Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe is going to become your new go-to. With tender, creamy sweet potatoes perfectly spiced and then topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel, every bite is a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors. It’s comfort food elevated, bringing together the natural sweetness of the potatoes with a nutty, cinnamon-kissed topping that adds just the right touch of indulgence. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will be a star at your dinner table, no matter the occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays an essential role in making this dish stand out. From the creamy richness of sour cream to the warm spices that enhance the sweet potatoes’ natural flavor, every element combines for a perfect balance of taste and texture.

• 4 medium sweet potatoes: The star of the dish, naturally sweet and creamy when baked.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps to crisp the skins and add a subtle richness.
• 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and tang to the filling.
• 1/4 cup milk: Helps achieve the perfect smooth, mashable texture.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Brings a buttery depth that enhances every bite.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Warms up the flavors with its sweet, aromatic spice.
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a cozy, nutty hint that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Brings a subtle kick to keep the dish interesting.
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the filling, offering a deliciously sharp contrast.
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans: For the streusel topping, providing a satisfying crunch.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the streusel with a rich molasses flavor.
• 1/4 cup rolled oats: Adds texture and helps bind the streusel together.
• 2 tbsp flour: Creates structure in the streusel topping.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Essential for that crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth streusel.
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for streusel topping): Gives the topping a warm, inviting aroma.
• Pinch of salt (for streusel topping): Balances sweetness and enhances nuts’ flavor.

How to Make Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 200°C (400°F). While it’s warming up, prick each sweet potato several times with a fork; this helps steam escape during baking. Then, rub them all over with olive oil – this little step gives the skins a lovely crisp texture after baking.

Step 2: Bake Sweet Potatoes Until Tender

Place the oiled sweet potatoes directly on a baking sheet and pop them into your hot oven. Let them bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork and they feel soft inside – just like magic waiting to be transformed.

Step 3: Scoop Out the Tender Filling

After baking, give your sweet potatoes a few minutes to cool just enough so you can handle them. Slice each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the sweet, fluffy flesh into a bowl, leaving a small edge so the skins remain sturdy to hold the filling later on.

Step 4: Create the Creamy, Flavor-Packed Filling

To those soft potato bits, add sour cream, milk, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together until you reach a smooth, creamy consistency. Don’t forget to fold in shredded cheddar cheese now — it melts beautifully into the mix, giving the filling a dreamy, savory edge.

Step 5: Stuff the Potato Skins

Now comes the fun part: stuffing! Spoon the luscious filling back into your reserved potato skins, piling the mixture high. Place them neatly on the baking sheet, ready for their crowning glory.

Step 6: Make the Crunchy Pecan Streusel Topping

In a bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, rolled oats, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter, then use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the dry ingredients until you get coarse, crumbly bits. This topping is what will bring that addictive sweet-and-nutty crunch to your twice baked sweet potatoes.

Step 7: Sprinkle the Streusel Over the Filled Potatoes

Generously sprinkle the pecan streusel evenly on top of each stuffed sweet potato. Make sure every bite will have a perfect crunch waiting to be enjoyed.

Step 8: Final Bake to Golden Perfection

Return the loaded sweet potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the streusel will turn a gorgeous golden brown, and the filling will heat through, ready to delight your taste buds.

Step 9: Time to Serve and Savor

Once baked, serve them warm, and watch as everyone falls in love with this fantastic dish. The textures, aromas, and flavors all come together in a heavenly experience that makes this Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe so irresistible.

How to Serve Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes elevates this dish even further. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a light dusting of extra cinnamon can brighten up each serving visually and flavor-wise. A drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of Greek yogurt also pairs beautifully if you want to add a little extra richness or tang.

Side Dishes

This dish shines as a star side with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. It also complements vegetarian mains like a savory mushroom stew or quinoa salad perfectly, providing a sweet and crunchy contrast that balances savory dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, serve the twice baked sweet potatoes right in their skins placed on rustic wooden boards or colorful plates to make them pop. You could also scoop the filling into small ramekins, add the streusel on top, and bake individually for an elegant twist. Either way, your presentation will wow your guests before they even take a bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover twice baked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making them a perfect make-ahead side for busy nights.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance, these sweet potatoes freeze wonderfully. After baking but before the final streusel topping bake, wrap each individually in foil and seal in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking with the streusel topping.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the potatoes in a 175°C (350°F) oven for about 15-20 minutes until steaming hot and the topping regains its lovely crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the skin soggy instead of nice and crisp.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

While this recipe is designed to highlight the natural sweetness and creamy texture of sweet potatoes, you can absolutely try it with regular potatoes. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be less sweet and the seasoning might need adjusting to suit the different taste.

What if I don’t have pecans? Can I use other nuts?

Definitely! Walnuts or almonds are excellent substitutes for pecans in the streusel topping. They still provide that wonderful crunch and buttery flavor that makes the topping so special.

Is this dish suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or meat-based ingredients. Just make sure your cheddar cheese is vegetarian if that’s a concern for you.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use a vegan sour cream and milk substitute, and choose a vegan cheese or skip the cheese altogether. The pecan streusel is naturally vegan if you make these adjustments.

How do I ensure the sweet potato skins stay sturdy?

Leaving a small border of sweet potato flesh when scooping out the insides helps the skins hold their shape. Also, rubbing the skins with olive oil and baking them properly ensures they crisp up nicely and don’t become too fragile.

Final Thoughts

This Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe is truly a winner in my kitchen and I hope it becomes a favorite in yours too. It brings together the best of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy all in one dish. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just indulging in some cozy comfort food, these potatoes will not disappoint. Give it a try and watch everyone ask for seconds!

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