The aroma of roasted sweet potatoes wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone weak at the knees. Imagine biting into a perfectly fluffy potato that’s been lovingly stuffed with creamy goodness and topped with a sprinkle of herbs—pure bliss! These Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes are not just a side dish; they’re a celebration of flavor that transforms any meal into a feast.
Now, let me take you back to the first time I made these scrumptious delights. Picture this: it was Thanksgiving, and I was in charge of bringing something other than that boring green bean casserole everyone dreads. As I pulled these golden beauties from the oven, my family gathered around, eyes wide and forks ready. The moment they took a bite, all I could hear was “Mmm” and “Wow!” Now that’s a Thanksgiving victory!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These twice baked sweet potatoes offer an effortless preparation method while being packed with flavor
- They’re visually stunning with their rich orange hue and green herb topping
- Perfect as a side or main dish during holidays or cozy dinners
- You can easily customize the filling based on your preferences or dietary needs
My sister-in-law still raves about them every year, which is why you’ll be hearing about these little gems today.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm ones with smooth skin for the best texture; medium-sized ones work great for baking.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds creaminess; feel free to substitute with olive oil for a healthier option.
- Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream gives the best taste; Greek yogurt can be used for a tangy twist.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully into the filling; mix it up with pepper jack for some heat.
- Green Onions: Fresh green onions add crunch and color; slice them thinly for an elegant touch.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all flavors; use sea salt for an extra burst of taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat & Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly and poke holes in them using a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.
Bake Those Potatoes!: Place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with foil to catch any drips. Bake for about 45-50 minutes until they’re tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.
Cool & Scoop: Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10-15 minutes. Carefully slice each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides into a mixing bowl, leaving just enough flesh in the skins.
Create That Filling!: In the mixing bowl, mash the scooped potato flesh together with butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined. Taste it—don’t be shy!
Stuff & Bake Again!: Spoon the luscious mixture back into each potato skin generously. Sprinkle additional cheese on top if you’re feeling indulgent! Return them to the oven for another 15-20 minutes until they’re heated through and slightly golden.
Serve & Enjoy!: Remove from oven and garnish with more green onions or even some crispy bacon bits if you’re feeling adventurous! Serve warm and watch as everyone goes back for seconds (or thirds).
With each step guiding you towards culinary success, you’ll find making these twice baked sweet potatoes is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding!
You Must Know
- Twice baked sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also versatile
- Their creamy interior and crispy skin make them perfect for any meal
- Plus, they can be customized with various toppings, making them a hit at any gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the sweet potatoes until tender, then scoop out the insides for mixing. This ensures even cooking and maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a unique twist on flavor. You can also swap in different cheeses or add nuts for crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect twice-baked texture, ensure your sweet potatoes are fully cooked before scooping them out
- Don’t overmix the filling; a little chunkiness adds character
- Consider topping with fresh herbs or breadcrumbs for added crunch and flavor
I remember the first time I made twice baked sweet potatoes for my family’s holiday dinner. The look on their faces when they took a bite was priceless; it became an instant tradition!
FAQ
What type of sweet potatoes are best for twice baked recipes?
Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes for the best texture and taste.
Can I make twice baked sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them a day before and reheat when ready to serve.
What toppings work well with twice baked sweet potatoes?
Top with sour cream, chives, bacon bits, or even marshmallows for a fun twist!
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes are a creamy, flavorful dish that elevates any meal. This easy recipe transforms sweet potatoes into an irresistible favorite, perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes
- Unsalted butter
- Sour cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Green onions
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash sweet potatoes and poke holes with a fork.
- Bake sweet potatoes on the oven rack or lined baking sheet for 45-50 minutes until tender.
- Let cool for 10-15 minutes, then slice in half and scoop out the insides into a bowl.
- Mash potato flesh with butter, sour cream, cheese, green onions, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Spoon filling back into potato skins and top with extra cheese if desired.
- Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until heated through and golden.
- Garnish with green onions or bacon bits before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed sweet potato half (105g)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Add spices like cinnamon or cayenne for a flavorful twist. Experiment with different cheeses or incorporate nuts for added texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days; reheat gently in the oven or microwave.