Loaded Sweet Potato
There’s nothing better than a warm, satisfying meal that’s both delicious and good for you. That’s exactly what you get with a Loaded Sweet Potato! It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with a variety of tasty toppings.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Fork
- Knife & cutting board
- Mixing Bowls
- Spoon
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Savory Toppings:
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon crumbled
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
For the Healthy Toppings (Optional):
- ½ cup black beans drained and rinsed
- ½ avocado sliced or mashed
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for spice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
For Extra Flavor (Optional):
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup for a sweet twist
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Use a fork to poke several holes in each sweet potato—this helps steam escape while baking.
- Rub each sweet potato with olive oil, salt, and black pepper to enhance flavor and crispiness.
Step 2: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
- Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. (If they’re large, they may need up to an hour.)
Step 3: Prepare the Toppings
- While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy, then crumble it.
- Chop the green onions, slice the avocado, and rinse the black beans.
- If using cheese, shred it so it's ready to sprinkle on top.
Step 4: Assemble the Loaded Sweet Potatoes
- Once the sweet potatoes are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Slice each potato open lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Fluff the inside with a fork to create a soft, mashed texture.
- Add your toppings! Start with cheese (so it melts from the heat), then bacon, sour cream, and green onions for a classic loaded potato.
- If going for a healthier option, top with black beans, avocado, cilantro, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Drizzle with hot sauce or honey/maple syrup if you like a little extra flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, customizable loaded sweet potato!
Notes
Estimated Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350–450 kcal
- Protein: ~10–15g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fiber: ~8g
- Fat: ~15–20g
- Sugar: ~9g
- Vitamin A: ~400% DV (sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A!)
- Vitamin C: ~35% DV
- Calcium: ~15% DV
- Iron: ~10% DV
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.