A Historical Overview
Sweet potatoes and cranberries both hold deep ties to American food traditions. Indigenous peoples cultivated sweet potatoes long before European settlers arrived, and cranberries were often dried and preserved as a vital food source. Green beans became a popular garden vegetable in the 19th century, eventually finding their way into beloved holiday recipes. Over time, combining these three ingredients into one dish brought together sweet, tart, and savory flavors—perfect for the communal spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Sweet Potato, Cranberry, and Green Bean Medley – Easy & Delicious Homemade Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Thanksgiving Sweet Potato, Cranberry, and Green Bean Medley is festive, creamy, and bursting with seasonal flavors. The sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes, the tart pop of cranberries, and the crisp freshness of green beans make this dish a colorful addition to any holiday spread. Topped with crunchy pecans, it’s a crowd-pleasing side dish that feels both traditional and unique. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any fall celebration, this medley brings comfort and elegance to your table.
Ingredients
-
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
-
2 cups green beans, trimmed and blanched
-
1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
-
½ cup pecans, toasted and chopped
-
3 tbsp butter
-
2 tbsp maple syrup
-
1 tsp cinnamon
-
½ tsp nutmeg
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
-
Spread mashed sweet potatoes into a baking dish.
-
Evenly layer green beans and cranberries over the top.
-
Sprinkle with toasted pecans.
-
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until warmed through and golden on top.
-
Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds.
Use dried cranberries if fresh aren’t available.
For extra flavor, add a drizzle of orange juice before baking.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the mashed sweet potato base up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge, then assemble with green beans, cranberries, and pecans before baking.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely. Use plant-based butter or olive oil in place of dairy butter, and the dish will be completely vegan-friendly.
3. What other toppings can I use besides pecans?
Try walnuts, sliced almonds, or even pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option. A sprinkle of crispy fried onions also adds a fun twist.
