When the clock strikes five and you’re staring into the fridge wondering what on earth to make, the last thing you want is a complicated recipe. We’ve all been there! That’s where this recipe for The Best Healthy Loaded Sweet Potato for a Quick Weeknight Dinner comes to the rescue. It’s the perfect harmony of comfort food and wholesome ingredients, delivering a savory, satisfying meal that feels special without any of the fuss. Imagine a fluffy, warm sweet potato filled with melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon, and fresh scallions. It’s a complete meal packed into a perfect little package.
This isn’t just another dinner; it’s a simple solution for busy evenings. It combines the ease of microwaving with the delicious, melty finish of an oven bake, making it one of those fantastic Quick Sweet Potato Recipes you’ll return to again and again. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love about a recipe that’s both incredibly tasty and easy to clean up? This Loaded Sweet Potato recipe is a true weeknight champion. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-style dish right in your own kitchen. You get that twice-baked potato vibe but with the lovely, subtle sweetness and nutritional punch of a sweet potato. It’s one of my favorite Sweet Potato Dinner Recipes for a reason.
One of the best parts is how customizable it is. While this version with bacon and cheddar is a classic crowd-pleaser, you can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or use up what you have on hand. Plus, it’s a fairly balanced meal all on its own, with carbs from the potato, protein from the bacon and cheese, and a bit of freshness from the scallions. It’s a simple, comforting, and brilliantly efficient way to get a delicious dinner on the table.
Ingredients
Here’s the simple lineup of ingredients you’ll need. Nothing fancy, just good, wholesome stuff that comes together beautifully. What’s great about these Sweet Potato Meals is that you likely have most of these ingredients already waiting for you in your kitchen!
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1½ pounds)
- ½ cup shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
- 3 scallions, sliced (you’ll divide these for the filling and the topping)
- 2 slices cooked bacon, chopped (also divided!)
- ÂĽ teaspoon salt
- ÂĽ teaspoon ground pepper
- 4 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to make this amazing meal? Let’s walk through it step-by-step. The process is straightforward, and the result is so worth it.
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Sweet Potatoes
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. While that’s heating up, give your sweet potatoes a good scrub under running water and pat them dry. Then, using a fork, prick the potatoes all over. This is a crucial step! It allows steam to escape while they cook, preventing a potato explosion in your microwave. Place the prepped potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and pop them into the microwave. Cook on High for about 12 minutes, making sure to flip them over about halfway through the cooking time. You’ll know they’re done when they feel tender when you squeeze them gently (use an oven mitt!).
Step 2: Create the Delicious Filling
Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, carefully slice them in half lengthwise. Now for the fun part! Gently spoon the warm, fluffy flesh out of the potato skins and into a medium-sized bowl. Try to leave a thin wall of potato inside the skin so they hold their shape. To the bowl with the sweet potato flesh, add the ½ cup of sharp Cheddar cheese, most of the sliced scallions (save about 1 tablespoon for the garnish later), half of the chopped bacon (we’ll use the rest for topping!), the ÂĽ teaspoon of salt, and the ÂĽ teaspoon of ground pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. The cheese will start to get a little melty from the heat of the potato, which is exactly what you want.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake
Take your empty sweet potato shells and place them on a rimmed baking sheet. This will catch any cheese that tries to escape. Evenly divide the delicious mixture you just made between the four potato halves, piling it in generously. Now, place the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be perfectly melted and bubbly and the filling to be heated all the way through. The aroma filling your kitchen right now should be incredible!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. The final touch makes all the difference! Top each loaded sweet potato half with a dollop of sour cream (about 1 tablespoon each). Then, sprinkle over the remaining tablespoon of sliced scallions and the rest of that crispy chopped bacon. Serve them up immediately while they’re hot and cheesy. This is truly The Best Healthy Loaded Sweet Potato for a Quick Weeknight Dinner you could ask for!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which isn’t always a guarantee with a recipe this good!), storing them is a breeze. Let the loaded sweet potatoes cool down to room temperature completely. Then, you can either wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil, or place them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them in a few different ways. The oven or a toaster oven is your best bet for getting that just-baked texture back. Just place them on a baking sheet at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just heat them for a couple of minutes, but be aware the skin won’t be as crisp. I’d recommend adding the sour cream after reheating for the best taste and texture.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a simple, delicious, and satisfying recipe for The Best Healthy Loaded Sweet Potato for a Quick Weeknight Dinner. It’s a meal that proves you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something wonderful. These Loaded Sweet Potato halves are perfect for a cozy dinner for two, a simple family meal, or even as a hearty side dish. It’s one of those reliable Sweet Potato Dinner Recipes that will earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
FAQ
Can I Make This Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. For an extra boost of flavor and protein, you could add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the filling to mimic that smoky taste, or mix in some black beans or roasted chickpeas for more substance. It’s just as delicious!
What Are Some Other Topping Ideas?
This recipe is a fantastic base for creativity! You could swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack or a spicy pepper jack. Other great toppings include a dollop of guacamole, a spoonful of salsa, some chopped cilantro, or even a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. For a different flavor profile, try topping it with pulled pork or shredded chicken.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can do some prep in advance to make dinner even faster. You can cook the sweet potatoes and prepare the filling ahead of time. Store the hollowed-out potato skins and the filling separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just stuff the potatoes, bake as directed, and add your fresh toppings.
