Twice Baked Sweet Potato Recipe (Healthy + Easy)
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This twice baked sweet potato recipe is perfect for your holiday season or any time of year. It’s packed with a perfect combination of sweet pineapple and crunchy toasted pecans, then twice-baked to perfection. This unique sweet potato recipe is dairy-free and vegan, so everyone will love this easy side dish and it’s sure to become a family favorite.
If you’re looking for healthy sides for your holiday meals then this is sure to become one of your favorite side dishes. These twice baked sweet potatoes can be partially made ahead making it a convenient and easy recipe.
Before I lost 125 pounds I would eat the traditional sweet potato casserole with gooey marshmallows and I admit I never really liked it. Now that I know that marshmallows have gelatin and I never really liked it anyway, I created this recipe and it’s become one that my whole family loves.
If you’re curious, gelatin is a protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones in water. It is usually derived from animals, most commonly pigs and cows. There are vegan marshmallow alternatives available that use plant-based ingredients like agar-agar or carrageenan instead of gelatin, but my personal preference is for this healthy twice-baked sweet potato recipe.
What they are saying about this Twice Baked Sweet Potato Recipe
I love sweet potatoes and this recipe turned out sooo good. will make again! – Andrea
More recipes for your holiday meal
Why you will love this Twice Baked Sweet Potato recipe
- Deliciously Sweet Flavor: This twice-baked sweet potato recipe boasts a perfect blend of natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes complemented by the rich flavor of maple syrup. The addition of a crunchy pecan topping provides a delightful contrast in texture, making each bite a symphony of flavors.
- Wholesome and Vegan-Friendly: For those following a healthy lifestyle, this great recipe offers a scrumptious option without compromising on taste. It demonstrates how plant-based ingredients can be taken to a whole new level to create a comforting and indulgent dish, suitable for both vegans and non-vegans alike.
- Impressive Presentation and Texture: The twice-baked method ensures tender potatoes while the pecan streusel topping adds a satisfying crunch. It’s a unique change from the classic sweet potato casserole. They are a reader favorite and make a delicious addition to any weeknight or special occasion.
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Ingredients for this unique sweet potato recipe
These twice-baked potatoes are not just tasty, but they’re also made with just a handful of ingredients that are good for you and easy to find!
You can find the full recipe card, including ingredient quantities, full instructions, and nutrition information below.
But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this delicious side dish.
- Sweet Potatoes – I always recommend using organic produce when its possible and affordable.
- Pineapple – It’s optional and I didn’t photograph it in the picture above, but it brings your sweet potatoes to a completely different level.
- Vegan Butter – I used unsalted so you can control the amount of sodium.
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Ginger
- Sea Salt – it helps balance the sweetness, but you can omit it.
- Maple Syrup – you could sub monkfruit or stevia sweetened syrup
- Pecans – walnuts are a nice option, too
- Flour – you could sub oat flour for a gluten-free option
EAT TO LOSE!
How to make these healthy twice-baked sweet potatoes
This is the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving table because they are so simple to make and a time saver since you can make part of the recipe ahead of time
Step 1 – Bake sweet potatoes
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees f. Clean and dry sweet potatoes, then with a fork, poke several holes into each one, allowing steam to escape during baking. Optionally, enhance the flavor by rubbing them with a bit of olive oil and sprinkling with salt. Place the prepared sweet potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet, ensuring some space between each. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 to 50 minutes. Cook time will depend on their size and your oven. Check doneness by inserting a sharp knife in the center of a sweet potato to see if it’s soft.
- You can do this step the day before and then refrigerate the cooked sweet potatoes.
- Once cooled enough so you can handle, slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise and remove the center, but leave enough of the flesh and sweet potato skins to keep the shape.
Step 2 – Mix ingredients
- In a large bowl, mash the sweet potato filling.
- Add the spices, melted butter, salt, and pineapple. Combine well.
- Stuff the sweet potato shells with the mashed sweet potato mixture.
Step 3 – Make the pecan streusel topping
- Make the crunchy pecan topping by adding butter, flour, and spices to the pecans.
- Add the pecan streusel to the top of each potato.
Step 4 – Bake again
Bake again for 20 minutes or until the filling is hot and the pecan topping is crunchy. Enjoy!
