Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed as a side dish with your favorite meats or transformed into a filling main course by adding additional toppings and fillings. The combination of the soft, sweet potato flesh with creamy butter, brown sugar, and spices creates a perfect balance of flavor, while the crispy skin adds a satisfying crunch. This dish is sure to impress guests and become a staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients

4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup sour cream (optional for topping)
Salt and pepper to taste
Milk or cream, as needed for consistency

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Initial Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Bake until tender, about 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling: Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer to maintain the skins’ structure. In a bowl, mash the sweet potato flesh with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. Add a splash of milk or cream if the mixture is too thick. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stuff the Skins: Spoon the mixture back into the sweet potato skins. If desired, top with a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle with additional brown sugar or cinnamon for extra flavor.
Final Bake: Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the tops are lightly browned and the filling is heated through.
Serve: Enjoy the twice baked sweet potatoes warm, with additional toppings if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Savory Options: Incorporate crispy bacon bits, sautéed onions, or shredded cheese into the filling for a savory twist.bacon bits, sautéed onions, or shred
Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter and milk, and skip any animal-based add-ins for a vegan-friendly version.
Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cumin, or smoked paprika for varied flavor profiles.
Toppings Galore: Top with marshmallows, pecans, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storing: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the prepared but unbaked stuffed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, then wrap individually and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, which preserves the texture better than a microwave.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, prepare through the first bake and stuff the potatoes, then refrigerate overnight and bake the second time before serving.

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are fully cooked?

They should be tender all the way through when pierced with a fork.

Can I use aluminum foil?

While not necessary, wrapping the sweet potatoes in foil during the first bake can help retain moisture.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes, by substituting dairy butter with plant-based butter and sour cream with a vegan alternative.

What can I top my twice-baked sweet potatoes with?

Try marshmallows, brown sugar, cinnamon, or even crumbled bacon for added texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the sweet potato skins from tearing?

Be gentle when scooping out the flesh and leave a thin margin to maintain the integrity of the skins.

Can I use sweet potato mash from a can?

It’s better to use fresh sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor, but canned mashed sweet potatoes can be used in a pinch.

Can I use a microwave to cook the sweet potatoes faster?

While the microwave will speed up the cooking time, baking the potatoes in the oven gives them a more flavorful and evenly cooked texture.

Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Yes, feel free to add sautéed spinach, carrots, or even roasted garlic to the filling for more flavor.

How do I know when to remove them from the oven?

The tops should be lightly browned, and the filling should be heated through when you remove them.

Conclusion

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and versatile dish that brings out the best in sweet potatoes. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for any occasion. With its creamy filling and crispy skin, it’s a comforting yet sophisticated choice for family dinners, holiday meals, or weeknight comfort food.