Name: Cranberry Apple Sweet Potato Packet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium sweet potatoes; 2 apples; ½ cup cranberries; ½ cup brown sugar; 3 tbsp butter; ½ tsp ground cinnamon

This delightful cranberry apple sweet potato packet is a perfect blend of fall flavors, combining the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes, tart apples, and juicy cranberries. Wrapped in foil and baked or grilled to perfection, this dish is both easy to prepare and a treat for the taste buds.

cranberry apple sweet potato packet recipe

Photos of Cranberry Apple Sweet Potato Packet Recipe

While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common, you might need to make a special trip for fresh cranberries. They add a unique tartness that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. If cranberries are out of season, you can look for frozen ones in the supermarket.

Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Sweet Potato Packet

Sweet potatoes: The base of the dish, providing a natural sweetness and hearty texture.

Apples: Add a fresh, crisp flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes.

Cranberries: Offer a tart contrast to the sweetness, making the dish more complex.

Brown sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the fruits and vegetables.

Butter: Adds richness and helps meld the flavors together.

Ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, comforting spice to the dish.

One reader, Aaren Hostetler says:

This cranberry apple sweet potato packet recipe is a delightful blend of flavors. The sweetness of the apples and brown sugar perfectly complements the tart cranberries and tender sweet potatoes. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, it's a must-try for any occasion!

Aaren Hostetler

Techniques for Making Cranberry Apple Sweet Potato Packets

How to preheat oven: Set your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to reach the desired temperature before placing the food inside. How to center ingredients on foil: Place the sweet potatoes, apples, and cranberries in the middle of a sheet of Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil to ensure even cooking. How to combine butter and cinnamon: Melt the butter and mix it with ground cinnamon until well combined. How to fold foil packet: Bring up the sides of the foil and double fold the top and ends to seal, leaving room for heat circulation inside. How to bake on a cookie sheet: Place the foil packet on a cookie sheet or in a 13x9x2-inch dish before baking. How to grill with foil packet: Place the foil packet on a covered grill set to medium-high heat and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender.

How To Make Cranberry Apple Sweet Potato Packet

This sweet potato packet is filled with fall fruits- cranberry and apple. You can grill or bake it with some butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4mediumsweet potatoes,peeled and cut into ¼-inch slices
2apples,(granny smith or golden delicious), cored, thinly sliced into rings
½cupcranberries,or raisins, dried
½cupbrown sugar,packed
3tbspbutter,or margarine, melted
½tspground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F or grill to medium-high.
Center sweet potatoes, apples and cranberries on sheet of Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil. Sprinkle with brown sugar.
Combine butter and cinnamon; drizzle over brown sugar.
Bring up foil sides. Double fold top and ends to seal making one large foil packet, leaving room for heat circulation inside.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes on a cookie sheet or in a 13x9x2-inch dish OR grill for 20 to 25 minutes in covered grill until sweet potatoes are tender.

Nutrition

Calories: 249.19kcal
Fat: 7.10g
Saturated Fat: 4.42g
Trans Fat: 0.28g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.80g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.32g
Carbohydrates: 46.76g
Fiber: 5.51g
Sugar: 26.43g
Protein: 1.97g
Cholesterol: 18.32mg
Sodium: 63.17mg
Calcium: 53.13mg
Potassium: 460.18mg
Iron: 0.88mg
Vitamin A: 798.19µg
Vitamin C: 7.32mg

Helpful Technique for Preparing Sweet Potato Packets

To ensure even cooking and enhance the flavors, cut the sweet potatoes and apples into uniform pieces. This allows them to cook at the same rate and ensures that every bite has a balanced mix of sweetness and tenderness.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Sweet Potato Recipe

Pre-cut ingredients: Chop sweet potatoes, apples, and measure out cranberries in advance to save time during assembly.

Use pre-made foil packets: Prepare the foil packets ahead of time, so you only need to fill and seal them when ready to cook.

Melt butter in microwave: Quickly melt the butter in the microwave and mix with cinnamon to save time on the stovetop.

Batch cooking: Make multiple packets at once and store them in the fridge for easy reheating throughout the week.