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Tips
I recommend baking the sweet potatoes ahead of time and keeping them in the refrigerator. This make-ahead twice-baked sweet potato recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a great side dish to your Thanksgiving menu.
You can cook them in an instant pot rather than using the oven to bake. However, I encourage you to do the second bake in the oven so your sweet potatoes have a nice crunchy top.
If you want to make them a little lower in carbohydrates you can substitute monkfruit sweetened syrup or stevia sweetened syrup instead of maple syrup.
FAQ’s
Are sweet potatoes good for you?
Yes! They are highly nutritious with lots of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They promote gut health, may help prevent cancer, and improve your vision and brain health. You can read more about their benefits if you’re into that kinda stuff.
If you love sweet potatoes you will love this vegan sweet potato pie recipe!
How long do sweet potatoes last in the fridge?
Cooked sweet potatoes can last in the fridge for about 4 to 6 days if stored properly. It’s important to refrigerate them within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. Place the cooked sweet potatoes in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. For optimal freshness and quality, it’s recommended to consume them within the suggested timeframe. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an off odor, unusual color, or mold, it’s best to discard them.
I recommend waiting to bake the sweet potatoes the second time when you’re ready to serve because refrigeration will soften the pecan streusel topping and it won’t be crunchy.
What to serve with sweet potatoes?
You can make this unique sweet potato version a main course by adding a side salad or sauteed greens. One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is with a vegan ham, a bowl of black bean soup, or a meatless loaf.
What are the different kinds of sweet potatoes?
There are several varieties of sweet potatoes, and while the distinctions can be subtle, they can affect the flavor and texture of your twice-baked sweet potatoes. Here are a few common types:
- Beauregard: This is a popular orange-fleshed sweet potato with a moist and sweet flavor. It’s a good all-purpose sweet potato and is often the variety you find in grocery stores.
- Japanese or Hannah Sweet Potatoes: These have pale skin and white or cream-colored flesh. They are less sweet than orange-fleshed sweet potatoes and have a slightly dry texture, making them great for savory sweet potatoes.
- Garnet and Jewel: These are other varieties of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. They are moist and sweet, making them a good choice for sweet dishes like pies but can also work well for savory preparations.
Which sweet potato is best for twice-baked sweet potatoes?
For twice-baked sweet potatoes, you might want to use a moist and sweet variety like Beauregard, Garnet, or Jewel as they tend to mash well and offer a pleasing sweetness and the best flavor. However, personal preference plays a significant role, and you can experiment with different varieties to find the one you like best.
How do I reheat sweet potatoes?
You can reheat these twice-baked sweet potatoes in a 350-degree oven for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
How do I store leftover baked sweet potatoes?
You can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Can I add mini marshmallows?
This recipe is very versatile, so you can add vegan marshmallows (regular marshmallows have gelatin), raisins, dried cranberries, or walnuts for a fun twist.
Recipe
If you like this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and tell me how it went in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Twice Baked Sweet Potato Recipe (Healthy + Easy)
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 Tbsp vegan butter
- 3 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 cup pineapple, chopped
Pecan Topping
- 3/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 Tbsp flour
- 2 Tbsp vegan butter
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Clean and dry sweet potatoes. Bake 40-50 minutes, or until soft in the center. Check doneness by inserting a knife in the center of a sweet potato to see if it's soft.
- Reduce the heat to 350 degrees. Allow sweet potatoes to cool until they can be handled without burning your hands.
- Slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise and scoop out the sweet potato flesh. Be sure to leave about 1/4 inch of the sweet potato and skin in order to keep the shape.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the sweet potato flesh, vegan butter, maple syrup, and seasonings. Mash until well combined. Stir in pineapple. Stuff the sweet potato with the mixture.
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the pecans, cinnamon, flour, vegan butter, maple syrup, and salt. Top each sweet potato with the pecan mixture.
- Bake the sweet potatoes for 20-30 minutes or until topping is crunchy. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research as a vegan recipe enthusiast. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. The recipes and tips shared on this blog are meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
this twice baked sweet potato is lovely and makes for a great snack or holiday side! thanks
So happy you enjoy them!
These twice baked sweet potatoes are seriously incredible!
So glad you love them!
I’m so excited to find your recipe as I was looking for sweet potato recipes. I love this vegan option and will add it to my favs 🙂
i love sweet potatoes and this recipe turned out sooo good. will make again!