Confession: I’m obsessed with sweet potatoes. I think that they are the delicious so many different ways with Sweet Potato Fries being my absolutely weakness. Today I’m sharing my latest sweet potato creation, amazing Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes. These beauties are very simple to make, but will wow guests. While perfect for serving at the holidays, such as Thanksgiving, I think you will find yourself coming back to these over and over when looking for a side dish.
Tips and Tricks
Be consistent with size. Use sweet potatoes that are about the same size so they take about the same time to bake. Bake in a hot oven. Make sure the oven is preheated and hot, or your sweet potatoes may become soggy. Don’t scoop too much. Be sure to leave about 1/4 inch of the potato when scooping out the insides to keep some structure to hold the filling. Be gently when cutting. The sweet potatoes will be much softer than russet potatoes, so handle them with care when cutting out the insides. Bake in a hot oven. Make sure the oven is preheated and hot, or your sweet potatoes may become soggy. Make it sweet. Add some mini marshmallows on top for a sweet gooey touch. Make it savory. Instead of nutmeg, cinnamon, and brown sugar, season the filling with thyme and garlic.
Making Them Ahead
Make your twice baked sweet potatoes ahead of time to have them ready for a quick side dish. Prepare them up until the point of baking them the second time. Cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to bake, for up to 48 hours. When ready to bake, place them on a rimmed baking sheet and proceed with the second bake as directed.
Look for smooth skins. You want to pick out potatoes that don’t have any blemishes, cuts, or bruises. Pick similar sized sweet potatoes. Not only do you want them to be the same weight so they cook evenly, you want them to be similar in size so that their thickest parts will cook consistently from potato to potato. Store the potatoes in a cool dark place. Avoid a space where moisture collects and do not store them in the refrigerator. Buy sweet potatoes up to two weeks in advance. Sweet potatoes will store well in your pantry for two to three weeks.
