Mediterranean Cranberry Apple Sweet Potatoes
Total Time: 40 minutes (15 minutes prep | 25 minutes cook)
Servings: 4
If you’re looking for a side dish that perfectly captures the balance between sweet and savory, this Mediterranean Cranberry Apple Sweet Potatoes recipe is exactly that. It’s warm, colorful, and full of fall-inspired flavors, yet it carries that Mediterranean simplicity—fresh ingredients, olive oil, and a natural sweetness from fruit instead of heavy sauces or added sugar.
This dish combines roasted sweet potatoes, juicy apples, and tart cranberries into one harmonious bite. The sweet potatoes roast to caramelized perfection, while the apples soften slightly, adding freshness and a touch of acidity. Cranberries bring brightness and a bit of tang that complements everything beautifully. For a nutty crunch, chopped pecans on top add just the right texture contrast.
Ingredients
Produce:
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 medium apples, chopped (Honeycrisp or Fuji work best)
½ cup fresh or dried cranberries
1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
Pantry/Spices:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Toppings (optional):
¼ cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil for easy cleanup.
Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Chop the apples into similar-sized chunks so they cook evenly. If you’re using broccoli, cut it into small florets.
Season the Mix
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, apples, cranberries, and (if using) broccoli florets.
Drizzle with olive oil, then add brown sugar or maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Toss everything well to ensure the seasoning coats each piece evenly.
You’re looking for a balance—sweet from the maple syrup and apples, warm spice from the cinnamon, and a hint of salt to pull it all together.
Roast Until Tender
Spread the mixture in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; this allows the sweet potatoes to roast instead of steam.
Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. The sweet potatoes should be tender inside and caramelized at the edges, while the apples should be soft but not mushy.
If using fresh cranberries, they’ll burst slightly and create a tangy glaze. Dried cranberries will plump up and become chewy.
Add the Finishing Touches
Once roasted, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped pecans for crunch.
For an extra Mediterranean touch, drizzle with a tiny bit of extra virgin olive oil or even a light balsamic glaze before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish with grilled chicken, salmon, or turkey—or enjoy it as a vegetarian main dish with a dollop of Greek yogurt or feta on top.
Tips:
Cut evenly: Keep the sweet potatoes and apples about the same size so they cook at the same rate.
Use parchment paper: It helps with crisping and prevents sticking.
Add cranberries at the right time: If using fresh cranberries, add them halfway through roasting to avoid burning.
Mix it up halfway: Stirring halfway ensures the pieces caramelize evenly without overbrowning on one side.
Taste for balance: Before roasting, sample a piece of apple with the seasoning—if it tastes balanced between sweet and savory, your dish will turn out perfectly.
Variations:
Add protein: Toss in chickpeas or crumbled feta to make it a more filling main dish.
Use different fruit: Try pears instead of apples for a softer, more floral flavor.
Make it savory: Skip the brown sugar and add garlic powder, smoked paprika, and thyme for a Mediterranean savory version.
Boost greens: Mix in spinach or kale after roasting while the tray is still hot; they’ll wilt slightly and add freshness.
For extra sweetness: Add a drizzle of honey or pomegranate molasses right before serving.
Vegan option: Use maple syrup instead of honey, and top with toasted nuts or seeds instead of cheese.
Add cheese: Feta or goat cheese crumbles add a creamy, tangy finish that balances the sweetness.
Holiday twist: Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme before roasting for festive aroma and depth.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Roast everything a few hours in advance and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes before serving. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits.
Q: Can I skip the cranberries?
A: Absolutely. You can substitute raisins, chopped dried apricots, or even pomegranate seeds for a different kind of sweetness and color.
Q: What’s the best apple to use?
A: Firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the potatoes nicely.
Q: Can I air-fry this recipe?
A: Yes! Roast in an air fryer at 380°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You might need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Q: How do I make it more savory for dinner?
A: Replace the brown sugar with a drizzle of olive oil and add garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs like thyme or oregano. It pairs beautifully with grilled fish or chicken.
Q: Can I serve this cold?
A: Definitely. It’s delicious as a chilled salad the next day—just toss with some greens, nuts, and a little lemon vinaigrette.
Nutrition
(Per Serving)
Calories: ~260
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: ~180mg
(Values vary based on portion size and ingredients used.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Cranberry Apple Sweet Potatoes dish is a vibrant, feel-good recipe that brings together comfort and nourishment in one bowl. Every bite combines the earthy sweetness of roasted potatoes, the crisp freshness of apples, and the bright tartness of cranberries. It’s hearty without being heavy and sweet without being cloying—exactly what Mediterranean-inspired cooking is all about.
Whether it’s gracing your holiday table or rounding out a weeknight dinner, this dish delivers warmth, balance, and color. The pecans add that final crunch, while the spices create a cozy aroma that feels like home.