piece is evenly coated, guaranteeing rich flavor and a luscious glaze as it roasts.

Step 5: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray

Before spreading your beautiful mix into the baking dish, don’t forget the crucial tip to grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This simple step prevents sticking and helps all those sugars caramelize just right, forming a lightly crisped bottom layer that’s heavenly.

Step 6: Bake Covered and Then Uncovered

Transfer your coated mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread it evenly, and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 20-30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and easily pierced by a fork. This two-step baking locks in moisture at first, then lets the top caramelize beautifully.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once baked, pull the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This resting period helps everything settle and intensifies the blended flavors before serving warm.

How to Serve Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray

Garnishes

Brighten up your Cranberry Apple Sweet Potatoes with a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and nuttiness. A little fresh chopped parsley or a few orange zest strands also introduce a beautiful pop of color and freshness, elevating presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

This dish shines as a side for roasted turkey, baked ham, or grilled chicken, making it a star at holiday dinners or cozy family meals. It pairs wonderfully with green salads or sautéed greens, balancing sweetness with a touch of earthiness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist, try serving this recipe in individual ramekins or a cast iron skillet to bring warmth and rustic charm to your table. Drizzle a bit of extra maple syrup or a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top for festive flair and added indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining Cranberry Apple Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container in your refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for quick weekday meals or an easy holiday side saved for later.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, scoop the cooled dish into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you thaw and reheat, the flavors remain vibrant, though the texture of the sweet potatoes will be slightly softer.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or simply microwave individual portions for a quick fix. If reheating from frozen, allow the dish to thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work wonderfully here and add that same tart burst of flavor. Just toss them in frozen with the rest of the ingredients — they’ll thaw and cook perfectly in the oven.

What can I use instead of pecans or walnuts?

If nuts aren’t your thing, you can skip them or try alternatives like sliced almonds, chopped pistachios, or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for added texture and nutrition.

How important is it to grease the baking dish?

It’s very important to grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray because it prevents the natural sugars from sticking and helps achieve the perfect baked texture without any frustration when serving.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, just swap the butter for coconut oil or your favorite plant-based oil. The maple syrup and spices remain the same, keeping the dish sweet and flavorful.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the dish a day ahead, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it directly from the refrigerator—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Apple Sweet Potatoes dish is such a heartwarming, flavorful side that’s easy to make and bursting with festive spirit. Don’t forget to grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prep your pan perfectly for this recipe that will quickly become one of your favorites. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do — it’s pure, cozy comfort in every bite!

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