These twice-baked sweet potatoes offer the perfect balance of creamy, sweet filling with a crunchy, caramelized pecan streusel on top. A warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for fall gatherings or holiday dinners. The sweet, earthy flavor of the sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the richness of the butter and cinnamon-spiced filling, while the toasted pecans and brown sugar streusel add the ideal touch of crunch. This recipe is sure to impress anyone at the dinner table and will quickly become a family favorite!
Full recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the sweet potatoes for 40-50 minutes, or until tender.
- Once baked, slice the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Mash the sweet potato flesh with sour cream, cheddar cheese, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Scoop the mashed sweet potato mixture back into the skins.
- In a small bowl, mix chopped pecans and brown sugar to create the streusel topping.
- Sprinkle the streusel mixture on top of the filled sweet potato halves.
- Return the sweet potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the streusel is golden and crisp.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Streusel Topping: A Comforting Fall Delight
The Perfect Combination of Sweet and Savory
Sweet potatoes have long been a beloved fall ingredient, and for good reason. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet flavors, making them an incredibly versatile vegetable. One of the most delightful ways to prepare sweet potatoes is by baking them twice, and adding a streusel topping brings an extra layer of texture and flavor that elevates this dish to a whole new level. This recipe for Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Streusel Topping is a showstopper that combines rich, comforting flavors with a satisfying crunch, making it the perfect addition to any autumn meal or holiday dinner.
A Fall Favorite That’s Easy to Prepare
If you’re looking for a dish that embodies the essence of fall, this twice-baked sweet potato recipe fits the bill perfectly. The process of baking the sweet potatoes twice enhances their flavor, creating a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth filling that’s full of warmth and comfort. The second bake allows the flavors to meld together, while the pecan streusel topping adds a golden, crispy finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
The inclusion of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar in the sweet potato filling enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes and infuses the dish with autumn-inspired spices. The crunchy pecan streusel topping provides a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor, creating a dish that appeals to all the senses. The result is a dish that looks as good as it tastes, with a rich, comforting profile that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Health Benefits of Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Nutrient-Rich Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, making this recipe not only delicious but also highly beneficial to your health. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, and beta-carotene. Vitamin A, in particular, is important for eye health, immune function, and skin health, while beta-carotene has been linked to improved lung health and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
In addition to these vital nutrients, sweet potatoes are a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health and can help to maintain steady blood sugar levels. Unlike regular white potatoes, sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index, meaning they won’t cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, making them a healthier option for those monitoring their blood sugar.
Pecans: A Crunchy Source of Good Fats
The pecan streusel topping is not just a tasty addition; it also contributes healthy fats and essential nutrients. Pecans are a rich source of monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy fats that can help reduce the risk of heart disease when consumed in moderation. Additionally, they provide a good amount of protein, fiber, and antioxidants, which are all important for maintaining a balanced diet and promoting overall health.
Balanced and Satisfying
This recipe strikes a balance between comfort and nutrition, offering a satisfying side dish that can be paired with a variety of mains. The combination of healthy fats from the pecans, fiber from the sweet potatoes, and the richness of the butter and sour cream creates a filling dish that will keep you full for longer without feeling overly heavy.
Why This Recipe Is the Best
1. Perfect for Fall and Holidays
The timing of this recipe couldn’t be better. Twice-baked sweet potatoes with streusel topping are a quintessential fall dish, made for cozy evenings and holiday gatherings. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for Thanksgiving, a comforting addition to a family dinner, or a main dish for a vegetarian feast, this recipe brings the flavors of autumn right to your table.
The warm, golden sweet potatoes paired with cinnamon, nutmeg, and pecans create an irresistible aroma that will fill your home with the essence of fall. The colors of the dish — from the orange of the sweet potatoes to the brown of the streusel topping — evoke the beauty of autumn itself, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
2. Versatile and Easy to Customize
Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. While the ingredients list is simple and easy to follow, the dish can be easily customized to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. You can substitute the sour cream for a dairy-free version or skip the cheese to make the recipe vegan-friendly. If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can switch them out for other nuts, like walnuts or almonds, or even add a mix of dried fruits for a sweeter topping.
The beauty of twice-baked sweet potatoes is that they act as a blank canvas, allowing you to play with spices, toppings, and fillings. Want a bit of heat? Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder. For a more savory twist, sprinkle in some crumbled feta or goat cheese. The possibilities are endless!
3. Make Ahead and Reheat-Friendly
One of the standout features of this recipe is its make-ahead convenience. Once the sweet potatoes are baked and filled with the mashed filling, you can store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them again with the streusel topping. This makes them perfect for meal prepping or preparing ahead of a big holiday dinner. You can even bake them the day before and just pop them back into the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating is also a breeze. Simply cover the potatoes with foil and bake them in the oven until warmed through, and the streusel topping will crisp up again, ensuring that each bite is just as delicious as when it was first baked.
The Ideal Side Dish for Any Meal
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Streusel Topping make a fantastic side dish for virtually any main course. They pair especially well with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork, as well as vegetarian mains such as a hearty quinoa salad or roasted vegetable medley. Their natural sweetness and savory undertones provide a perfect balance to rich and savory entrees.
The texture contrast between the soft, creamy filling and the crunchy streusel makes each bite a sensory experience. This recipe will undoubtedly become a go-to in your repertoire, offering an easy yet impressive dish that’s sure to please your guests.
How to Serve
To serve, place the twice-baked sweet potatoes on a large platter or individual plates and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. For a truly indulgent experience, drizzle a little extra melted butter or a spoonful of Greek yogurt on top before serving. These sweet potatoes also make a wonderful addition to any brunch spread or as a comforting snack on a chilly evening.
Conclusion
This Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Streusel Topping recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their fall cooking. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and offers a satisfying combination of creamy sweet potato filling and crispy pecan streusel. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a holiday celebration, this dish will impress your guests and become a favorite on your dinner table. With its nutritional benefits, versatility, and comforting flavors, this recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the season’s best ingredients. Try it today and discover why twice-baked sweet potatoes with streusel topping are a fall classic that never goes out of style.