Loaded Sweet Potato Recipe: A Delicious and Healthy Meal
Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They're also incredibly versatile, lending themselves to both sweet and savory dishes. This loaded sweet potato recipe offers a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. It's also easily customizable to your taste preferences and dietary needs!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 2. Feel free to double or triple it depending on how many people you're feeding.
- 2 large sweet potatoes: Choose firm, smooth sweet potatoes without any bruises or soft spots.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil adds healthy fats and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potato.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
- Toppings (choose your favorites!):
- Chili: A hearty and flavorful option.
- Black beans: Adds protein and fiber.
- Corn: Adds sweetness and texture.
- Avocado: Creamy and healthy fats.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds creaminess and tang.
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack): Adds a cheesy, savory element.
- Chopped green onions: Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- Salsa: Adds a spicy kick.
Instructions for Perfectly Baked Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking.
- Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes: Remove any dirt or debris. Prick them several times with a fork to prevent them from exploding in the oven.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season: Rub the olive oil all over the sweet potatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes: Baking time will depend on the size of your sweet potatoes. Check for doneness by inserting a fork; it should easily pierce the center.
- Let them cool slightly: This makes them easier to handle.
Loading Up Your Sweet Potatoes:
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked and slightly cooled, cut them lengthwise. Then, get creative with your toppings! Here are some delicious combination ideas:
Option 1: Spicy Southwest Sweet Potato
- Chili
- Black beans
- Corn
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Salsa
- Chopped green onions
Option 2: Creamy Avocado Sweet Potato
- Mashed avocado
- Greek yogurt
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Chopped green onions
Option 3: Simple & Savory Sweet Potato
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Tips for the Best Loaded Sweet Potatoes:
- Don't overbake: Overbaked sweet potatoes can become dry.
- Experiment with toppings: The possibilities are endless! Try different combinations to find your favorites.
- Make it a meal prep: Loaded sweet potatoes are great for meal prepping. Bake a batch on Sunday and enjoy them throughout the week.
- Consider dietary needs: This recipe is easily adaptable to various dietary needs. Use gluten-free toppings and avoid dairy if necessary.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy loaded sweet potatoes! Let us know in the comments what your favorite topping combinations are. We'd love to hear from you!
