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As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, the flavors of autumn invite us to gather around the table and celebrate the season. One dish that perfectly captures the essence of fall is the Spiced Sweet Potato Bake, a delightful combination of sweetness and warmth. This recipe not only provides a burst of flavor but also highlights the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes, making it an ideal addition to your autumn gatherings. In this article, we will explore the ingredients, preparation steps, nutritional value, and serving suggestions for this comforting dish, ensuring that every bite brings a touch of harvest harmony to your table.

Harvest Harmony: Autumn-Inspired Spiced Sweet Potato Bake

A delightful side dish featuring spiced sweet potatoes, pecans, and cranberries.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 7

Ingredients
  

  • 4.0 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2.0 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.0 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 0.25 cup brown sugar or maple syrup
  • 0.5 cup pecans, chopped
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
  • 1.0 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • to taste pinch salt
  • to taste pinch pepper
  • as desired sprig fresh thyme or rosemary

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cayenne (if using), brown sugar (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper. Toss until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the mixture.
  • Layer the Ingredients: Transfer the spiced sweet potatoes into the prepared baking dish. Spread them out in an even layer to ensure they bake evenly.
  • Add Pecans and Cranberries: Sprinkle the chopped pecans and dried cranberries over the sweet potatoes for an added crunch and sweetness.
  • Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and lightly caramelized.
  • Final Touches: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Drizzle with vanilla extract and give it a gentle toss to combine all the flavors.
  • Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired. Serve warm as a delightful side dish for your autumn gatherings or a holiday feast.

Notes

Optional cayenne pepper for heat; garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary.
Keyword autumn, bake, sweet potato