Name: Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: A Cozy Fall Feast!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: PT-491941H39M48S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium sweet potatoes; 2 apples, diced (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji); 1 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional); Extra butter or maple syrup for topping

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Tired of bland, uninspiring fall side dishes that leave your taste buds wanting more? When the autumn chill sets in, nothing satisfies quite like a perfectly baked sweet potato but why settle for ordinary when extraordinary is within reach?

These Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes deliver warm, comforting flavors that will transform your dinner table into a cozy fall retreat.

The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes combined with cinnamon-spiced apples creates a harmonious blend that celebrates autumn’s bounty.

At Cooks Foody, our culinary journey began with simple dishes like these ones that Elizabeth would prepare during crisp Texas evenings when comfort food called.

What started in her Austin kitchen has become a favorite across our community of home cooks who appreciate dishes that are both approachable and impressive.

In this guide, you’ll discover the secrets to perfectly roasted sweet potatoes, learn how to create a delectable apple filling, explore serving suggestions, and find answers to common questions to ensure your Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes turn out perfectly every time.

Why These Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Work

Uses budget-friendly, seasonal ingredients available at any grocery store
Can be prepped ahead and baked just before serving
Works as both a striking side dish or satisfying vegetarian main course
Balances natural sweetness with warm fall spices
Provides a nutritious alternative to traditional holiday sides
Customizable to suit various dietary preferences

Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes for Apple Spiced Stuffing

Best Varieties for This Recipe

For the ultimate Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, look for Jewel or Garnet varieties. These sweet potatoes offer the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Their bright orange flesh becomes incredibly creamy when baked, creating the ideal vessel for our spiced apple filling.

Buying Tips

Select sweet potatoes of similar size for even cooking
Look for firm potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin
Avoid any with soft spots, cracks, or signs of sprouting
Medium-sized sweet potatoes (about 8-10 ounces each) work best for individual servings

Substitutions

If sweet potatoes aren’t available, you can substitute:

Regular baking potatoes (though the flavor profile will change)
Small butternut squash halves (adjust baking time accordingly)
Acorn squash halves (reduce cooking time by about 10 minutes)

Ingredients & Prep for Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: A Cozy Fall Feast!

Sweet Potato Prep Essentials

Before beginning, thoroughly wash and dry your sweet potatoes, removing any dirt. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. For extra flavor, lightly rub the skins with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt before baking.

Apple Filling Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes
2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work beautifully)
2 tablespoons butter or coconut oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of cloves
¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
2 tablespoons dried cranberries (optional)

Pantry Staples

Olive oil for rubbing potatoes
Sea salt
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Brown sugar or maple syrup

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Pre-Cooking Prep for Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat dry.
Pierce each potato 5-6 times with a fork.
Rub a light coating of olive oil over the skin and sprinkle with sea salt.
Place directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Cooking Method for Perfect Sweet Potatoes

Bake sweet potatoes for 45-60 minutes, depending on size, until completely tender when pierced with a knife.
While potatoes bake, prepare the apple filling: Peel, core, and dice apples into ½-inch cubes.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter or coconut oil.
Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender but still hold their shape.
If using, stir in chopped nuts and dried cranberries. Set aside.

Doneness Check for Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are done when:

A knife slides easily into the thickest part
The skin appears slightly wrinkled
They feel soft when gently squeezed (use an oven mitt!)
Internal temperature reaches 205°F if using a thermometer

Stuffing and Serving Sweet Potatoes

Remove baked sweet potatoes from the oven and let cool slightly.
Cut a slit lengthwise down the center of each potato.
Gently press the ends toward the center to open the potato.
Fluff the inside with a fork.
Divide the apple mixture between the sweet potatoes, spooning it into the center.
Return to the oven for 5 minutes if you prefer everything piping hot.

Looking for more delightful fall treats? Check out our Lemon Macarons for a bright contrast to these cozy sweet potatoes!

Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Avoiding Common Sweet Potato Mistakes

Don’t rush the baking process low and slow ensures creamy interiors
Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment to catch any sweet potato juices
For crispy skins, avoid wrapping potatoes in foil while baking
Ensure apples are cut uniformly for even cooking

Tool Recommendations

Sharp chef’s knife for slicing sweet potatoes
Vegetable peeler for apples
Heavy-bottomed skillet for cooking apple filling
Baking sheet with parchment paper
Instant-read thermometer (optional but helpful)

Storage & Reheating

Store assembled sweet potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes
For make-ahead prep, bake potatoes and prepare filling separately, then assemble just before serving

For another seasonal favorite, try our Candy Cane Brownie Bombs for your holiday dessert table!

Flavor Variations for Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet & Savory Twist

Transform this dish by adding a savory element:

Mix in 2 tablespoons of crumbled goat cheese
Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary to the apple mixture
Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving

Dietary Adaptations

Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter
Refined sugar-free: Use pure maple syrup instead of brown sugar
Nut-free: Skip the pecans and add pumpkin seeds instead

Global Flavor Inspirations

Region	Flavor Addition	Complementary Toppings
Mexican	Add a pinch of chili powder & cinnamon	Pepitas & lime zest
Indian	Stir in garam masala & cardamom	Coconut flakes
Middle Eastern	Mix with cardamom & rose water	Pistachios & pomegranate seeds
Nordic	Add cardamom & orange zest	Lingonberry jam

Serving Suggestions for Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

These Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes shine as part of a complete autumn meal. Consider serving alongside:

Roasted chicken with herbs
Sautéed greens with garlic
Mixed green salad with apple cider vinaigrette
Quinoa pilaf with dried fruits

For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle with:

Fresh pomegranate seeds
A dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut cream
Fresh thyme leaves
A light drizzle of honey or maple syrup

Discover more bright flavors to complement this dish with our Lemon Macarons recipe!

FAQs About Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Can I prepare these sweet potatoes in advance?
Yes! Bake the sweet potatoes and prepare the apple filling up to 2 days ahead. Store separately in the refrigerator, then reheat the potatoes, stuff with the apple filling, and warm in the oven for 10-15 minutes before serving.

What type of apples work best in this recipe?
Firm apples that hold their shape when cooked are ideal. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Pink Lady varieties all work wonderfully and provide a nice contrast to the soft sweet potatoes.

Can I make this in a microwave to save time?
While baking yields the best flavor and texture, you can microwave the sweet potatoes for 8-10 minutes (turning halfway) if you’re short on time. The apple filling should still be prepared on the stovetop.

How can I make this more substantial as a main dish?
Add protein by topping with black beans, chickpeas, or quinoa. You could also serve alongside a simple protein like grilled chicken or fish.

Looking for more seasonal treats? Our Candy Cane Brownie Bombs make a perfect holiday dessert!

Conclusion

These Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes capture the essence of fall in every bite warming spices, tender sweet potatoes, and perfectly cooked apples combine to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re serving them as a standout side for your holiday table or enjoying as a satisfying weeknight dinner, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Don’t forget to check out our vibrant collection of fall recipes on Pinterest for more inspiration to keep your autumn cooking exciting and delicious!

Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: A Cozy Fall Feast!