Twicebaked Sweet Potatoes with Maplepecan Crunch

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy something a bit different tonight? I was pondering what to make, and bingo it hit me! I'm sharing my recipe for twice baked sweet potatoes .

Honestly, these aren't just any spuds; they're a flavour explosion!

Brief Overview

Let's get to the heart of it: these twice baked sweet potatoes with maple pecan originate from Southern American cuisine, but I've added my little spin.

These are medium difficulty, taking about 1 hour and 10 minutes, and serves 4 people. It is a sweet potato casserole alternative that will have the whole family licking their fingers.

Main Benefits

They're packed with fibre! These healthy twice baked sweet potatoes are perfect for a Sunday roast or a special occasion.

What makes them special? The sweet and savoury combination with that oh-so-good maple pecan crunch.

What you need to create these bad boys.

Alright, let's talk ingredients. Forget boring, we're aiming for brilliant! You will need sweet potatoes, olive oil, and some basic spices like salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

For the sweet filling, milk and butter. And for the pièce de résistance that maple pecan crumble, you will need pecans, flour, brown sugar, cold butter, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt.

Don’t skimp on the pecans they really make the topping sing!. So, get those ingredients lined up, and let's get cooking!

Gear Up for Spud tastic Cooking!

Right, before we get our hands dirty, make sure you've got your equipment sorted. You will need a baking sheet, a fork for poking those potatoes, a large mixing bowl (for the creamy filling, of course!), and something to mash the potatoes (a fork will do just fine if you don't have a fancy masher).

A small mixing bowl is also handy for mixing your maple pecan crunch.

Making the spuds like a real chef

Ready to transform those humble sweet potatoes into something special? First, bake those sweet potatoes like you mean it. While they are in the oven whip up your maple pecan topping.

Combine pecans, flour, brown sugar, cold butter, maple syrup, and salt in a small bowl. Cut butter in using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Refrigerate until ready to use. Scoop out the sweet potato and mix the filling. Refill the skins with the mixture and sprinkle with the pecan topping.

Finally, bake until golden brown, and you've got yourself a right treat.

Variations Galore!

The joy of cooking is making things your own , innit? Fancy a bit of a kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for spicy sweet potatoes .

dairy-free? Use almond milk and a dairy-free butter alternative. Got nut allergies? Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. No brown sugar? Mix granulated sugar with a spoon of molasses.

The possibilities are endless.

These loaded sweet potatoes are a sure fire hit. Honestly, once you try twice baked sweet potatoes , you'll wonder why you haven't made them before.

The perfect dish for any occasion

Serve these alongside a roast chicken or pork for a proper Sunday lunch. Or, for a lighter touch, a dollop of crème fraîche or Greek yogurt will add a tangy contrast.

It's also a great sweet potato side dish that pairs well with a crisp green salad. So, get creative and enjoy the deliciousness!

This easy sweet potato recipe is sure to become a family favourite!

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. We're making twice baked sweet potatoes , but not just any old recipe.

We're talking the kind that'll make you smack your lips and go, "Cor, that's good!". Trust me, these will become your go-to sweet potato side dish .

Getting Your Kit Together: Ingredients & Equipment

So, what do we need to make these twice baked sweet potatoes with maple pecan dreams a reality? Don't worry, nothing too fancy.

Main Ingredients

This is where the magic begins! Precise is key, love.

• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 800g , 28oz) - go for ones that feel heavy for their size. Blemishes are fine but avoid anything too soft.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30ml )
• 1/4 teaspoon salt ( 1.5g )
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ( 1.5g )
• 1/4 cup milk or cream ( 60ml ) - full fat is best, but whatever you've got is likely fine.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened ( 30g ) - softened, not melted!
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon ( 1g )
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg ( 0.5g )
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup ( 15ml ) - real maple syrup is best, but hey, the fake stuff will do in a pinch.
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans ( 30g )
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ( 15g )
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar ( 25g )
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed ( 30g ) - keep it fridge cold for that crumbly texture.
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup ( 15ml )
• Pinch of salt ( 0.25g )

If you're after healthy twice baked sweet potatoes , maybe swap the brown sugar for coconut sugar? Just a thought! Honestly, though, these are pretty wholesome as is!

Seasoning Notes: A Flavour Symphony

Spices are where you can really make this dish sing.

• Cinnamon and nutmeg are a classic combo. You can also use pumpkin pie spice if you're feeling lazy, just don't tell anyone I said that.
• Maple syrup, a real flavour enhancer, adds sweetness and depth.
• A pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
• Don't have nutmeg? A touch of allspice works too.

Fancy making it a sweet potato casserole alternative ? Chuck in some toasted marshmallows on top before the second bake!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

No need for all the bells and whistles!

• Baking sheet.
• Fork - essential for poking holes.
• Large mixing bowl.
• Potato masher (or a fork, honestly, a fork does the job just fine).
• Small mixing bowl.

Don't have a potato masher? Honestly, who does? A sturdy fork is your best mate. And if you don't have a fancy mixing bowl, any old bowl will do! Now, who is ready to make the easy sweet potato recipe ?

Alright, let's dive into making some twice baked sweet potatoes ! Honestly, these are a game changer. They're way more exciting than your average spud.

It’s a total crowd pleaser, perfect for a Sunday roast or a cozy weeknight dinner. And these healthy twice baked sweet potatoes are packed with goodness, making you feel like you're indulging without the guilt.

