Prepare to transform the humble sweet potato into a culinary masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing with joy! These Creamy Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes are not just a side dish – they're a creamy, cheesy, mouthwatering experience that elevates comfort food to a whole new level. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a luxurious meal, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that's both elegant and irresistibly delicious.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
- Pierce each sweet potato multiple times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Place potatoes directly on the middle oven rack.
- Bake sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until they are completely soft when pierced with a knife. The skin should be slightly crispy and the interior tender.
- Remove potatoes from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Carefully slice each potato lengthwise, creating a boat-like shape.
- Scoop out the soft interior of the sweet potatoes, leaving a thin layer against the skin to maintain the potato's structure. Place the scooped potato flesh into a mixing bowl.
- Add sour cream, milk, butter, salt, and pepper to the potato flesh. Mash thoroughly until smooth and creamy, ensuring no large lumps remain.
- Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the potato skins, creating a generous, slightly mounded filling.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the filled potato skins.
- Return potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped chives before serving.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Select large, uniformly shaped sweet potatoes with smooth, firm skin to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
- Fork Piercing is Crucial: Don't skip piercing the potatoes multiple times – this prevents potential potato explosions and allows steam to escape.
- Check for Doneness: The sweet potatoes are perfectly baked when a knife slides through them easily and the skin is slightly crispy.
- Mashing Technique: For the creamiest texture, use a potato masher or rigorously whip the potato flesh to eliminate any lumps.
- Cheese Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting quality and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- Garnish Just Before Serving: Add fresh chives at the last moment to maintain their bright color and fresh flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare these up to the point of the second baking and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when ready to serve.Pro Hack: For an extra indulgent version, try adding crumbled bacon or a dollop of cream cheese to the filling for an even more decadent twist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
