Loaded Sweet Potatoes

4.4

(7)

5 Reviews

Cheddar cheese, scallions and bacon flavor these "twice-baked" sweet potatoes. Quick and easy to make, this loaded sweet potato recipe is perfect for the holidays or a weeknight meal.

Carolyn Casner

Updated on August 28, 2024

Reviewed by Dietitian

Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

Tested by

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Prep Time:

15 mins

Additional Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Servings:

Yield:

4 servings

Nutrition Profile:

Low-Carb Nut-Free Healthy Immunity Soy-Free Egg-Free Gluten-Free

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Can I Use a Microwave to Cook Sweet Potatoes?

Absolutely! Cooking sweet potatoes in the microwave first (instead of baking them) speeds up the cooking time. Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork in several places. This allows steam to escape while the sweet potatoes are cooking. Place the sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and flip them halfway through the cooking process. Microwave the sweet potatoes in intervals until they are tender all the way to the center, about 12 minutes.

Four baked sweet potato halves, topped with bacon crumble, with sliced scallions and sour cream next to them in small bowls — Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

What to Serve with Loaded Sweet Potatoes

Whether it's a weekday or you're preparing a holiday meal, this delicious side dish pairs well with many main dishes, including Perfect Prime Rib, Simple Roast Chicken, Maple-Glazed Salmon, Steak au Poivre and Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic.

Loaded sweet potatoes can also be the main course when paired with Kale Salad with Balsamic & Parmesan, Green Salad with Edamame & Beets, Broccoli with Balsamic Mushrooms or Cauliflower, Quinoa & Arugula Salad.

Additional reporting by Jan Valdez

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Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes (1 1/2 pounds)
½ cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
3 scallions, sliced, divided
2 slices cooked bacon, chopped, divided
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
4 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Prick sweet potatoes all over with a fork. Place on a microwave-safe plate and Microwave on High until tender, flipping potatoes halfway, about 12 minutes. When cool enough to handle, slice the potatoes in half lengthwise. Spoon the flesh into a medium bowl. Stir in cheese, all but 1 tablespoon of the scallions, half the bacon, salt and pepper.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Place the potato shells on a rimmed baking sheet. Divide the mixture between the shells. Bake until the cheese is melted and the filling is hot, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and top each half with 1 tablespoon sour cream. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon scallions and the remaining bacon.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Equipment

Rimmed baking sheet

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, March 2020; updated December 2022

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

148	Calories
8g	Fat
14g	Carbs
6g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 stuffed sweet potato
Calories 148
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 14g	5%
Dietary Fiber 2g	8%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 6g	13%
Total Fat 8g	10%
Saturated Fat 4g	20%
Cholesterol 22mg	7%
Vitamin A 11281IU	226%
Vitamin C 13mg	15%
Folate 16mcg	4%
Sodium 338mg	15%
Calcium 142mg	11%
Iron 1mg	4%
Magnesium 24mg	6%
Potassium 350mg	7%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.