Sweet potatoes have long been a staple in Southern American cooking, and pairing them with cheese became popular as a comfort‑food snack in the late 20th century, especially in college dorms and quick‑bite eateries.

In the South, sweet potatoes are often baked and topped with cheddar or pepper jack. In the Pacific Northwest, a milder mozzarella or goat cheese is favored, sometimes with a drizzle of maple syrup.

It is usually served as a side dish or snack, baked whole or sliced, topped with a generous layer of shredded cheddar, and sometimes finished with a pat of butter or a sprinkle of brown sugar.

It appears at casual gatherings, tailgate parties, and as a comfort snack during football season. It’s also a popular after‑school treat for kids.

Authentic recipes use a firm sweet potato, a sharp cheddar or mild mozzarella, and a light coating of butter or oil. Substitutes include butternut squash for the potato, provolone for cheese, and olive oil instead of butter.

Grilled chicken, collard greens, cornbread, or a simple mixed green salad complement the sweet‑savory flavor of the dish.

Originally a home‑cooked comfort food, it gained modern popularity through air‑fryer technology and social media, leading to creative toppings like green onion, macaroni salad, and spicy pork skins as seen in Courtney’s videos.

Common errors include overcrowding the air‑fryer basket, using too much oil which makes the wedges soggy, and adding wet toppings before the cheese has fully melted, which can make the dish mushy.

An air fryer circulates hot air rapidly, giving the wedges a crisp exterior in less time and with less oil than a traditional oven, which matches the quick‑snack style Courtney demonstrates.

The YouTube channel StephLovesLove focuses on fun, relatable food experiments, snack reviews, and approachable home‑cooking tutorials that often feature trending food trends and personal taste tests.

StephLovesLove combines candid, humorous commentary with step‑by‑step instructions, emphasizing honest taste reactions and cultural curiosity, whereas many channels prioritize polished presentation over personal critique.