Mediterranean Holiday Harvest Sweet Potatoes Stuffed With Turkey, Cranberries, and Herb Butter Magic
Total time: About 55–65 minutes
Active prep: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
This dish takes classic holiday flavors and gives them a fresh Mediterranean twist. The sweet potatoes roast until soft and caramelized, then get filled with savory turkey, tangy cranberries, and silky herb butter. It’s hearty without being heavy and feels both rustic and elegant. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a holiday table.
Ingredients
Medium sweet potatoes: 4
Ground turkey: 1 lb
Dried cranberries: 1/2 cup
Herb butter: 2 tbsp (store-bought or homemade)
Salt and pepper: To taste
Optional add-ins:
A pinch of cinnamon, dried oregano, chopped parsley, walnuts, garlic powder, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.
Instructions
Roast the sweet potatoes
Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Rinse and dry the sweet potatoes.
Pierce each potato with a fork a few times.
Place on a baking tray and roast 45–55 minutes, or until soft when squeezed.
Cook the turkey filling
Warm a skillet over medium heat.
Add a splash of olive oil if your turkey is very lean.
Add the ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Stir in the dried cranberries and let them warm and plump for 1–2 minutes.
Add half of the herb butter and let it melt into the turkey mixture.
Assemble
Split the roasted sweet potatoes down the center.
Use a fork to gently fluff the inside.
Spoon the turkey-cranberry mixture on top.
Add a small pat of the remaining herb butter on each potato so it melts over the filling.
Serve
Top with a little cracked pepper or fresh herbs if you like. Serve warm.
Tips
Choose the right potatoes: Rounder, medium-sized sweet potatoes cook more evenly and hold their shape.
Don’t skip piercing: It keeps the potatoes from bursting.
Add flavor to the turkey: A pinch of cinnamon or dried oregano gives the filling a deeper Mediterranean vibe.
Boost texture: A handful of chopped nuts (walnuts or pistachios) adds crunch.
Make it creamier: Stir a spoonful of Greek yogurt into the turkey mixture after cooking.
Variations
Savory Herb Version
Add sautéed onions, celery, and garlic to the turkey. Finish with rosemary or thyme.
Sweet & Savory
Mix a teaspoon of honey into the turkey and cranberries.
Protein Swap
Use ground chicken, lamb, or a mix of turkey and mushrooms.
Mediterranean Power Bowl
Serve the stuffed potato alongside leafy greens, cucumber, and tahini dressing.
Cheesy Upgrade
Top with crumbled feta before serving.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Roast the potatoes and cook the turkey mixture, then store them separately. Assemble and warm before serving.
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries?
You can, but cook them for a few minutes with a teaspoon of sugar so they soften and lose their sharp bite.
Q: How do I make herb butter at home?
Blend softened butter with parsley, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Use olive oil in place of herb butter.
Nutrition
(per serving, approx.)
Calories: 380–420
Protein: 28–32g
Carbs: 40–48g
Fat: 10–14g
Fiber: 6–8g
Values will vary based on potato size and the type of herb butter.
Conclusion
These stuffed sweet potatoes bring together comfort, color, and flavor in one simple recipe. The sweet potato base, savory turkey, and bright cranberries make it feel festive, while the herb butter ties everything together with a warm richness. It’s easy enough for weeknights and special enough for a holiday spread.