Sweet potatoes are a favorite in many households. They are delicious and full of nutrients. Double Baked Loaded Sweet Potatoes are an exciting dish that takes this humble vegetable to the next level. This recipe is not only filled with flavor but also very filling. It includes tasty ingredients like black beans, corn, and creamy boursin cheese, making it perfect for lunch or dinner.
Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting friends, these double-baked sweet potatoes will impress everyone. They are colorful, healthy, and full of nutrients. Plus, you can customize the toppings to suit your taste. Let’s dive into why you should try this recipe and how to make it!
Why Make This Recipe
There are many great reasons to make Double Baked Loaded Sweet Potatoes. First, they are packed with nutrients. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium, making them a perfect choice for a healthy meal. The addition of black beans and corn adds more fiber and protein, making this dish very satisfying.
Second, this recipe is simple to prepare. With just a few steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. It involves baking the sweet potatoes, preparing a fresh pico de gallo, and loading the sweet potatoes with a tasty filling. You can get your whole family involved in the cooking process, making it a fun activity.
Lastly, the dish is quite versatile. You can serve it as a main course or as a side dish. You can also adjust the toppings and spices to fit your taste. If you want a little heat, add more chili powder or red pepper flakes. If you prefer it milder, skip those and enjoy the rich flavors of the other ingredients.
How to Make Double Baked Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Making Double Baked Loaded Sweet Potatoes is straightforward. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato (or 2 small)
- Olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup black beans
- 1 cup corn
- 1 boursin cheese puck
- 2 tomatoes
- 1/2 purple onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- Juice from 1 lime
- Handful of fresh cilantro
- 1 avocado
- Sour cream
- Red pepper flakes
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is a crucial step. Preheating ensures that the sweet potatoes roast evenly.
Take the large sweet potato (or two small ones) and wash it properly. This helps remove any dirt. Cut the sweet potato in half lengthwise.
Place the cut sweet potato halves on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with a bit of olive oil to keep them moist.
Sprinkle with chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste. These seasonings add a delightful flavor to the sweet potatoes.
Bake the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for about 40 to 45 minutes, face down. They should be tender when done.
While the sweet potatoes cook, prepare the pico de gallo. Chop up the tomatoes, purple onion, and mince the garlic and cilantro.
Combine these ingredients in a bowl. Add lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. This fresh pico de gallo adds a zesty kick to your dish. Set aside.
Once the sweet potatoes are fully baked, take them out of the oven. Scoop out the soft flesh of the sweet potatoes into a mixing bowl. Be careful not to tear the skins.
Mix the scooped sweet potato flesh with black beans, corn, and the creamy boursin cheese. Mix well and season to taste.
Now, fill the sweet potato skins with this tasty mixture.
Place the filled sweet potato skins back in the oven and broil for 5 to 8 minutes. This will brown the tops and make them extra delicious.
After broiling, take them out and serve topped with pico de gallo, avocado slices, sour cream, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some extra heat.
How to Serve Double Baked Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Double Baked Loaded Sweet Potatoes are a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. When serving, place the sweet potatoes on a nice plate or platter.
You can serve them with additional garnishes like extra lime wedges or more fresh cilantro for those who enjoy a burst of flavor. If you want to make the meal more filling, consider pairing the sweet potatoes with a side salad or some steamed vegetables.
This dish can be served warm from the oven or at room temperature. They make excellent leftovers too, which means you can prepare them in advance for busy weeknights!
How to Store Double Baked Loaded Sweet Potatoes
If you have any leftovers (which may be rare, as they are very tasty), storing them is easy.
- Let the sweet potatoes cool down to room temperature.
- Place them in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
To reheat, you can use the microwave for a quick option or place them back in the oven to maintain their crispy edges.
Tips to Make Double Baked Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for sweet potatoes that are firm with smooth skin. Avoid any that have blemishes or sprouts.
Adjust the Spices to Your Taste: Feel free to change the amount of chili powder or add your favorite spices. You can experiment with cumin or paprika for a different flavor.
Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to the filling for added nutrition.
Use Different Toppings: If you don’t have boursin cheese, other cream cheeses or even cheddar cheese work well.
Add More Protein: For more protein, you might add shredded chicken or ground turkey to the filling mix.
Variation
For a variation, try Mexican-inspired flavors. Add taco seasoning in place of the chili powder, and top with guacamole instead of avocado slices. You can also use sweet potatoes in place of traditional potatoes to make a loaded baked potato.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and the filling ahead of time. Just keep them separate and assemble them shortly before you plan to serve.
2. Are there any dairy-free options?
Absolutely! You can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative instead of boursin cheese. There are many great brands on the market.
3. What if I don’t have boursin cheese?
You can substitute it with any other soft cheese or even a vegan cream cheese. Just ensure it has a similar creamy texture for the best results.
Now that you are equipped with knowledge about making Double Baked Loaded Sweet Potatoes, it’s time to get cooking! Enjoy your meal that is not only satisfying but packed with vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients. Happy cooking!
Double Baked Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the sweet potato and cut it in half lengthwise.
- Place sweet potato halves on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil.
- Sprinkle with chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes until tender.
- Chop tomatoes, purple onion, and mince garlic and cilantro in a bowl.
- Add lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Once sweet potatoes are baked, scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl, being careful not to tear the skins.
- Mix sweet potato flesh with black beans, corn, and boursin cheese. Season to taste.
- Fill sweet potato skins with the mixture.
- Broil for 5 to 8 minutes until tops are browned.
- Serve topped with pico de gallo, avocado slices, sour cream, and red pepper flakes.