A Brief History of Holiday Sweet Potato Dishes
Sweet potatoes have long been a staple of Southern cooking and were introduced to holiday tables in the U.S. during the 1800s. Their natural sweetness made them a favorite for festive meals, often paired with pecans, cranberries, or marshmallows. By the 20th century, sweet potato casseroles became a Thanksgiving tradition, evolving into creative medleys with seasonal vegetables and fruits. This dish celebrates the harvest season, blending flavors from Native American, Southern, and European culinary traditions.
Thanksgiving Sweet Potato, Cranberry & Green Bean Medley – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Thanksgiving Sweet Potato, Cranberry & Green Bean Medley is hearty, colorful, and full of fall flavor. The creamy sweet potatoes pair beautifully with tart cranberries, crisp green beans, and a crunchy pecan topping for a side dish that feels both comforting and festive. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas, it adds warmth and seasonal flair to your holiday menu while offering a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.
Ingredients
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4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
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1/4 cup butter, melted
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/4 tsp nutmeg
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1 tsp salt
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1 cup fresh or frozen green beans, blanched
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1/2 cup dried cranberries
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1/2 cup chopped pecans
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2 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium baking dish.
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Boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender (15 minutes), then drain and mash with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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Fold in green beans and cranberries. Spread mixture evenly in baking dish.
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In a small bowl, toss pecans with maple syrup, then sprinkle on top of casserole.
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Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, until pecans are toasted and top is golden.
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Serve warm as a side dish.
Notes
Use fresh cranberries for a more tart flavor
Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if desired
Make ahead: prepare the casserole without pecans, refrigerate overnight, then bake with topping before serving
FAQ
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sweet potato base and refrigerate overnight. Add the pecan topping just before baking.
2. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberries will add a more tart, vibrant flavor—just reduce the amount slightly to balance sweetness.
3. How do I keep green beans from getting mushy?
Blanch green beans for 3 minutes in boiling water, then plunge into ice water. This keeps them crisp and bright when baked
