If you are searching for a cozy yet show-stopping side dish or a comforting main, then this Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Bacon, Maple Syrup, and Smoked Cheddar Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This dish brings together the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with the smoky crunch of bacon, the rich, tangy depth of smoked cheddar, and a drizzle of pure maple syrup for that perfect touch of sweetness. Every bite is a delightful balance of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Once you try this, it’s sure to become one of your favorite recipes to make and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and well-chosen ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering amazing flavor and texture. From the velvety mashed sweet potato filling to the crispy bacon pieces and gooey melted cheddar, each component works together harmoniously.
- 4 medium sweet potatoes: The star of the dish, offering a naturally sweet base that roasts up soft and creamy.
- 6 slices bacon: Adds irresistible smokiness and crunch to contrast the smooth sweetness.
- 3 chopped green onions: Brings freshness and mild oniony zest to brighten the flavors.
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup: Enhances the inherent sweetness and ties the savory elements beautifully.
- 1 tsp hot sauce: Provides a subtle kick that cuts through the richness.
- 1¼ cups shredded smoked cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly to add a deep smoky, creamy bite that makes this recipe unforgettable.
How to Make Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Bacon, Maple Syrup, and Smoked Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF to ensure it’s ready for the final bake. While it warms up, wash each sweet potato thoroughly and pierce them with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. Microwave on high for about 10 minutes, checking tenderness by inserting a knife – it should glide in with ease. If not quite tender yet, continue microwaving in short 30-second bursts. This step speeds up the cooking process without drying out the potatoes.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Reserve the Fat
Chop your bacon into half-inch pieces for perfect bite-sized bits. Cook them in a skillet over medium heat until they’re beautifully crispy and golden. Once done, drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease but don’t toss the bacon fat! Measure out one tablespoon and set it aside — this flavorful fat will enrich the sweet potato filling.
Step 3: Scoop and Mix the Filling
Slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Carefully scoop out most of the soft insides into a medium to large mixing bowl, but leave enough in the skin so each shell maintains its shape and can hold the filling without collapsing. Now it’s time to bring all the ingredients together: add the crispy bacon pieces, reserved bacon fat, chopped green onions, maple syrup, a touch of hot sauce, shredded smoked cheddar cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently until everything is combined and ready to be packed back into the sweet potato shells.
Step 4: Stuff and Bake
Fill each sweet potato shell generously with the cheesy, smoky filling, mounding it so every bite is packed with goodness. Arrange the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar over the top to create that irresistible melted cheese crust. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until they are heated through and the cheese is bubbling and golden.
How to Serve Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Bacon, Maple Syrup, and Smoked Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, garnish with fresh chopped green onions for a crisp, peppery note. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of extra maple syrup adds lovely creaminess and sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the smoky bacon and cheese.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple green salads or steamed vegetables that complement the richness of the twice baked sweet potatoes, balancing your plate with fresh, light elements while keeping the comfort factor high.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these twice baked sweet potatoes in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch at dinner parties. Alternatively, slice them into rounds and serve as appetizers topped with a sprinkle of chives and a drizzle of hot sauce for a bite-sized flavor explosion that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover twice baked sweet potatoes keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making them even more delicious when reheated gently.
Freezing
If you want to save them for longer, you can freeze the twice baked sweet potatoes after baking. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for about 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen potatoes in the fridge overnight. Warm them in a preheated oven at 350ºF for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and bubbly. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that lovely melted cheese texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use regular cheddar instead of smoked cheddar?
Absolutely! While smoked cheddar adds an extra depth of flavor, sharp or mild cheddar will still taste fantastic in this recipe. You might want to add a small pinch of smoked paprika to mimic that smoky essence.
Is it okay to bake the sweet potatoes in the oven instead of microwaving?
Yes, you can bake the sweet potatoes at 400ºF for about 45-60 minutes until tender. Microwaving is just a quicker alternative, but oven-baked potatoes develop a slightly better texture and flavor if you have the time.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can certainly omit the bacon and replace it with smoked mushrooms or a smoky seasoning to keep a rich, savory taste. The maple syrup and smoked cheddar still make this dish taste indulgent without the meat.
How spicy is this dish with hot sauce?
The hot sauce adds just a subtle kick that enhances the other flavors without overpowering them. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
What type of sweet potatoes work best?
Medium-sized orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are ideal because they become creamy when cooked and have the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture for stuffing.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that blends comfort and gourmet flavors effortlessly, this Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Bacon, Maple Syrup, and Smoked Cheddar Recipe is a winner. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or anytime you crave something with a bit of sweet, smoky magic. I encourage you to try it soon — once you do, it will likely become a beloved recipe you keep coming back to again and again.
Print
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Bacon, Maple Syrup, and Smoked Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes offer a deliciously smoky, sweet, and spicy twist on a classic comfort dish. Loaded with crispy bacon, sharp smoked cheddar, a touch of maple syrup, and a kick of hot sauce, they make an ideal side or hearty appetizer. The sweet potatoes are first microwaved for quick softening, then stuffed with a flavorful bacon and cheese mixture before finishing in the oven for a melty, golden top.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
Filling
- 6 slices bacon
- 3 chopped green onions
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1¼ cups shredded smoked cheddar cheese
Other
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Green onions, for topping
- Sour cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC) to prepare for the final bake of the stuffed sweet potatoes.
- Microwave Sweet Potatoes: Wash and pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork. Microwave on high for 10 minutes, then check tenderness by piercing with a knife. If resistance is felt, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until fully soft.
- Cook Bacon: Cut bacon into ½-inch pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels, reserving one tablespoon of bacon fat for flavor.
- Prepare Filling: Slice each sweet potato lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh into a bowl, leaving the skins intact to hold shape. Mix the sweet potato flesh with the cooked bacon, reserved bacon fat, chopped green onions, maple syrup, hot sauce, shredded cheese, salt, and black pepper.
- Stuff Potatoes: Spoon the filling mixture evenly back into the sweet potato skins. Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top for extra melty goodness.
- Bake: Bake the stuffed sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and top with extra chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Notes
- Microwaving the sweet potatoes before baking significantly reduces cooking time.
- Use smoked cheddar for a deeper, smoky flavor that complements the bacon.
- Adjust hot sauce amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and use smoked cheese and sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for smoky flavor.
