Roast Turkey and Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

The Cozy Roast Turkey and Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Stuffed sweet potatoes with roast turkey and cranberry dance between comfort and excitement on your dinner plate.

Seasonal ingredients merge into a delightful culinary adventure that breaks traditional meal boundaries.

Mediterranean herbs and robust flavors create an unexpected harmony in this hearty dish.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of tender turkey and caramelized sweet potato goodness.

Crisp cranberries add a tangy brightness that cuts through the rich, savory elements.

Nutritious and satisfying, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

Reasons To Love Roast Turkey And Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

  • Revamp Thanksgiving Leftovers: Transform traditional holiday remains into a mouthwatering meal that brings new life to roasted turkey and sweet potatoes.
  • Quick Comfort Food Makeover: Create a satisfying one-dish wonder that combines protein, vegetables, and festive flavors in a single, hearty serving.
  • Nutrient-Packed Meal Solution: Enjoy a balanced dish loaded with vitamins from sweet potatoes, protein from turkey, and crunch from pecans, making it a wholesome choice for health-conscious eaters.
  • Simple Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family and friends with a gourmet-looking recipe that requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum flavor with minimal ingredients.

What You’ll Need For Roast Turkey And Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Main Ingredients:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Hearty and nutritious root vegetables that serve as the base for this stuffed dish.
  • Roast Turkey: Tender, cooked meat that provides protein and rich flavor to the stuffing.
  • Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tangy condiment that adds a festive touch to the recipe.
Nuts and Herbs:
  • Pecans, Parsley: Chopped nuts add crunch and earthy flavor, while fresh parsley brings brightness and herbal notes.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.

Step By Step Guide To Roast Turkey And Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C), getting ready for some delicious cooking action.

Step 2: Prepare Sweet Potatoes

Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and give them a few gentle pokes with a fork. Spread them out on a baking sheet and slide them into the hot oven. Roast for 45-50 minutes until they’re soft and tender.

Step 3: Create Sweet Potato Boats

Carefully slice the roasted sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Gently scoop out some of the inner flesh, creating cozy little boats ready to be filled with yummy goodness.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine your ingredients:
  • Shredded cooked turkey
  • Cranberry sauce
  • Chopped pecans
  • Fresh parsley

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to boost the flavor.

Step 5: Stuff the Sweet Potato Boats

Generously fill each sweet potato half with the turkey mixture, making sure every boat gets an equal amount of deliciousness.

Step 6: Final Bake

Pop the stuffed sweet potatoes back into the oven for 10 more minutes. This will help marry all the flavors and warm everything through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece and serve these stuffed sweet potatoes hot. Get ready for a flavor explosion that combines sweet, savory, and totally irresistible tastes!

Helpful Tips For Roast Turkey And Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

  • Prick sweet potatoes thoroughly to allow steam to escape and prevent potential explosions during roasting.
  • Choose leftover roasted turkey or rotisserie chicken as a time-saving alternative for the recipe.
  • Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds if pecans aren't available or preferred.
  • Swap cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries or a homemade compote for a more vibrant flavor profile.
  • Make the dish vegetarian by replacing turkey with roasted chickpeas or plant-based protein crumbles for added texture.

Creative Twists For Roast Turkey And Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

  • Thanksgiving Turkey Remix: Swap roasted turkey with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick weeknight version.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Replace cranberry sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired profile.
  • Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute turkey with black beans or lentils and add smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced green chiles, swap pecans for cilantro, and top with a dollop of sour cream for a zesty southwestern feel.

Best Pairings With Roast Turkey And Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Pinot Noir or Syrah that complements the rich turkey and sweet potato flavors, enhancing the meal's earthy and slightly tangy profile.
  • Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the hearty stuffed sweet potatoes, adding freshness and cutting through the richness.
  • Match with Herb-Infused Sparkling Water: Prepare a sparkling water with rosemary or thyme sprigs to provide a refreshing and aromatic beverage that cleanses the palate between bites.
  • Create Cranberry Cocktail Companion: Mix a cranberry-based cocktail with vodka or gin, garnished with fresh cranberries, to echo the dish's fruity notes and provide a festive drink option.

Proper Storage For Roast Turkey And Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

  • Transfer leftover stuffed sweet potatoes to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
  • Wrap individual stuffed sweet potato halves in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Place stuffed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roast Turkey And Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

  • Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for using leftover roasted or grilled turkey from a previous meal. Simply shred or chop the turkey meat and mix it with the other filling ingredients.

  • Are pecans necessary for the recipe?

No, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, or omit them entirely if you have a nut allergy or preference. The nuts add a nice crunch and texture to the dish.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make it healthier, use lean turkey meat, reduce the amount of cranberry sauce, and choose a low-sugar cranberry sauce option. You can also add more herbs or spices for extra flavor without adding calories.

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Roast Turkey and Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Roast Turkey and Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe


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4.9 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 65-70 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Festive roast turkey and cranberry stuffed sweet potatoes bring comfort and holiday cheer to family gatherings. Hearty flavors meld perfectly, offering a delightful twist on traditional seasonal fare you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded

Vegetables and Starch:

  • 2 sweet potatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Toppings and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Pierce sweet potatoes thoroughly with a fork to allow steam to escape during roasting.
  3. Roast sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes until they yield easily when gently pressed.
  4. Remove potatoes from oven and carefully slice each in half lengthwise.
  5. Using a spoon, gently excavate the interior, creating a hollow space for the stuffing while leaving a sturdy potato shell.
  6. Combine shredded roasted turkey with cranberry sauce in a mixing bowl.
  7. Fold chopped pecans and finely minced parsley into the turkey mixture.
  8. Season the filling with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even distribution.
  9. Generously spoon the turkey-cranberry mixture into each potato half, mounding slightly.
  10. Return stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until filling is heated through and edges are lightly crisp.
  11. Transfer to serving plates, garnish with extra parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Optimize roasting by choosing sweet potatoes of similar size for even cooking and consistent texture.
  • Select leftover roasted turkey or rotisserie chicken as a quick alternative to freshly cooked turkey for convenient meal preparation.
  • Transform this recipe into a vegetarian option by replacing turkey with roasted chickpeas or black beans for protein-rich substitution.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or sage to complement the cranberry and turkey combination.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 415 kcal
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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