Let's Get Prepped, Love!

Before we even think about turning on the oven, a little mise en place is key. Roughly translated from french: everything in its place, this helps keep your sanity intact.

Grab those sweet potatoes, pecans, and all the other bits and bobs. Soften that butter now to avoid tears later.

Consider using same size sweet potatoes for uniform bake time. Safety note: when baking, ovens can be hot as blazes so make sure to use oven mitts and be aware of hot surfaces when handling.

The "Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes" Process: step-by-step

Okay, here's how we transform ordinary sweet potatoes into something truly special.

1. Bake the sweet potatoes at 400° F ( 200° C) for about 45- 50 minutes . Pierce them with a fork first!
2. While they're baking, make the maple pecan crunch. Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and give it a good mix.
3. Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half and scoop out the insides. Leave a little border, you know?
4. Mash the sweet potato flesh with milk/cream, softened butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Make it dreamy and smooth!
5. Spoon that gorgeous filling back into the potato skins. Mound it high, like a proper mountain!
6. Sprinkle that lovely maple pecan topping all over.
7. Bake again at 375° F ( 190° C) for 15- 20 minutes , until golden brown and bubbly.

Top Tips for Sweet Potato Success

Want to take your stuffed sweet potatoes recipe up a notch? Here are a few tricks.

First, cold butter is crucial for that pecan topping. Trust me, it makes all the difference for easy sweet potato recipe .

Second, don’t overbake the potatoes the first time. You want them soft, not dry. For a great sweet potato side dish , consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the filling for a smoky kick.

Honestly, twice baked sweet potatoes with maple pecan are fantastic made ahead of time. Just assemble everything and keep them in the fridge until you're ready to bake.

Perfect for those busy weeknights or sweet potato casserole alternative . Avoid common mistakes like leaving out your oven mitts, don't do that to yourself!

Recipe Notes

Right, before you get cracking on these twice baked sweet potatoes , let's have a quick natter about a few things.

This ain't just a recipe; it's an adventure! Remember that one time I slightly burnt the topping? Yeah, we're avoiding that!

Ace Serving Suggestions

Fancy making these loaded sweet potatoes look proper fancy? Plating is key. Think a sprig of rosemary, a drizzle of extra maple syrup, and a light dusting of cinnamon.

Sorted! They also go brilliantly with roast chicken or even a nice bit of gammon. Honestly, a crisp green salad on the side cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

For drinks, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or even a spiced cider would be spot on.

Storage Like a Pro

So, you've got leftovers? No worries! Refrigeration guidelines are simple. Pop them in an airtight container and they'll be grand for up to 3 days .

Fancy freezing them? You can! Just wrap them individually in cling film, then foil. They'll keep for up to 2 months .

For reheating instructions , let them thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, bung them in the oven at 175 degrees C until they're warmed through.

Easy peasy!

Cracking Variations

Feeling adventurous? Let's talk twice baked sweet potatoes variations . For a vegetarian sweet potato recipe , this is already a winner, but you could add some crumbled feta or goats cheese for extra flavour.

Need a sweet potato casserole alternative ? Add a handful of dried cranberries and some orange zest to the filling lush! Or for a healthy twice baked sweet potatoes version, swap the brown sugar for coconut sugar and use olive oil instead of butter.

Nutrition Nuggets

Alright, let's keep it simple. One serving of these bad boys clocks in around 350 calories. You're also getting about 5g of protein, 18g of fat, and 45g of carbs.

Plus, they're packed with fibre and vitamins, which are brilliant for your gut health. The key health benefits ? Think boosted immunity and sustained energy.

Not bad, eh?

So, there you have it! All the inside info to make these twice baked sweet potatoes with maple pecan a roaring success.

Now, go on, get cooking and have a bit of fun. You've got this! Plus, they're an easy sweet potato recipe for a crowd.

Enjoy, love!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these twice baked sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the sweet potatoes completely, then cover them tightly with cling film and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the second bake to ensure they're heated through. Think of it as prepping for a Sunday roast - get ahead and enjoy the day!

Help! My sweet potato filling is too runny. What did I do wrong?

A runny filling often happens if the sweet potatoes were a little too wet after baking or if the butter was too hot when you mixed it in. Try baking the sweet potatoes a bit longer next time to dry them out, and make sure your butter is softened but not melted.

You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour to the filling to help thicken it up, similar to thickening gravy.

What are some variations I can try with these twice baked sweet potatoes?

Fancy a bit of a twist? Try adding some spice to the filling with a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. For a savory option, you could add crumbled bacon or chorizo to the filling.

And if you're not a fan of pecans, walnuts or even pumpkin seeds would be a fantastic crunchy topping, a bit like swapping out the fruit in a crumble!

How do I store leftover twice baked sweet potatoes?

Leftovers are brilliant! Let the sweet potatoes cool completely, then wrap them individually in cling film or place them in an airtight container. They'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

You can reheat them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through a microwave works too, but the topping won't be as crispy.

Are twice baked sweet potatoes healthy?

Sweet potatoes themselves are packed with vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants. However, this recipe does include butter and sugar, so it's not exactly health food! You can make it healthier by reducing the amount of butter and sugar, using Greek yogurt instead of cream, or swapping the brown sugar for a sugar substitute.

Portion control is key, as with any delicious treat.