Pin It 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 became a staple in our house when juggling busy weeknights and needing something easy yet satisfying. The simple prep and hands-off baking always rescue me on days short of time.
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 (optional, use vegan cheese for dairy-free)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: 1/4 cup (optional, 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 potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pierce & 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:
- Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Prepare beans:
- Combine the black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Slice & fluff:
- When the potatoes are done, let cool slightly. Slice each sweet potato open lengthwise and gently fluff the flesh with a fork.
- Load toppings:
- Top each potato with black beans, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, avocado, green onions, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with additional toppings as desired.
Pin It This recipe is always a hit during our family movie nights. Everyone gets to choose their favorite toppings, making dinner fun and interactive for all ages.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, small saucepan, fork, knife
Allergen Information
Contains dairy if using cheese or sour cream. Substitute with dairy-free options if preferred and always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 375, Total Fat 11 g, Carbohydrates 60 g, Protein 10 g
Pin It Enjoy these vibrant and filling loaded baked sweet potatoes for a fuss-free dinner that's as customizable as it is delicious.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I know when sweet potatoes are done baking?
Sweet potatoes are tender when a fork easily pierces to the center without resistance. Typically, baking at 400°F for 45–50 minutes achieves this texture.
- → Can I prepare the bean topping in advance?
Yes, warming black beans mixed with cumin and smoked paprika beforehand allows flavors to meld and saves time during assembly.
- → What alternatives can I use for dairy toppings?
Vegan cheese and plant-based sour cream or yogurt work well as creamy, dairy-free alternatives for the toppings.
- → How can I add protein to this dish?
Adding grilled or shredded rotisserie chicken introduces extra protein without changing the core flavors.
- → What spices enhance the flavor of this dish?
Ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper provide a smoky, mildly spicy profile that complements the sweet potatoes.