Baked Sweet Potatoes and Apples

Baked Sweet Potatoes and Apples are the perfect side dish for any Thanksgiving dinner table.  I’m going to be totally honest I love Thanksgiving for all of the side dishes and I know I’m not alone! Which is why I don’t mess around when it comes to sides.  The hardest part is deciding which ones to make!  This recipe comes together so easily and bakes up in less than an hour.  You should definitely consider this for one of your sides this year!  

I first started making this dish back when I was still in college.  Then at some point, my mom started making it and it became the dish she always made.  The recipe has been passed around from friends to family because it’s so simple and delicious my family has been enjoying it for over 20 years!  

Here’s what you need to make this recipe:

First, it’s important that you pick up sweet potatoes and not yams.  There is a difference and if you’re interested in reading about it check out this post Sweet Potato Puree where I explain it in more detail.  

Fresh sweet potatoes have a reddish brown skin and the inside is a bright orange.  They cook up similar to a russet potato and are slightly sweet.  You’re going to need about 2 pounds of sweet potatoes.  This recipe is forgiving and it doesn’t have to be exact amount.  If fresh sweet potatoes are not available to you, you could try using canned ones.  I know my mom has used them in the past and the recipe still turns out great.

Next, you’re going to need 2 Granny Smith apples.  You’ll peel and slice them up.  In addition, you are also going to need butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and granola.  Feel free to use any granola that you like.  It can have nuts in it or not.  It’s entirely up to you.  Just pick one that fits with the flavors in the dish.   

How to make Baked Sweet Potatoes and Apples:

To begin with, you need to peel and cut the sweet potatoes and apples.  I like to cut the sweet potatoes in half moon shaped and slice the apples.  You can play around with the cut, just try to make them about the same size so they cook evenly.  Also but be sure not to cut them too thick or thin.  

After that, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg until fully combined.  Now it’s time to assemble this dish.  First, start by layering sweet potatoes on the bottom.  Second, sprinkle some salt and about half of the sugar mixture over the top of the sweet potatoes.  Third, layer half of the apples and top with some butter.  To sum up, you’ll repeat with one more layer of sweet potatoes, apples, butter, and finish with the sugar mixture and remaining 2 tablespoons of the butter.

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You need to bake this covered for 25 minutes.  After 25 minutes, uncover the dish and spoon the liquid from the bottom of the dish all over the potatoes and apples.  This step is important as is helps the sweet potatoes and apples not dry out.

After you are done basting, sprinkle the granola over the top and return the dish to the oven. Finally, continue baking for about 35 minuted until the sweet potatoes are fork tender.  Keep an eye on the dish making sure the granola doesn’t get too brown or burn. Moreover, you only need to bake it until the potatoes are fork tender. Therefore, if they are done early feel free to take it out because

FAQ’s

• I can’t find fresh sweet potatoes. Would it be ok to use the kind in a can? Yes! The canned kind work just fine. It won’t take as long to cook because the canned sweet potatoes are softer and often come in juice or syrup.
• If I don’t add the granola will the dish still turn out ok? Yes, it will be delicious. It won’t have the crunchy texture that the granola adds, but the flavor of the dish will still be the same!
• I really missed having marshmallows on top of the sweet potatoes. Do you think I can add them anyways? Funny you should ask! My mom has added marshmallows in the past for the kids and it turns out great. Add them when you add the granola.