Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes are tender sweet potato halves filled with a creamy, spiced mash, baked again until golden and comforting—a perfect blend of sweet and buttery flavors wrapped in crisp skins.

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I fell for this dish because it elevates simple sweet potatoes into something special. The natural sweetness combines with butter, brown sugar, and warm spices to create a filling that feels indulgent without being overly rich. The contrast between the crisp skins and the soft interior makes every bite satisfying. It’s versatile enough as a side or a lightly dressed main, and it always brightens up any meal.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup sour cream (optional topping)
Salt and pepper to taste
Milk or cream, as needed for consistency

Directions

Initial Bake
I heated my oven to 375°F (190°C), pierced each sweet potato a few times, and placed them on a baking sheet. I baked them until tender—this took about an hour.
Prepare the Filling
Once they were cool enough to handle, I halved them lengthwise and gently scooped out the flesh, leaving a thin layer to keep the skins intact. I mashed the flesh with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. If the mixture seemed too dense, I added a splash of milk or cream. Finally, I seasoned it with salt and pepper.
Stuff the Skins
I spooned the creamy filling back into the potato skins, topping each with a bit of sour cream, extra brown sugar, or cinnamon for more color and flavor.
Final Bake
The stuffed potatoes went back into the oven for 15–20 minutes until the tops were lightly browned and the filling was warmed through.
Serve
I served them right away while warm, though you can add more toppings like chopped pecans, a drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence.

Servings and timing

Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: ~20 minutes
Cook time: ~1 hour 25 minutes (initial bake 1 hour, final bake ~20 minutes)
Total time: ~1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Savory twist: Mix in sautéed onions, or shredded cheese for a more savory flavor.
Vegan option: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free milk, and skip sour cream to keep it vegan-friendly.
Spiced differently: Swap nutmeg and cinnamon for cumin, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of chili powder.
Sweet toppings: Garnish with marshmallows, pecans, or a light drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Storage/reheating

Storing: Put any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: After stuffing but before the final bake, freeze the potatoes on a baking sheet. Once solid, wrap individually and freeze up to 3 months. Bake from frozen—just add a little extra time.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through to preserve skin texture better than microwaving.

FAQs

What’s the best way to prep these ahead of time?

I do the first bake and stuff the potatoes, then refrigerate them overnight. The next day, I finish with the final bake right before serving.

How do I tell when the sweet potatoes are fully cooked?

When a fork easily slides through the potatoes from the first bake, they’re done. They should feel uniformly tender inside.

Can I wrap them in aluminum foil when baking?

Yes, you can wrap them in foil during the first bake to help retain moisture. Just unwrap them before the final bake if you want crisp skins.

Is there a way to make the skins extra crispy?

I brush the skins with a bit of oil and sprinkle with salt before the final bake. That gives them a nice crunch.

Can I swap sour cream for something else?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt adds tang, and cream cheese makes them richer. For dairy-free, try a coconut yogurt.

Conclusion

I absolutely adore Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes—they’re easy yet elegant, comforting yet imaginative. Whether I serve them as a side or a centerpiece, they’re always a hit. The creamy, sweet, spiced filling balances beautifully with the crispy skin, and the options for customization make them a go-to recipe for any season. Give them a try and let me know which twist you liked best!