Prep Time:15 minsAdditional Time:15 minsTotal Time:30 minsServings:4Yield:4 servingsJump to Nutrition Facts

Prep Time:15 minsAdditional Time:15 minsTotal Time:30 minsServings:4Yield:4 servings

Prep Time:15 mins

Prep Time:

15 mins

Additional Time:15 mins

Additional Time:

Total Time:30 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Servings:4

Servings:

4

Yield:4 servings

Yield:

4 servings

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Jump to recipeTake your potato game up a notch with theseLoaded Sweet Potatoes. Melty Cheddar cheese, a touch of salty bacon and a sprinkling of spicy scallions top a creamy antioxidant-rich baked sweet potato for a nutritious side. Keep reading for our expert tips on ingredient substitutions and some great ideas on what to serve with your loaded sweet potato.Tips from the EatingWell Test KitchenThese are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!We recommend using a microwave for cooking, but you can also bake the sweet potatoes in a 425°F oven for 40 to 45 minutes. To save time, you can do this 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.Feel free to substitute the extra-sharp Cheddar cheese with Gruyère, Monterey Jack or any other favorite melting cheese you have on hand.If you’re avoiding bacon, you can replace it with bits of shiitake mushrooms or tempeh.The topping possibilities for sweet potatoes are endless. While we enjoy the simplicity and flavor of this recipe, you could also add black beans, chickpeas, shredded cabbage or any other toppings you prefer.Nutrition NotesSweet potatoesare loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants and fiber. The vitamin A in sweet potatoes supports your vision and combined with the vitamin C, boosts your immunity.Cheddar cheeseadds a little protein and calcium to your sweet potato—not to mention ooey-gooey goodness. If your body is super sensitive to sodium or you don’t care for Cheddar, consider swapping it for Swiss or mozzarella, which are bothlow-sodium cheeses.

Jump to recipe

Take your potato game up a notch with theseLoaded Sweet Potatoes. Melty Cheddar cheese, a touch of salty bacon and a sprinkling of spicy scallions top a creamy antioxidant-rich baked sweet potato for a nutritious side. Keep reading for our expert tips on ingredient substitutions and some great ideas on what to serve with your loaded sweet potato.Tips from the EatingWell Test KitchenThese are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!We recommend using a microwave for cooking, but you can also bake the sweet potatoes in a 425°F oven for 40 to 45 minutes. To save time, you can do this 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.Feel free to substitute the extra-sharp Cheddar cheese with Gruyère, Monterey Jack or any other favorite melting cheese you have on hand.If you’re avoiding bacon, you can replace it with bits of shiitake mushrooms or tempeh.The topping possibilities for sweet potatoes are endless. While we enjoy the simplicity and flavor of this recipe, you could also add black beans, chickpeas, shredded cabbage or any other toppings you prefer.Nutrition NotesSweet potatoesare loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants and fiber. The vitamin A in sweet potatoes supports your vision and combined with the vitamin C, boosts your immunity.Cheddar cheeseadds a little protein and calcium to your sweet potato—not to mention ooey-gooey goodness. If your body is super sensitive to sodium or you don’t care for Cheddar, consider swapping it for Swiss or mozzarella, which are bothlow-sodium cheeses.

Take your potato game up a notch with theseLoaded Sweet Potatoes. Melty Cheddar cheese, a touch of salty bacon and a sprinkling of spicy scallions top a creamy antioxidant-rich baked sweet potato for a nutritious side. Keep reading for our expert tips on ingredient substitutions and some great ideas on what to serve with your loaded sweet potato.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!

Nutrition Notes

Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)Ingredients2mediumsweet potatoes (1 1/2 pounds)½cupshredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese3scallions, sliced, divided2slicescooked bacon, chopped, divided¼teaspoonsalt¼teaspoonground pepper4tablespoonsreduced-fat sour cream

Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

2mediumsweet potatoes (1 1/2 pounds)

½cupshredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese

3scallions, sliced, divided

2slicescooked bacon, chopped, divided

¼teaspoonsalt

¼teaspoonground pepper

4tablespoonsreduced-fat sour cream

DirectionsPreheat oven to 400°F.Prick 2 sweet potatoes all over with a fork. Place on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on High until tender, flipping potatoes halfway, about 12 minutes. When cool enough to handle, slice the potatoes in half lengthwise. Spoon the flesh into a medium bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup cheese, all but 1 tablespoon of the scallions, half of the chopped bacon, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors HallPlace the potato shells on a rimmed baking sheet. Divide the mixture between the shells. Bake until the cheese is melted and the filling is hot, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and top each half with 1 tablespoon sour cream. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon scallions and the remaining bacon.Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors HallEquipmentRimmed baking sheetTo make aheadCook the bacon4 days before making the recipe. It should be wrapped and stored in the refrigerator.Frequently Asked QuestionsCooking sweet potatoes in the microwave first (instead of baking them) speeds up the cooking time. Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork in several places, allowing steam to escape while they cook. Place the sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and flip them halfway through the cooking process. Microwave the sweet potatoes in intervals until they are tender all the way to the center, about 12 minutes.You might come acrosssweet potatoes at the grocery store labeled as yams, but in reality, true yams are not commonly found in the U.S. Although both can be cooked similarly, sweet potatoes have a sweet flavor, while yams are starchy, resembling potatoes or yuca.Whether it’s a weekday or you’re preparing a holiday meal, this delicious side dish pairs well with many main dishes, includingPerfect Prime Rib,Simple Roast Chicken,Steak au Poivre, andHerb-Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic.Loaded sweet potatoes can also be the main course when paired withKale Salad with Balsamic & Parmesan,Green Salad with Edamame & Beets, orBroccoli with Balsamic Mushrooms.If you have leftovers, store the potatoes and sour cream topping in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll be good for about 3 days. To reheat the potatoes, microwave them on Medium for 1 to 2 minutes until they reach the desired temperature, and then add the topping.EatingWell.com, March 2020; updated December 2022

