Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the base
01 -
4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean
02 -
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 -
2 tablespoons brown sugar
04 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 -
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
07 -
A splash of milk or cream, as needed for consistency
→ For serving (optional)
08 -
½ cup sour cream
09 -
Extra brown sugar for sprinkling
10 -
Fresh herbs for garnish (like chopped chives or parsley)
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Scrub the sweet potatoes clean, then pierce them several times with a fork (this prevents them from bursting while baking). Place them on a baking sheet and bake until they're completely tender when pierced with a knife, about 1 hour depending on size.
02 -
When the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle but still warm, cut them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out most of the flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving about a ¼-inch layer of sweet potato in the skins to help them maintain their shape.
03 -
Add the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the sweet potato flesh in the bowl. Mash everything together until well combined and smooth. If the mixture seems too stiff, add a splash of milk or cream to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
04 -
Spoon the mashed sweet potato mixture back into the hollowed-out skins, dividing it evenly among them. You can create a rustic look with peaks and valleys for more texture, or smooth the tops for a cleaner appearance.
05 -
Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the baking sheet and bake again at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, until the filling is heated through and the tops begin to brown slightly.
06 -
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. If desired, top each sweet potato half with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of additional brown sugar, or a garnish of fresh herbs before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
These twice-baked sweet potatoes can be prepared up to the second baking step a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate, then add 5-10 minutes to the final baking time.
02 -
For a savory variation, omit the brown sugar and spices and add shredded cheese, chopped bacon, and green onions to the filling.
03 -
Try adding chopped pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup on top for extra flavor and texture.