Stuffed Sweet Potatoes - Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes - Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes is a easy American recipe that serves 3. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Home Cooking Adventure on YouTube.
Prep: 26 min | Cook: 1 hr 13 min | Total: 1 hr 54 min
Cost: $7.72 total, $2.57 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 pieces Sweet Potatoes (medium, about 200‑230 g each)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for coating potatoes)
- 4 slices Bacon (cook until crisp, then crumble)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (freshly ground if possible)
- 60 grams Cream Cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 15 grams Green Onion (green parts only, chopped)
- 100 grams Cheddar Cheese (grated; 75 g for filling, 25 g for topping)
- 25 grams Pecans (toasted and chopped)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 375°F
Prepare Sweet Potatoes
Wash the sweet potatoes, pat dry, prick each side with a fork, and rub them all over with olive oil.
Time: PT5M
Bake Sweet Potatoes
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45‑60 minutes, or until a knife slides in easily.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 375°F
Cook Bacon
While the potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon slices until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel to drain.
Time: PT7M
Crumble Bacon
When cool enough to handle, crumble the bacon into small pieces, reserving a handful for topping.
Time: PT2M
Make Filling
Cut a slit on top of each baked potato and scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin shell. In a mixing bowl combine the scooped sweet potato, salt, nutmeg, softened cream cheese, chopped green onion, 75 g grated cheddar, and half of the bacon crumbs. Mix with a fork until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Stuff Potatoes
Divide the filling evenly back into the potato shells. Sprinkle the remaining 25 g cheddar, the reserved bacon crumbs, and the toasted pecan pieces on top.
Time: PT5M
Second Bake
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for 15‑20 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
Time: PT18M
Temperature: 375°F
Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 460
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 25 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Contains Dairy, Contains Nuts, Contains Pork
Allergens: Dairy, Tree nuts, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Sweet Potatoes: butternut squash
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil
- Instead of Bacon: turkey bacon, smoked ham
- Instead of Salt: kosher salt
- Instead of Ground Nutmeg: ground cinnamon (use less)
- Instead of Cream Cheese: neufchâtel cheese
- Instead of Green Onion: scallions
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack
- Instead of Pecans: walnuts
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Fork
- Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Spoon
- Grater
- Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Bake Sweet Potatoes until tender
- Mix filling to a smooth consistency
- Second Bake until cheese is melted and golden
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 2‑3 minutes to bring out their aroma.
- Use room‑temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Troubleshooting
Potatoes are still firm after the first bake
Continue baking in 5‑10 minute increments until a knife slides in easily.
Filling is too dry
Add a tablespoon of milk or a drizzle of olive oil and mix until creamy.
Cheese does not melt fully on the second bake
Increase the second bake by 5 minutes or cover loosely with foil to retain heat.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10‑12 minutes.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of the potato becomes mushy after freezing.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the sweet potatoes a day ahead and keep them refrigerated; reheat before stuffing.
- Prepare the cheese‑cream cheese filling up to step 6 and store in the fridge for 24 h.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of stuffed sweet potatoes in American Thanksgiving cuisine?
Stuffed sweet potatoes have become a modern twist on the classic Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole, offering a more elegant presentation while preserving the sweet, earthy flavor that is central to the holiday feast.
How did sweet potatoes become a staple side dish in Thanksgiving celebrations across the United States?
Sweet potatoes were introduced to early American colonists from Native American agriculture and later embraced for their natural sweetness, making them a comforting, nutritious side that pairs well with savory holiday flavors.
What regional variations of sweet potato side dishes exist within American Thanksgiving traditions?
In the South, sweet potatoes are often baked with marshmallows; in the Northeast, they may be mashed with brown sugar and pecans; the stuffed version presented here reflects a contemporary, pan‑American influence.
What occasions beyond Thanksgiving are stuffed sweet potatoes traditionally served in American cuisine?
Stuffed sweet potatoes are popular at fall potlucks, family reunions, and even as a hearty lunch during the colder months because they are filling and can be easily customized.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in classic American sweet potato dishes, and how do the ingredients in this recipe compare?
Traditional ingredients include butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows. This recipe swaps those for cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and pecans, offering a savory‑sweet balance while still honoring the sweet potato’s natural flavor.
What other American Thanksgiving dishes pair well with these stuffed sweet potatoes?
They complement roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, green bean almondine, and a simple mixed greens salad, creating a balanced plate of protein, vegetables, and starch.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making stuffed sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving?
Common pitfalls include under‑baking the potatoes, over‑mixing the filling which can make it gummy, and adding too much salt which overwhelms the natural sweetness.
Why does this recipe use cream cheese and cheddar instead of butter and brown sugar?
Cream cheese adds tang and creaminess, while cheddar provides a savory depth that balances the sweet potato; this combination creates a more complex flavor profile suited for modern palates.
Can I make the stuffed sweet potatoes ahead of time and how should I store them before serving?
Yes. Bake the potatoes and prepare the filling up to step 6, store each component separately in the refrigerator, assemble and give a final bake just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Home Cooking Adventure specialize in?
The YouTube channel Home Cooking Adventure focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes for everyday meals and holiday celebrations, emphasizing clear step‑by‑step tutorials and budget‑conscious cooking.
How does the YouTube channel Home Cooking Adventure's approach to Thanksgiving cooking differ from other holiday cooking channels?
Home Cooking Adventure prioritizes practical, time‑saving techniques and ingredient swaps that keep dishes flavorful yet accessible, whereas many other channels focus on elaborate presentations or specialty ingredients.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
