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.
Loaded baked sweet potatoes are a staple in my house whenever I want something satisfying but don&t want to spend all evening cooking. Everyone loves picking their favorite toppings to create their perfect potato.
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: 1/2 cup (use vegan cheese for dairy-free)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: 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
- Prep sweet potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pierce and season:
- Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake potatoes:
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, until very tender.
- Prepare bean mix:
- While baking, combine black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Open and fluff:
- Let baked potatoes cool briefly. Slice open lengthwise and gently fluff the flesh with a fork.
- Top and serve:
- Add black beans, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, avocado, green onions, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. Serve hot, with extra toppings if desired.
Save to Pinterest My kids love putting together their own loaded sweet potatoes — it's become a fun family dinner where everyone gets involved in the kitchen.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, small saucepan, fork, knife
Allergen Information
Contains dairy if using cheese and sour cream or yogurt. Choose plant-based alternatives if needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 375 calories, 11 g total fat, 60 g carbohydrates, 10 g protein
Save to Pinterest Loaded baked sweet potatoes are perfect for busy nights – just bake, stuff, and enjoy a delicious, nourishing meal. It's sure to become a regular in your rotation.
Questions & Answers
- → How do I know when sweet potatoes are fully cooked?
Sweet potatoes are done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Baking at 400°F for 45-50 minutes usually achieves this.
- → Can I prepare the black beans alternative ways?
Yes, warming the black beans with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and seasonings enhances their flavor and blends well with the sweet potatoes.
- → Are there suggested toppings to customize this dish?
Additional toppings can include jalapeño slices for heat, grilled chicken for protein, or vegan cheese to maintain a plant-based option.
- → What tools do I need to prepare this dish?
A baking sheet lined with parchment paper, a fork to pierce potatoes, a small saucepan for warming beans, and a knife are essential tools.
- → How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use vegan cheese and substitute sour cream or yogurt with dairy-free alternatives to keep the dish plant-based.