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F.Prick 2 sweet potatoes all over with a fork. Place on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on High until tender, flipping potatoes halfway, about 12 minutes. When cool enough to handle, slice the potatoes in half lengthwise. Spoon the flesh into a medium bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup cheese, all but 1 tablespoon of the scallions, half of the chopped bacon, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors HallPlace the potato shells on a rimmed baking sheet. Divide the mixture between the shells. Bake until the cheese is melted and the filling is hot, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and top each half with 1 tablespoon sour cream. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon scallions and the remaining bacon.Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors HallEquipmentRimmed baking sheetTo make aheadCook the bacon4 days before making the recipe. It should be wrapped and stored in the refrigerator.Frequently Asked QuestionsCooking sweet potatoes in the microwave first (instead of baking them) speeds up the cooking time. Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork in several places, allowing steam to escape while they cook. Place the sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and flip them halfway through the cooking process. Microwave the sweet potatoes in intervals until they are tender all the way to the center, about 12 minutes.You might come acrosssweet potatoes at the grocery store labeled as yams, but in reality, true yams are not commonly found in the U.S. Although both can be cooked similarly, sweet potatoes have a sweet flavor, while yams are starchy, resembling potatoes or yuca.Whether it’s a weekday or you’re preparing a holiday meal, this delicious side dish pairs well with many main dishes, includingPerfect Prime Rib,Simple Roast Chicken,Steak au Poivre, andHerb-Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic.Loaded sweet potatoes can also be the main course when paired withKale Salad with Balsamic & Parmesan,Green Salad with Edamame & Beets, orBroccoli with Balsamic Mushrooms.If you have leftovers, store the potatoes and sour cream topping in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll be good for about 3 days. To reheat the potatoes, microwave them on Medium for 1 to 2 minutes until they reach the desired temperature, and then add the topping.

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Prick 2 sweet potatoes all over with a fork. Place on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on High until tender, flipping potatoes halfway, about 12 minutes. When cool enough to handle, slice the potatoes in half lengthwise. Spoon the flesh into a medium bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup cheese, all but 1 tablespoon of the scallions, half of the chopped bacon, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Four cooked sweet potato halves with the filling scooped out and placed into a bowl next to them

Place the potato shells on a rimmed baking sheet. Divide the mixture between the shells. Bake until the cheese is melted and the filling is hot, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and top each half with 1 tablespoon sour cream. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon scallions and the remaining bacon.

A light blue plate with three loaded sweet potato recipe halves

Equipment

Rimmed baking sheet

To make aheadCook the bacon4 days before making the recipe. It should be wrapped and stored in the refrigerator.

To make ahead

Cook the bacon4 days before making the recipe. It should be wrapped and stored in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked QuestionsCooking sweet potatoes in the microwave first (instead of baking them) speeds up the cooking time. Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork in several places, allowing steam to escape while they cook. Place the sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and flip them halfway through the cooking process. Microwave the sweet potatoes in intervals until they are tender all the way to the center, about 12 minutes.You might come acrosssweet potatoes at the grocery store labeled as yams, but in reality, true yams are not commonly found in the U.S. Although both can be cooked similarly, sweet potatoes have a sweet flavor, while yams are starchy, resembling potatoes or yuca.Whether it’s a weekday or you’re preparing a holiday meal, this delicious side dish pairs well with many main dishes, includingPerfect Prime Rib,Simple Roast Chicken,Steak au Poivre, andHerb-Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic.Loaded sweet potatoes can also be the main course when paired withKale Salad with Balsamic & Parmesan,Green Salad with Edamame & Beets, orBroccoli with Balsamic Mushrooms.If you have leftovers, store the potatoes and sour cream topping in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll be good for about 3 days. To reheat the potatoes, microwave them on Medium for 1 to 2 minutes until they reach the desired temperature, and then add the topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cooking sweet potatoes in the microwave first (instead of baking them) speeds up the cooking time. Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork in several places, allowing steam to escape while they cook. Place the sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and flip them halfway through the cooking process. Microwave the sweet potatoes in intervals until they are tender all the way to the center, about 12 minutes.

You might come acrosssweet potatoes at the grocery store labeled as yams, but in reality, true yams are not commonly found in the U.S. Although both can be cooked similarly, sweet potatoes have a sweet flavor, while yams are starchy, resembling potatoes or yuca.

Whether it’s a weekday or you’re preparing a holiday meal, this delicious side dish pairs well with many main dishes, includingPerfect Prime Rib,Simple Roast Chicken,Steak au Poivre, andHerb-Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic.Loaded sweet potatoes can also be the main course when paired withKale Salad with Balsamic & Parmesan,Green Salad with Edamame & Beets, orBroccoli with Balsamic Mushrooms.

Whether it’s a weekday or you’re preparing a holiday meal, this delicious side dish pairs well with many main dishes, includingPerfect Prime Rib,Simple Roast Chicken,Steak au Poivre, andHerb-Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic.

Loaded sweet potatoes can also be the main course when paired withKale Salad with Balsamic & Parmesan,Green Salad with Edamame & Beets, orBroccoli with Balsamic Mushrooms.

If you have leftovers, store the potatoes and sour cream topping in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll be good for about 3 days. To reheat the potatoes, microwave them on Medium for 1 to 2 minutes until they reach the desired temperature, and then add the topping.

EatingWell.com, March 2020; updated December 2022

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Nutrition Facts(per serving)148Calories8gFat14gCarbs6gProtein

Nutrition Facts(per serving)

  • Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Carrie Myers, M.S.,

Jan Valdez,

andLinda Frahm

Linda Frahm