Substitute Ingredients For Cranberry Apple Sweet Potato Packet Recipe

sweet potatoes - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash has a similar sweetness and texture when cooked, making it a good alternative.
apples - Substitute with pears: Pears offer a similar sweetness and texture, and they pair well with the other ingredients.
cranberries - Substitute with dried cherries: Dried cherries provide a similar tartness and sweetness, making them a suitable replacement.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the other flavors.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and richness, with a subtle coconut flavor that can enhance the dish.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other warm spices, adding a complex flavor profile.

Presentation Ideas for Cranberry Apple Sweet Potato Packets

Use elegant plating: Arrange the sweet potatoes, apples, and cranberries in a visually appealing manner, creating a layered effect that showcases the vibrant colors of each ingredient.
Incorporate texture: Add a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy contrast to the tender sweet potatoes and apples.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Finish with a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to add a touch of green and a hint of herbal aroma.
Drizzle with sauce: Create a light maple syrup glaze by combining maple syrup and a bit of butter. Drizzle it over the dish just before serving for added sweetness and shine.
Serve on fine china: Present the dish on a white porcelain plate to make the colors pop and give it a refined, sophisticated look.
Add a side of crème fraîche: Place a small dollop of crème fraîche or Greek yogurt on the side to provide a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the dish.
Highlight seasonal elements: Emphasize the seasonal nature of the ingredients by adding a small, decorative element like a mini pumpkin or gourd on the plate.
Use microgreens: Scatter a few microgreens around the plate for an additional touch of elegance and a pop of fresh flavor.
Create height: Stack the sweet potatoes and apples slightly to add dimension and height to the presentation, making the dish look more dynamic.
Finish with a dusting of cinnamon: Lightly dust the entire plate with ground cinnamon to enhance the aroma and tie all the flavors together.

Essential Tools for Making Sweet Potato Packets

Oven: Used to bake the foil packet at a high temperature to ensure the sweet potatoes become tender.
Grill: An alternative to the oven, used to cook the foil packet, imparting a slightly smoky flavor.
Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil: Essential for creating the foil packet that holds all the ingredients together and allows for even cooking.
Cookie sheet: Provides a stable surface for the foil packet when baking in the oven.
13x9x2-inch dish: An alternative to the cookie sheet, used to hold the foil packet in the oven.
Knife: Used to peel and cut the sweet potatoes and apples into appropriate sizes.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the sweet potatoes and apples.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the cranberries and brown sugar accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the ground cinnamon and butter accurately.
Small bowl: Used to combine the butter and cinnamon before drizzling over the ingredients.
Spoon: Used to drizzle the butter and cinnamon mixture over the brown sugar.
Tongs: Useful for handling the hot foil packet when removing it from the oven or grill.

Storing and Freezing Cranberry Apple Sweet Potato Packets

Let the sweet potato packets cool completely before storing or freezing.
For short-term storage, place the cooled packets in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, simply place the packets in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
For longer storage, freeze the cooled packets in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen packets, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the oven as mentioned above.
Alternatively, you can remove the sweet potato mixture from the foil and transfer it to a freezer-safe container before freezing. This allows you to reheat the mixture in smaller portions as needed.
When reheating frozen sweet potatoes, you may need to add a little bit of water or butter to help restore the moisture and prevent them from drying out.
Label the stored or frozen packets with the date to keep track of their freshness.

Reheating Leftover Cranberry Apple Sweet Potato Packets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cranberry apple sweet potato packet on a baking sheet and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method will help to crisp up the sweet potatoes and revive the flavors of the apples and cranberries.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can use the microwave. Transfer the contents of the foil packet to a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are heated through and the apples and cranberries are warm.
For a stovetop option, empty the contents of the foil packet into a skillet or saucepan. Add a splash of water or apple juice to help steam the ingredients and prevent sticking. Cover the pan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes, apples, and cranberries are heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat the leftover cranberry apple sweet potato packet in it for a crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the foil packet in the basket, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a unique twist, try repurposing the leftovers into a sweet potato hash. Chop up the reheated sweet potatoes, apples, and cranberries, and sauté them in a skillet with a little butter or olive oil until crispy and golden brown. Serve as a side dish or top with a fried egg for a delicious breakfast.

