Save to Pinterest 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.
I love serving loaded baked sweet potatoes because each family member can customize their toppings, making dinner both fun and delicious. This simple recipe never fails to bring warmth and comfort to our table.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: 4 medium, scrubbed
- Canned black beans: 1 cup, 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 (optional): 1/2 cup (use vegan cheese for dairy-free)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional): 1/4 cup (use 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 oven and potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pierce and season:
- Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on the baking sheet.
- Bake potatoes:
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Warm black beans:
- While the potatoes bake, combine black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Slice and fluff:
- Let potatoes cool slightly. Slice each open lengthwise and gently fluff the flesh with a fork.
- Assemble toppings:
- Top 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.
Save to Pinterest Gathering around the dinner table with loaded sweet potatoes always sparks laughter, especially when everyone creates their own masterpiece. It's a hit even with picky eaters in our family.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, small saucepan, fork, knife
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese, sour cream, or yogurt). Use dairy-free alternatives if needed. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 375 calories, 11 g total fat, 60 g carbohydrates, 10 g protein
Save to Pinterest Loaded baked sweet potatoes are so easy you'll want them on repeat. Enjoy colorful toppings and hearty flavor in every bite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I know when sweet potatoes are fully baked?
Sweet potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork and the flesh feels soft inside. This usually takes about 45-50 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- → Can I prepare the toppings ahead of time?
Yes, black beans can be warmed and spiced in advance. Chop fresh ingredients like tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → What are good alternatives for dairy toppings?
Vegan cheese and dairy-free yogurt or sour cream substitutes work well to keep the dish creamy without dairy.
- → How can I add extra protein to this dish?
Adding grilled or shredded chicken complements the flavors and boosts protein content if desired.
- → What spices enhance the flavor of the beans?
A mix of ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper brings warmth and depth to the black beans.