Save to Pinterest A comforting, nutritious weeknight dinner featuring sweet potatoes baked until tender and loaded with a vibrant mix of toppings for a hearty, hands-off meal.
I first made this loaded baked sweet potato recipe as a simple dinner after a long day. I loved how easy it was to customize each potato with everyone's favorite toppings, and the hands-off baking left plenty of time to relax.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: 4 medium, scrubbed
- Black beans: 1 cup, canned, drained and rinsed
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Avocado: 1, diced
- Green onions: 2, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): 1/2 cup, use vegan cheese for dairy-free
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional): 1/4 cup, use dairy-free alternative if desired
- Olive oil: 1 teaspoon
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Chili powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potatoes:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Pierce each sweet potato with fork several times. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on lined baking sheet.
- Bake the potatoes:
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until tender and easily pierced with fork.
- Warm the beans:
- While potatoes bake, combine black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt and pepper in small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble potatoes:
- When potatoes are done, let cool slightly. Slice each open lengthwise and gently fluff flesh with fork.
- Add toppings:
- Top each potato with warm black beans, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, avocado, green onions, cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
- Serve:
- Enjoy hot, with additional toppings as desired.
Save to Pinterest This recipe has become a family weeknight favorite. Everyone enjoys making their own combination of toppings, and it always brings us together around the dinner table.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, small saucepan, fork, knife
Allergen Information
Contains dairy if using cheese or yogurt. Use dairy-free alternatives if needed. Always check labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 375, Total Fat: 11 g, Carbohydrates: 60 g, Protein: 10 g
Save to Pinterest Loaded baked sweet potatoes make dinners simple and satisfying. Change up toppings for endless variety.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I bake sweet potatoes evenly?
Prick sweet potatoes with a fork and rub with olive oil and salt for even roasting. Bake at 400°F for 45–50 minutes until tender.
- → Can I prepare the black bean filling ahead of time?
Yes, the spiced black bean mixture can be warmed just before serving or prepared in advance and reheated gently.
- → What can I use to make this dairy-free?
Use vegan cheddar and substitute sour cream or yogurt with plant-based alternatives to keep it dairy-free.
- → How can I add more protein to this dish?
Top with grilled or shredded rotisserie chicken, or add extra black beans for a protein boost.
- → What spices enhance the flavor of the filling?
Ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder provide a smoky, warm depth that complements the sweet potatoes.