Interesting Fact About Cranberry Apple Sweet Potato Packets

A fun fact about this recipe is that the combination of sweet potatoes, apples, and cranberries not only creates a delightful flavor profile but also provides a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants, making it a nutritious and delicious dish.

Budget-Friendly: Making Cranberry Apple Sweet Potato Packets at Home

This cranberry apple sweet potato packet recipe is quite cost-effective. The main ingredients, sweet potatoes, apples, and cranberries, are generally affordable, especially when bought in season. The addition of brown sugar and butter adds a touch of indulgence without breaking the bank. Overall, this recipe scores a solid 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. For a household of 4 people, the approximate cost would be around $10-$12 USD, making it a budget-friendly option for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Is This Sweet Potato Recipe Healthy?

This cranberry apple sweet potato packet recipe is a delightful blend of flavors, but it does have some aspects that could be improved to make it healthier. The recipe includes nutrient-rich ingredients like sweet potatoes, apples, and cranberries, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, the addition of brown sugar and butter increases the calorie and fat content, making it less healthy overall.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of brown sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in a smaller quantity
Use a smaller amount of butter or substitute it with a healthier alternative like coconut oil or olive oil
Add more fiber-rich fruits like pears or raspberries to increase the nutritional value
Sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added protein and healthy fats
Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger to enhance the flavor without relying on sugar

By incorporating these changes, you can create a more balanced and nutritious dish that still satisfies your taste buds. Remember, moderation is key, and enjoying this treat occasionally as part of a well-rounded diet can be part of a healthy lifestyle.

Editor's Opinion on Cranberry Apple Sweet Potato Packets

This recipe beautifully combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and apples with the tartness of cranberries, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The brown sugar and cinnamon add a warm, comforting touch, while the butter ensures a rich, indulgent texture. Cooking in a foil packet locks in moisture and enhances the melding of flavors. It's a simple yet elegant dish perfect for both casual family dinners and festive occasions.

Enhance Your Cranberry Apple Sweet Potato Packet Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Imagine the earthy goodness of Brussels sprouts caramelized to perfection, drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. The slight bitterness of the sprouts contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cranberry apple sweet potato packet, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Garlic Herb Chicken Skewers: Picture succulent chicken pieces marinated in a blend of garlic and herbs, grilled to a golden brown. The savory and aromatic notes of the chicken provide a delightful counterpoint to the sweet and fruity elements of the main dish, making each bite a harmonious experience.

Quinoa and Kale Salad: Envision a vibrant quinoa and kale salad, tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The crunchy and fresh textures of the salad offer a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting flavors of the sweet potatoes and apples.

Butternut Squash Soup: Think of a creamy butternut squash soup, infused with hints of nutmeg and ginger. The rich and velvety texture of the soup complements the tenderness of the sweet potatoes in the packet, while the subtle spices enhance the overall flavor profile.

Maple Glazed Carrots: Visualize carrots roasted to a tender perfection, glazed with maple syrup and a touch of thyme. The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs seamlessly with the brown sugar and cinnamon in the cranberry apple sweet potato packet, creating a cohesive and delightful dining experience.

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Why trust this Cranberry Apple Sweet Potato Packet Recipe:

This recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and apples with the tartness of cranberries, creating a delightful balance of flavors. The addition of brown sugar and cinnamon enhances the dish with warm, comforting notes. Using Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil ensures even cooking and easy cleanup. The method is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Trust this recipe for a delicious, hassle-free meal that brings out the best in seasonal ingredients.

Share your thoughts on the Cranberry Apple Sweet Potato Packet Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section and let us know if you have any tips or variations to enhance this delightful dish!

FAQ:

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?

You can tell the sweet potatoes are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. If you're grilling, they should also have a nice, slightly caramelized exterior.

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well. No need to thaw them; just toss them in with the other ingredients.

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

I like to use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold up well during cooking and add a nice tartness to balance the sweetness of the potatoes and brown sugar.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the foil packet a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before baking or grilling to ensure even cooking.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly.