Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly roasted sweet potato, oozing with melted cheese and bursting with flavor. This Cheesy Baked Sweet Potato recipe is about to become your new obsession – a simple yet incredibly delicious dish that transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, this recipe is your golden ticket to culinary satisfaction.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cool running water, scrubbing gently with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Using a fork, pierce the sweet potatoes several times on all sides. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents potential bursting.
- Rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the entire surface of each potato.
- Place the sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until they are soft when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and carefully slice them lengthwise down the middle, creating a pocket for the cheese.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the inside of each sweet potato, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Return the sweet potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. The potatoes will be extremely hot.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with additional herbs like chives or green onions for extra flavor.
Tips
- Choose the right sweet potatoes: Look for medium-sized potatoes with smooth, firm skin and no bruises or soft spots.
- Don't skip the fork piercing step – this prevents potential potato explosions in your oven and ensures even cooking.
- For extra crispy skin, rub the potatoes with a little more olive oil and sprinkle with a touch of sea salt before baking.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties – while cheddar is classic, try smoked gouda, pepper jack, or a blend for unique flavor profiles.
- Want to make it a complete meal? Top your cheesy sweet potatoes with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
- If you're meal prepping, these sweet potatoes can be partially prepared ahead of time and finished quickly when ready to serve.
- For a healthier version, use reduced-fat cheese or try nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheese-like topping.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 360kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 40mg
