Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes are a stunning side dish that melt hearts and win over even the most devoted mashed potato fans! Each tender, roasted sweet potato boat overflows with velvety, spiced filling, crowned with a maple-pecan crunch that bakes into a perfectly golden, caramelized top. This recipe is the ultimate celebration of cozy, fall-inspired flavors—nutty, sweet, just the right hint of cinnamon and brown sugar—and honestly, they’re just as welcome at a weeknight dinner as they are on your holiday table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes lies in just a handful of carefully chosen ingredients. Each component brings something unique, turning simple sweet potatoes into a show-stopping dish bursting with color, texture, and flavor.
- Sweet potatoes: Choose medium ones for the ideal single-serve portion and naturally sweet flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that creamy, luscious filling.
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: For tangy balance and an irresistibly fluffy texture.
- Maple syrup: Lends natural sweetness and a subtle, autumnal complexity.
- Cinnamon: Deepens the warmth and enhances the sweetness of the potatoes.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch brings earthy, fragrant depth without overpowering.
- Salt: Essential for waking up every flavor in the mix.
- Chopped pecans: Provide that dreamy crunch and a toasty, nutty finishing touch.
- Brown sugar: Caramelizes beautifully on top, complementing the maple and pecans.
- Olive oil: A light brush keeps the skins crisp and beautiful for serving.
How to Make Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper (trust me, your cleanup self will thank you later). Scrub each sweet potato thoroughly—you want those skins tender and edible!—then pierce them a few times with a fork to let the steam escape. Arrange on the baking sheet and let them roast for 45 to 50 minutes until totally tender and almost collapsing. This is where the natural sugars intensify and the flesh gets dreamy-soft.
Step 2: Scoop and Prepare the Filling
Once the potatoes are baked, let them cool just enough to handle (a kitchen towel helps with this step). Slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the velvety flesh, leaving a thin protective layer inside the skin so they’ll hold their shape. Transfer the hot flesh to a mixing bowl—the perfect base for everything good that’s coming next.
Step 3: Mash and Flavor
To the steaming sweet potato, add your butter (it’ll melt right in), the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a good pinch of salt. Mash until the mixture is creamy, fluffy, and every spoonful tastes like fall. Give it a taste and adjust the sweetness or spices to suit your mood; these Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes are all about comfort and customization.
Step 4: Fill and Top
Mound the velvety filling back into the sweet potato shells, piling them high for an irresistibly soft, self-contained serving. In a separate bowl, toss the chopped pecans with brown sugar and sprinkle generously over each potato half. For a little extra magic, lightly brush the exposed skin edges with olive oil—this keeps them crisp and beautiful in the oven.
Step 5: Bake Again
Return your filled and topped sweet potatoes to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. This second bake is when the tops become golden, the brown sugar caramelizes, and the aroma tells everyone exactly what’s about to hit the table. Pull them out when the nutty topping looks toasty and slightly crackly.
How to Serve Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle the Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with a little extra cinnamon, a few fresh thyme leaves, or a final drizzle of maple syrup. If you’re feeling playful, toss on a handful of mini marshmallows and broil for a minute for true holiday flair!
Side Dishes
These sweet potatoes fit seamlessly next to roasted chicken, turkey, or glazed ham. For a veggie-forward meal, pair with sautéed greens or a crisp apple salad. They’re also a treat alongside classic Thanksgiving dishes—it’s hard to top the sweet and savory contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes as an appetizer on a big platter, topped with different garnishes for each half. Use colorful serving trays to show off their golden color, or place each half in a ramekin for an elegant, individual presentation at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes (lucky you!), simply let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 4 days—just the thing for next-day lunches or snacking.
Freezing
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes freeze wonderfully! Wrap each cooled half tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as you would fresh—nothing lost in flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F until heated through and the tops are toasty again, about 15–20 minutes. For a quick fix, a minute or two in the microwave works, though the oven will keep the skins at their crispiest.
FAQs
Can I make these Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a vegan alternative, and use your favorite non-dairy yogurt in place of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Maple syrup, spices, and nuts are already plant-based.
What’s the best way to scoop out the sweet potatoes without tearing the skins?
Let the potatoes cool enough to handle and use a sturdy spoon, leaving a 1/4-inch border for support. Gently loosen the flesh all around before scooping, and take your time—the skins are surprisingly resilient!
Can I prepare the Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make and assemble them fully up to a day ahead, store covered in the fridge, and bake the second time just before serving. They’re perfect for busy holidays or meal prepping.
How do I add extra protein or crunch?
Mix in a handful of finely chopped walnuts, toasted seeds, or even a crumble of cooked bacon for a savory twist. Using Greek yogurt also adds a gentle protein boost without changing the classic flavor profile.
Can I double the recipe for a big crowd?
Yes! This recipe easily scales up—just multiply the ingredients and use one or two baking sheets. Be sure to rotate your pans if you’re baking a double batch to ensure even roasting and caramelization.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried making Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes yet, let this be the recipe that gets you hooked on their comforting, crowd-pleasing magic. With every bite you’ll taste sweet, silky, spiced filling and that irresistible, nutty crunch—everyone who tries them is bound to become a lifelong fan. Give them a spot on your next dinner or holiday table, and watch these beauties disappear!
