ย ย Looking for a delicious and creative way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers? This Roast Turkey and Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes recipe is the perfect solution. Each sweet potato is generously filled with seasoned turkey and topped with a tangy homemade cranberry sauce. The dish combines the rich flavors of roasted turkey, the natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes, and the festive touch of cranberry and pecans, making it a satisfying, healthy, and visually appealing meal. Whether youโre using Thanksgiving leftovers or starting from scratch, this recipe will bring the warmth of holiday flavors to your table.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes:
โข 3 large sweet potatoes
For the Turkey (if not using leftovers):
โข 2 lbs turkey breast, bone-in, skin-on
โข 1 teaspoon sea salt
โข ยฝ teaspoon ground black pepper
โข ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
โข ยฝ teaspoon onion powder
โข 1 teaspoon dried basil
โข 2 tablespoons lemon juice
โข 1 cup chicken broth
โข ยฝ cup water
For the Cranberry Sauce (if not using leftovers):
โข 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
โข Zest and juice of one large navel orange (add water to make 1 cup total)
โข โ
cup pure maple syrup
โข 1 teaspoon cinnamon
โข ยผ teaspoon salt
โข ยผ cup water
โข โ
cup pecans, chopped
Directions
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Roast them for 45-60 minutes, or until they become tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Prepare the Turkey:If youโre using leftover turkey, skip this step. Otherwise, prepare the turkey breast by rubbing it with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried basil. Place the seasoned turkey in a roasting pan, drizzle it with lemon juice, and pour in the chicken broth and water around the meat.
3. Roast the Turkey:Place the turkey breast in the preheated oven and roast for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC). Once cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
4. Prepare the Cranberry Sauce:While the turkey and sweet potatoes are roasting, make the cranberry sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice (with additional water to make 1 cup total), maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly.
5. Assemble the Stuffed Sweet Potatoes:Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and carefully slice them open. Use a fork to fluff the insides. Stuff each sweet potato with the sliced turkey and top generously with the cranberry sauce.
6. Add the Finishing Touches:Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of each stuffed sweet potato for added crunch and a rich, nutty flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Calories per Serving: 450 kcal
Servings: 6
Tips
โข Make Ahead: You can roast the turkey and make the cranberry sauce ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before using.
โข Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, replace the turkey with a plant-based protein like quinoa or lentils.
โข Leftover Cranberry Sauce: If you have extra cranberry sauce, it pairs wonderfully with desserts like pancakes or ice cream.
โข Turkey Alternatives: If you donโt have turkey, chicken works well in this recipe too.
Benefits
โข Nutritious Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy base for this dish.
โข Lean Protein: Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, perfect for post-holiday meals to help maintain balanced nutrition.
โข Rich in Fiber: Cranberries and sweet potatoes are high in fiber, aiding in digestion and providing long-lasting energy.
โข Immune Support: The combination of citrus from the orange, antioxidant-rich cranberries, and vitamin-rich sweet potatoes supports immune health, especially during the colder months.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked turkey for this recipe?Yes! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or any roasted turkey you have on hand. Simply skip the steps for cooking the turkey and focus on assembling the stuffed sweet potatoes.
2. Can I substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes?While you can use regular potatoes, the sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs exceptionally well with the tart cranberry sauce and savory turkey. Regular potatoes will change the flavor profile but are still a good option if you prefer them.
3. Can I freeze the stuffed sweet potatoes?Yes, you can freeze them! After assembling the stuffed sweet potatoes, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) until warmed through.
4. How can I make the cranberry sauce less tart?If you prefer a sweeter cranberry sauce, increase the amount of maple syrup or add a tablespoon of sugar to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
5. Can I use canned cranberry sauce?Yes, canned cranberry sauce works as a quick substitute if youโre short on time. However, homemade cranberry sauce adds a fresher and more vibrant flavor to the dish.
Conclusion
Roast Turkey and Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes offer a hearty and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving any time of year. The combination of sweet, savory, and tart creates a balanced and flavorful dish thatโs not only visually appealing but also nutritionally rich. Whether youโre reinventing leftovers or making everything from scratch, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Perfect for post-holiday meals or festive dinners, itโs a simple yet elegant way to enjoy comfort food at its finest.
