Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a tropical twist! These Loaded Hawaiian Style Sweet Potatoes are not just a dish; they’re a culinary adventure that brings the vibrant flavors of the islands right to your dinner table. Imagine creamy sweet potatoes, savory ham, juicy pineapple, and gooey melted cheese all coming together in one deliciously satisfying bite. Perfect for a cozy family meal or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Dive into this mouthwatering experience and discover how easy it is to create a dish that’s both comforting and exotic!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1/2 cup pineapple, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. This prevents potential potato explosions and ensures even cooking.
- Place sweet potatoes directly on the middle oven rack and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The skin should be slightly crispy and the interior soft and creamy.
- While potatoes are baking, prepare the toppings. Dice the cooked ham into small, uniform cubes. Chop the pineapple into similar-sized pieces. Slice green onions thinly.
- Once potatoes are done, remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Carefully slice each potato lengthwise down the center, creating a pocket for the toppings.
- Gently fluff the interior of each potato with a fork, creating space for toppings. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Distribute the diced ham evenly among the potatoes, filling the center of each sweet potato.
- Top the ham with diced pineapple, spreading it evenly across the potato's surface.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the ham and pineapple, ensuring good coverage.
- Return the loaded potatoes to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from oven and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot and cheese is still melted.
Tips
- Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for medium-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking and the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.
- Don’t Skip the Piercing: Piercing the sweet potatoes with a fork is crucial! It allows steam to escape, preventing any messy explosions in your oven.
- Bake to Perfection: For the best texture, ensure that your sweet potatoes are tender and slightly crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking!
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Adding ingredients like jalapeños for a kick or avocado for creaminess can elevate the dish even further.
- Serve Fresh: These sweet potatoes are best enjoyed right out of the oven while the cheese is melty and the flavors are fresh.
- Garnish for Color: Don’t forget the green onions! They add a nice pop of color and a fresh crunch that complements the rich flavors of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
