Here’s a list of all the ingredients for **loaded twice-baked sweet potatoes**, formatted with SEO-friendly keywords to help you rank better for related searches:
- **Sweet potatoes** (4 medium-sized, organic for extra flavor)
- **Olive oil** (1 tablespoon, for roasting)
- **Sea salt** (1 teaspoon, for seasoning)
- **Black pepper** (½ teaspoon, freshly ground)
- **Unsalted butter** (2 tablespoons, softened)
- **Sour cream** (¼ cup, or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- **Cooked bacon** (4 slices, crumbled, or turkey bacon for a lighter version)
- **Green onions** (2 tablespoons, finely chopped, for garnish)
- **Garlic powder** (½ teaspoon, for added depth of flavor)
- **Paprika** (½ teaspoon, smoked paprika for a smoky twist)
- **Optional toppings**:
- **Chives** (for garnish)
- **Jalapeños** (sliced, for a spicy kick)
- **Ranch dressing** (drizzle, for extra creaminess)
This **loaded twice-baked sweet potatoes recipe** is perfect for a **healthy side dish**, **holiday dinner**, or **comfort food** option. Packed with **protein**, **fiber**, and **flavor**, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Steps
# How to Make Loaded Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Loaded twice-baked sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious side dish or main course that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with savory, cheesy toppings. Perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or meal prep, this recipe is easy to follow and packed with flavor. Below, we’ll walk you through the detailed steps to create this crowd-pleasing dish.
---
## **Ingredients for Loaded Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes**
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped chives, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce
---
## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Sweet Potatoes**
- Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**.
- Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Poke each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
### **2. Bake the Sweet Potatoes**
- Rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle lightly with salt.
- Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Bake for **45-60 minutes**, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
### **3. Cool and Halve the Sweet Potatoes**
- Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for **10-15 minutes** until they’re safe to handle.
- Carefully slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise.
### **4. Scoop Out the Flesh**
- Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh from each sweet potato half, leaving a thin layer (about 1/4 inch) inside the skin to maintain its shape.
- Transfer the scooped-out flesh to a large mixing bowl.
### **5. Mix the Filling**
- Add sour cream (or Greek yogurt), shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the sweet potato flesh.
- Mash and mix everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Fold in the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.
### **6. Stuff the Sweet Potato Skins**
- Spoon the mashed sweet potato mixture back into the hollowed-out skins, dividing it evenly among the halves.
- Top each stuffed sweet potato with additional shredded cheddar cheese for a gooey, melty finish.
### **7. Bake Again**
- Place the stuffed sweet potatoes back on the baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven at **375°F (190°C)** for **15-20 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
### **8. Garnish and Serve**
- Remove the loaded twice-baked sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with extra green onions, chopped chives, or your favorite toppings.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
---
## **Tips for Perfect Loaded Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes**
- **Meal Prep Friendly:** Prepare the sweet potatoes up to the second bake, then refrigerate. Reheat in the oven before serving.
- **Customize Toppings:** Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or even a dollop of guacamole for a unique twist.
- **Healthier Option:** Use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt and skip the bacon for a lighter version.
---
## **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
Loaded twice-baked sweet potatoes are a versatile dish that combines sweet and savory flavors in every bite. They’re perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or even as a hearty vegetarian meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their sweet potato game.
Try this recipe today and share your creations with friends and family! Don’t forget to save this guide for your next cooking adventure.