Looking for a delicious and satisfying side dish that’s both sweet and savory? These Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are the perfect answer. Packed with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced filling and topped with toasted marshmallows and crunchy pecans, this dish is bound to steal the show. Whether you’re serving it as part of a weeknight dinner or as a festive holiday side, these stuffed sweet potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit.
Why Sweet Potatoes Are a Favorite
Sweet potatoes have long been celebrated for their natural balance of sweetness and earthiness, which makes them a great fit for a variety of dishes. Their natural sweetness makes them perfect for both savory and sweet preparations, and they work well in a variety of cooking methods, whether roasted, baked, or mashed.
Their rich flavor and smooth texture make them a popular ingredient, whether roasted to perfection, baked until tender, or mashed for a comforting side. Packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, they’re a fantastic choice for those looking to boost their health through food.
Tips for the Best Results
To make sure your Stuffed Sweet Potatoes come out perfectly, here are a few tips:
- Choose evenly sized sweet potatoes: This will ensure they all cook at the same time.
- Watch the marshmallows closely: When broiling the marshmallows, keep a close eye on them as they brown very quickly. It only takes a few seconds for them to go from perfectly golden to burnt, so stay vigilant!
- Customize the filling: While this recipe calls for pecans, you can easily swap in walnuts or even omit the nuts altogether for a smoother texture.
How to Serve Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These Stuffed Sweet Potatoes make a fantastic side dish for a wide variety of meals. Whether you’re serving them alongside roasted chicken, steak, or turkey, they bring a sweet and savory contrast to the table. They’re also hearty enough to be a meal on their own, especially when paired with a simple salad or a bowl of soup.
For special occasions, like Thanksgiving or Christmas, these stuffed sweet potatoes fit perfectly on the holiday table. Their warm flavors and festive toppings make them a favorite with both kids and adults.
Storing and Reheating
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
These potatoes can also be prepped ahead of time. Bake the sweet potatoes and prepare the filling in advance, then assemble and broil just before serving. This makes them a convenient option for busy holiday cooking!
These Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are sure to become a favorite in your home. With their combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy goodness, they’re a dish that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special holiday gatherings, this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 sweet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons salted butter softened
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pierce them all over with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place the sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Use a fork to combine the ingredients well.
- Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and carefully cut each one down the middle. Use a fork to gently mash the inside of each potato.
- Spoon the butter mixture evenly into the center of each sweet potato. Top with a generous ¼ cup of mini marshmallows per potato.
- Place the sweet potatoes back in the oven on the broil setting for 15-20 seconds, just until the marshmallows are golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!