Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

This hearty twice baked sweet potato recipe transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into a decadent side dish that balances natural sweetness with warm spices. The crispy skins cradle a velvety smooth filling that melts in your mouth with each bite.

I first made these twice baked sweet potatoes for a Thanksgiving dinner when I needed something special yet uncomplicated. My guests were so impressed that they've become my signature side dish for every family gathering.

• Medium sweet potatoes: Choose evenly sized potatoes for uniform cooking and a prettier presentation
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the filling without overwhelming the natural sweetness
• Brown sugar: Enhances the caramelized flavor and creates lovely texture contrast
• Cinnamon: Brings warmth that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes
• Nutmeg: Just a touch adds depth and complexity to the filling
• Sour cream: Creates a creamy texture and slight tanginess that balances the sweetness
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all flavors into harmony
• Milk or cream: Helps achieve the perfect silky smooth consistency in the filling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Initial Bake:

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Pierce sweet potatoes multiple times with a fork to prevent them from bursting during baking. Place directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for about 60 minutes until completely tender when pierced with a knife. The skin should feel slightly loose from the flesh.

Prepare the Filling:

Once potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh leaving about 1/4 inch of potato attached to the skin to maintain structure. Place the flesh in a mixing bowl. Add butter while potatoes are still warm so it melts completely. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Mash until completely smooth, adding a splash of milk if needed for creaminess.

Stuff the Skins:

Divide your filling evenly among the potato skins, creating a slight mound on top. Use the back of a spoon to create texture on the surface which will brown nicely. Place stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet.

Final Bake:

Return potatoes to the oven for 15-20 minutes until the tops begin to brown and the filling is heated through. For extra browning, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

These twice baked sweet potatoes complement both casual and elegant meals. They pair beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or grilled chicken. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a hearty salad with winter greens and vinaigrette. The sweetness balances spicy or acidic flavors, making them perfect alongside tangy barbecue or zesty lemon dishes.

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My favorite part of this recipe is the contrasting textures between the crispy skin and the velvety filling. I learned this technique from my grandmother who always said the secret was taking your time with the initial bake to develop the potatoes' natural sweetness.

Make Ahead Magic

What makes this recipe truly special is how well it works for entertaining. Prepare everything up to the second bake and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then complete the final bake. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. The flavors actually develop and improve with a rest in the refrigerator.

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Creative Variations

The beauty of twice baked sweet potatoes lies in their versatility. For a savory version, mix in caramelized onions, crumbled goat cheese, and fresh thyme. For something sweet, top with mini marshmallows during the last few minutes of baking. My personal favorite addition is a sprinkle of chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I achieve crispy skins on twice baked sweet potatoes?

Brush the skins lightly with oil and season them with salt before the second bake to ensure a crisp texture.

→ Can I make these sweet potatoes vegan?

For a vegan adaption, replace butter with plant-based margarine, substitute milk or cream with almond milk, and avoid any animal-based toppings.

→ What can I add to the filling for a savory twist?

Incorporate savory ingredients like crispy bacon bits, sautéed onions, shredded cheese, or smoked paprika for added depth and flavor.

→ Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the stuffed potatoes and store them in the fridge or freeze before baking. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

→ What are the best toppings for twice baked sweet potatoes?

Popular toppings include marshmallows, crumbled pecans, cheese, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even fresh herbs for garnish.