Roasted Sweet Potato Cranberry Bake
🛒 Ingredients
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Fresh rosemary, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
🍠 Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large bowl.
- Add olive oil, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss well until all the sweet potatoes are evenly coated.
🔥 Step 2: Roast
- Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking tray.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.
- Cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, golden brown, and slightly crispy around the edges.
🍒 Step 3: Add the Cranberries
- Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes to a baking dish.
- Add the dried cranberries and gently mix to combine.
🧀 Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
- Make sure the top is well covered for a delicious cheesy finish.
✨ Step 5: Bake Again
- Return the dish to the oven.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
🌿 Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Remove from the oven.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary.
- Serve warm as a comforting side dish or holiday favorite.
💪 Nutritional Benefits
- 🍠 Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants.
- 🍒 Dried cranberries provide antioxidants and natural sweetness.
- 🧀 Mozzarella cheese supplies protein and calcium.
- 🌿 Rosemary adds aroma and beneficial plant compounds.
- ❤️ A delicious balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries?
A: Yes, but they will have a more tart flavor than dried cranberries.
Q: What other cheeses can I use?
A: Gruyère, white cheddar, or fontina are excellent alternatives.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Roast the sweet potatoes in advance, then add the cranberries and cheese and bake just before serving.
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 40 minutes
⌛ Total Time: 50 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6 servings