Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes: Creamy, Sweet & Irresistible

this RECIPE

These Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes are creamy, buttery, and perfectly spiced, making them an irresistible side dish or even a dessert-like treat. Once you try them this way, you’ll never go back to plain sweet potatoes again!

This easy twice-baked sweet potato recipe takes the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and enhances it with cream cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a deliciously smooth and indulgent filling. The result? A dish that’s warm, comforting, and packed with fall flavors!

Perfect for holiday dinners, Thanksgiving, or a cozy weeknight meal. Serve them as a side dish or enjoy them as a standalone treat!

Ingredients

• 4 sweet potatoes
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup milk
• 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

1. Bake the Sweet Potatoes

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 1 hour, or until fork-tender and easily sliced.

2. Prepare the Filling

• Let the sweet potatoes cool slightly, then slice them lengthwise.
• Scoop out the insides, leaving a ¼-inch border around the skin to help hold its shape.
• Place the scooped-out flesh into a mixing bowl.

3. Mash & Mix

• Add butter, milk, and cream cheese to the bowl.
• Beat with a hand mixer or mash with a fork until smooth and creamy.
• Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg, mixing until fully incorporated.

4. Refill & Bake Again

• Spoon the sweet potato mixture back into the shells.
• Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Optional: Top with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar before serving.

Notes

• For extra decadence, add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey before serving.
• Prefer a crunch? Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top before the second bake.
• Make it a dessert! Add a dash of vanilla extract and marshmallows on top for a sweet, gooey finish.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk and dairy-free cream cheese instead.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Keywords: Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes, Holiday Side Dish, Thanksgiving Recipe, Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or potato masher
• Spoon for scooping

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: ~250 kcal
• Sugar: ~12g
• Sodium: ~300mg
• Fat: ~12g
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Fiber: ~5g
• Protein: ~4g

Helpful Tips for the Best Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

1. Choose Evenly-Sized Sweet Potatoes – This ensures they all bake at the same time and cook evenly.
2. Bake, Don’t Microwave – While microwaving is faster, baking at 400°F gives the potatoes a sweeter, more caramelized flavor and a better texture.
3. Let the Sweet Potatoes Cool Slightly Before Scooping – This prevents burning your hands and makes scooping easier without tearing the skins.
4. Don’t Overmix the Filling – Overmixing can make the sweet potatoes gummy. Mash just until smooth for a light, fluffy texture.
5. For an Extra Creamy Filling – Use warm milk and softened butter when mixing to help everything blend smoothly.
6. Crispy Potato Skins? – Lightly brush the skins with butter or oil before the second bake for a crispy, slightly golden edge.
7. Sweet & Crunchy Topping? – Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or granola on top before the second bake for extra texture.
8. Want More Caramelization? – After baking, place the sweet potatoes under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to lightly caramelize the tops.
9. Make Ahead for Easy Prep – You can prepare the filling a day in advance, store it in the fridge, then stuff and bake the potatoes when ready to serve.
10. Customize with Toppings! – Try adding toasted marshmallows, a drizzle of maple syrup, or crispy bacon bits for a fun twist.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigeration (Up to 3 Days)

• Store leftover twice-baked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Reheating:
  • Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.

Freezing (Up to 3 Months)

• Wrap each stuffed sweet potato tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag.
• To reheat from frozen:
  • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until heated through.

Substitutions and Variations

• Nut-Free Topping: Swap pecans for pumpkin seeds or granola.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and plant-based butter.
• Make it Sweeter: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the filling.
• Savory Twist: Add bacon crumbles, smoked paprika, and chives instead of cinnamon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes! Yukon gold or russet potatoes work well with this method, but you may need to adjust the seasoning.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Stuff the potatoes, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake before serving.

Do I need to wrap the sweet potatoes in foil when baking?

No, baking them unwrapped helps the skin stay crisp and prevents steaming.

Can I add toppings?

Absolutely! Try marshmallows, pecans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a dessert-like version.

Conclusion

These Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes are the perfect combination of creamy, spiced, and slightly sweet, making them the ultimate comfort food side dish. Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy fall dinner, this recipe is a must-try!

???? Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments! If you love sweet potato dishes, check out Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans or Maple Glazed Roasted Sweet Potatoes.

Enjoy! ????✨

Print