Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

These Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a perfect dish for small gatherings and make an excellent addition to any holiday table, especially for Thanksgiving. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Each person can customize their toppings, allowing for a unique combination of flavors in every bite. The soft, roasted sweet potatoes are complemented by a sweet and cinnamon-spiced filling, making them a sweet and savory treat. Topped with mini marshmallows that melt beautifully under the broiler, and enhanced with a touch of crunchy pecans, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether as a side dish for a Thanksgiving feast or as a fun and interactive meal option for a gathering, Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are sure to make any occasion a little more special.

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 4-6 slices of butter
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 4 teaspoons of cinnamon
• 2 cups of mini marshmallows
• 1/3 cup of pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help roast the sweet potatoes until they are tender and flavorful.
2. Prepare the Brown Sugar Mixture: In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans (if you’re using them). The brown sugar and cinnamon blend perfectly with the sweetness of the potatoes, while the pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
3. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and prick the skins with a fork. This allows steam to escape while baking, preventing the sweet potatoes from bursting in the oven.
4. Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for about one hour, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Baking time may vary depending on the size of the sweet potatoes, so check them after 50 minutes and adjust if needed.
5. Slice the Sweet Potatoes: Once baked, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Slice them open down the center to create a pocket for the filling.
6. Add Butter and Brown Sugar Mixture: Place a slice of butter into the center of each sweet potato, then spoon about a tablespoon of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture into the potato. The butter will melt into the sweet potato, creating a rich, creamy base for the filling.
7. Top with Marshmallows: Generously top each sweet potato with mini marshmallows. You can add as much or as little as you like, depending on how sweet and gooey you want the final dish to be.
8. Broil the Sweet Potatoes: Turn on your oven’s broiler and place the sweet potatoes back in the oven. Broil for 1-3 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown on top. Be sure to keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly under the broiler.
9. Serve: Once the marshmallows are perfectly browned, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness of these deliciously stuffed sweet potatoes!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 32g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour (or until sweet potatoes are tender)
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Side Dish: These stuffed sweet potatoes are perfect as a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering. Their sweet, comforting flavor pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, turkey, or even grilled vegetables.
• As a Main Dish: For a lighter meal, you can enjoy these stuffed sweet potatoes as a standalone dish, topped with a salad or a protein like grilled chicken or beans.
• For a Party: Set up a DIY sweet potato bar with toppings like nuts, fruits, granola, and whipped cream, allowing guests to customize their own stuffed sweet potatoes.

Additional Tips

1. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit the marshmallows for a more savory version of stuffed sweet potatoes.
2. Add Protein: To make this dish more hearty, add toppings like chopped bacon, grilled chicken, or even a dollop of sour cream for a savory twist.
3. Make Ahead: You can bake the sweet potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply stuff with the butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows and broil until golden brown.
4. Use a Different Nut: If you don’t have pecans or prefer a different flavor, walnuts or almonds are great alternatives that will still add a lovely crunch.
5. Flavor the Butter: For an extra burst of flavor, mix a little cinnamon or vanilla into the butter before adding it to the sweet potatoes.

Recipe Variations

• Savory Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Skip the marshmallows and brown sugar. Instead, stuff the potatoes with a mixture of sautéed onions, spinach, and feta cheese for a savory version that’s perfect as a side dish.
• Spicy Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Add a dash of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mixture for a sweet and spicy kick. Top with jalapeño slices for extra heat.
• Nut-Free Version: If you need a nut-free version, simply skip the pecans and opt for some granola or toasted coconut for a different kind of crunch.
• Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Add fresh or dried cranberries to the filling for a tart contrast to the sweetness of the potatoes and the marshmallows.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side Salad: A light, fresh side salad with greens like arugula or spinach balances out the sweetness of the stuffed sweet potatoes and adds some crunch.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair these sweet potatoes with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots to make a complete, well-rounded meal.
• With Grilled Meat: These sweet potatoes are an excellent side to grilled meats like turkey, chicken, or even pork. Their sweetness and richness complement savory flavors beautifully.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing: If you have leftovers, store the stuffed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven, but keep an eye on the marshmallows to avoid them melting too much.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked sweet potatoes before adding the toppings. Wrap each sweet potato in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, reheat the potatoes and add the butter, brown sugar, marshmallows, and any other toppings before broiling them.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the stuffed sweet potatoes in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but broiling the marshmallows may need to be done separately for the best texture.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of potato?
You can substitute the sweet potatoes with regular russet potatoes, though the flavor and texture will differ. Sweet potatoes offer a naturally sweet flavor that complements the toppings.

2. Can I make these ahead of time for a holiday gathering?
Yes! You can bake the sweet potatoes and prepare the filling a day or two ahead. When ready to serve, simply stuff with the toppings and broil them until golden.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with dairy-free butter and use non-dairy marshmallows for a completely dairy-free version.

4. How can I make these less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of brown sugar or use savory toppings like sautéed spinach and garlic instead of marshmallows for a less sweet, more savory side dish.

5. Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, adding grilled chicken, turkey, or even bacon will make this a more filling meal.

6. Can I use brown sugar substitutes?
Yes, you can use coconut sugar, maple sugar, or a brown sugar substitute if you prefer a less processed option.

7. How long does it take to cook sweet potatoes?
Baking sweet potatoes at 400°F usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on their size. They should be fork-tender when done.

8. Can I use a sweet potato mash instead of whole potatoes?
Yes, you can mash the sweet potatoes and top them with the marshmallows and brown sugar mixture for a different presentation.

9. Can I broil the sweet potatoes in advance?
It’s best to broil them just before serving to keep the marshmallows from becoming too soft. However, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and store them in the fridge before broiling.

**10.

Are these sweet potatoes good for a crowd?**
Absolutely! These stuffed sweet potatoes are perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or holiday gatherings. You can easily scale the recipe up or down depending on the number of people.

Conclusion

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a versatile and delicious dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a side dish for Thanksgiving or a fun, interactive meal for a small gathering, these sweet potatoes are guaranteed to please. With the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, and a customizable array of toppings, this recipe will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy the process of preparing these delicious stuffed sweet potatoes and watch as your guests rave about their comforting flavors!

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