Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy, cheesy, golden-brown sweet potato that's been lovingly transformed from a simple root vegetable into a culinary masterpiece. These Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes are not just a side dish – they're a flavor explosion that will elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious comfort food experience, this recipe promises to be your new go-to crowd-pleaser that combines the natural sweetness of potatoes with rich, indulgent ingredients.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Place potatoes directly on the middle oven rack and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until they are soft when pierced with a knife.
- Remove potatoes from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes until they are comfortable to handle. Slice each potato lengthwise and carefully scoop out the interior, leaving a thin layer of potato attached to the skin to maintain the potato shell's structure.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the scooped potato flesh, sour cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash the mixture until smooth and creamy, ensuring no large lumps remain.
- Fold in half of the shredded cheese into the potato mixture, reserving the remaining cheese for topping.
- Spoon the potato mixture back into the potato skins, mounding it slightly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each stuffed potato.
- Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional fresh herbs like chives or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes with smooth, uniform skin for consistent baking.
- Always pierce potatoes with a fork before baking to prevent potential steam buildup and explosions.
- Let potatoes cool slightly before scooping to make handling easier and prevent burns.
- For extra smoothness, use a potato masher or hand mixer when combining potato flesh with other ingredients.
- Don't overstuff the potato skins – leave a little room for the cheese to melt and create a beautiful golden top.
- For added flavor, experiment with mix-ins like crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
- Use a rimmed baking sheet when returning stuffed potatoes to the oven to catch any potential drips.
- Let potatoes rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 225kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 45mg
