Holiday stuffed sweet potatoes filled with festive toppings and garnishes

Holiday Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Holiday Stuffed Sweet Potato is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any holiday gathering. The combination of sweet potatoes, savory bacon, and crunchy pecans creates a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a great way to incorporate healthier ingredients into your holiday meals. This recipe will surely impress your family and friends, making it a standout on your festive table.

How to Make Holiday Stuffed Sweet Potato

Ingredients

  • 4 x 300g / 10oz sweet potatoes (skin on, washed and dried)
  • 1/2 tsp cooking / kosher salt
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5 tbsp pecan nuts (Note 2)
  • 200g / 7 oz streaky bacon (chopped, Note 5 to omit)
  • 1 1/2 cups colby cheese (shredded, Note 3)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cooking / kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp sage leaves (finely chopped, Note 4)

Directions

  1. Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 200°C / 400°F (or 180°C fan forced).

  2. Bake: Prick the skin of each sweet potato about 15 times with a fork. Place the potatoes on a foil-lined baking tray and bake for 75 minutes, or until they are soft all the way through. Check with a butter knife to ensure they’re cooked.

  3. Scoop: Once cooked, let the potatoes cool for about 10 minutes to handle. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a 0.5cm (0.2") wall. Put the flesh in a bowl.

  4. Stuffing: Mash the scooped potato with a fork. Add browned butter, 1/2 tsp salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix in half of the pecans, bacon, and cheese, reserving the rest for toppings. Stir everything until well combined.

  5. Stuff: Place the halved sweet potatoes back on a baking tray lined with paper. Stuff them equally with the mixture. Top with the reserved cheese and bake for 25 minutes until the cheese melts.

  6. Crunchy Topping: In the last few minutes, top with the remaining pecans, bacon, and panko mixture. Bake for another 3 to 4 minutes until golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Holiday Stuffed Sweet Potato

Holiday Stuffed Sweet Potatoes make a beautiful centerpiece on your dinner table. Serve them warm, and you can pair them with your favorite holiday proteins, like roast turkey or ham. They also work great as a standalone dish for vegetarians.

How to Store Holiday Stuffed Sweet Potato

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Tips to Make Holiday Stuffed Sweet Potato

  • For an extra layer of flavor, you can add spices like cumin or cinnamon to the potato mixture.
  • If you want a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil instead of butter.
  • Ensure your sweet potatoes are evenly sized for consistent cooking.

Variation

Feel free to customize your stuffing! You can add ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or different cheeses to give it your personal touch.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed potatoes a day in advance and bake them right before serving.

2. What can I use instead of colby cheese?
You can substitute colby cheese with cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor.

3. Are sweet potatoes healthier than regular potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin A, and they contain more fiber than regular potatoes.