Holiday Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Burrata, Fig Jam & Rosemary Pesto

As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing more satisfying than a dish that combines festive flavors, comfort, and a touch of elegance. Holiday Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Burrata, Fig Jam & Rosemary Pesto is the perfect holiday-ready recipe that delivers all three. Roasted sweet potatoes serve as a naturally sweet and hearty base, which is then stuffed with creamy burrata cheese, layered with a rich, sweet fig jam, and finished off with a fragrant rosemary pesto. The result is a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and herbaceous flavors that are sure to wow your guests.

This dish is not only stunning in presentation, but it’s also packed with holiday charm. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian main course, a creative side dish, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these stuffed sweet potatoes offer versatility and flavor in every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rosemary Pesto:

• 1/2 cup fresh rosemary leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 2 balls of burrata cheese (about 8 oz)
• 1/4 cup fig jam
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Preparation:

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Wash the sweet potatoes and pierce them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during roasting.
3. Rub each sweet potato with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place them on the baking sheet.
4. Roast the sweet potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until they are soft and tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Make the Rosemary Pesto

1. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the rosemary pesto. In a food processor, combine fresh rosemary leaves, parsley, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
2. Pulse the mixture until the ingredients are finely chopped.
3. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the food processor is running, followed by the lemon juice. Blend until the pesto is smooth and well-combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little more olive oil or a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Fig Jam

1. If you’re using store-bought fig jam, no preparation is necessary. However, if you’d like to make your own fig jam, simply simmer fresh figs with a bit of honey and water for about 10-15 minutes until they break down into a thick, sweet sauce.
2. Set aside to cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

1. Once the sweet potatoes are roasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
2. Slice each sweet potato open lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. Gently press the sides of the sweet potatoes to create space for the filling.
3. Tear the burrata into pieces and stuff it into the sweet potatoes, allowing the creamy cheese to melt slightly over the warm flesh of the potatoes.
4. Drizzle each stuffed sweet potato with a generous amount of fig jam, spreading it evenly across the burrata.

Step 5: Finish with Rosemary Pesto

1. Spoon the rosemary pesto over the fig jam and burrata, letting the herbaceous flavor of the pesto contrast with the sweetness of the jam.
2. For an extra festive touch, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve immediately while the sweet potatoes are still warm, and enjoy the combination of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors that create the perfect holiday dish.

Cooking Notes:

• Sweet potato size: Make sure to select medium to large sweet potatoes for this recipe. If they are too small, it can be difficult to stuff them adequately.
• Pesto flexibility: If rosemary is too strong for your taste, you can balance the flavor by increasing the parsley. Rosemary’s distinct taste is ideal for the holidays, but adjust according to your preference.
• Burrata: Burrata offers a rich, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the jam. If burrata is unavailable, fresh mozzarella or even ricotta can serve as a substitute, though burrata’s decadent creaminess is hard to match.

Serving Suggestions:

This dish is ideal as a festive holiday main course for vegetarians, but it also makes a wonderful side dish for roasted meats, such as turkey, chicken, or ham. Pair it with a crisp winter salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded, seasonal meal. The combination of the sweet potatoes with the richness of the burrata, the sweetness of the fig jam, and the herbaceous rosemary pesto makes this dish perfect for any holiday table.

For an extra touch, consider serving these sweet potatoes with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds to add a burst of color and tartness.

Tips:

• Prep ahead: You can make the rosemary pesto and fig jam (if homemade) up to 2 days in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and simply reheat the sweet potatoes before assembling.
• Pesto leftovers: The rosemary pesto is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a spread on sandwiches, a sauce for pasta, or even as a dip for vegetables.
• Serving size: Depending on the size of your sweet potatoes, one potato could serve as a full meal or be split in half to serve as a side dish for two people.

Prep Time:

• 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 45-60 minutes

Total Time:

• 1 hour 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 9g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fiber: 6g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 38g

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Conclusion:

Holiday Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Burrata, Fig Jam & Rosemary Pesto is the ultimate holiday dish, combining seasonal flavors into a cohesive and delicious meal. The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, combined with the creamy burrata, the rich fig jam, and the bold rosemary pesto, creates a symphony of flavors that’s sure to impress your guests. This dish is perfect for both casual holiday dinners and more formal celebrations. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a creative, vegetarian-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or festivity.

The balance between sweet and savory is what makes this recipe truly stand out, and the luxurious texture of the burrata ties everything together. This dish will quickly become a staple at your holiday table, whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet dinner with family. The rosemary pesto brings in a fresh, aromatic flavor that’s distinctly holiday-inspired, making this dish a celebration of the season’s best ingredients.

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