Southwestern Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Cook Time: 60 minutes

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly. Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings.

Ingredients

• 4 sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 6 slices bacon
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped, plus 2 tablespoons sauce
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onion
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 3/4 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese, divided

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
2. Rub the sweet potatoes evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Use a fork to pierce each potato, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven until completely tender, about 35 to 40 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, place the bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until crisp, about 10 minutes. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease. Drain the bacon on paper towels, chop, and set aside.
5. Once the potatoes are done, cut off the top 1/4 of each potato. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer (about 1/8-inch thick) on the skin. Place the scooped potato flesh into a bowl.
6. To the bowl with the mashed potato flesh, add the softened butter, reserved bacon grease, and the remaining salt. Mash everything together until smooth, with only small lumps remaining.
7. Stir in the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, maple syrup, green onions, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
8. Evenly divide the filling among the potato skins and top each with 1 tablespoon of the remaining shredded cheese.
9. Return the filled potatoes to the lined baking sheet and bake in the oven until heated through and the cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Information	Per Serving
Calories	641
Total Fat	44g
Saturated Fat	24g
Cholesterol	116mg
Sodium	1520mg
Total Carbohydrate	34g
Dietary Fiber	5g
Total Sugars	15g
Protein	30g
Vitamin C	24mg
Calcium	710mg
Iron	2mg
Potassium	789mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Southwestern Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

Twice baked sweet potatoes have a rich history rooted in both American ingenuity and the abundance of Native American crops. Sweet potatoes themselves have been cultivated in the Americas for thousands of years, with evidence of their use dating back to pre-Columbian times. The idea of baking them twice emerged as a way to intensify flavor and create a creamy, textured interior that contrasts perfectly with a crisp or cheesy topping. The Southwestern twist, featuring chipotle peppers, pepper jack cheese, and smoky bacon, reflects the melding of traditional Southern ingredients with the bold, spicy flavors characteristic of the American Southwest.

Regional Characteristics

This dish is particularly associated with Southwestern cuisine, which spans states like New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. Regional flavors are key: chipotle peppers bring smokiness, while maple syrup and green onions add subtle sweetness and freshness. The use of pepper jack cheese highlights the regions preference for creamy, spicy cheeses. Southwestern twice baked sweet potatoes often feature ingredients locally sourced or traditionally popular in the area, like bacon and adobo sauces, giving each bite a balance of heat, smoke, and sweetness that is quintessentially Southwestern.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

While twice baked potatoes are a common comfort food across the United States, the Southwestern variation distinguishes itself through its flavor profile and ingredient combination. Classic twice baked potatoes typically use cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chives, focusing on savory richness. Southwestern twice baked sweet potatoes, however, replace traditional russet potatoes with naturally sweet ones and incorporate smoky chipotle, maple syrup, and pepper jack cheese. This combination introduces a spicy-sweet complexity that sets it apart from more traditional versions.

Where Its Usually Served

These sweet potatoes are versatile, appearing in both home-cooked family dinners and upscale Southwestern restaurants. They make an excellent side dish for holiday meals, barbecue feasts, or casual weeknight dinners. Often served alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or chili, they are appreciated for both their comforting texture and bold, layered flavors. In restaurants, they may be garnished with additional green onions, a drizzle of sour cream, or crumbled bacon for visual appeal and added taste.

Interesting Facts

• Sweet potatoes are not actually related to regular potatoes; they belong to the morning glory family, making them a true root vegetable.
• The term twice baked refers not just to reheating but to the method of scooping, mixing, and rebaking, which enhances both texture and flavor.
• The addition of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce is a nod to Mexican culinary influence on Southwestern cuisine, blending smoky and spicy elements seamlessly.
• This dish is naturally rich in beta-carotene, providing a vibrant orange color and nutritional benefits including vitamin A.
• Despite its hearty ingredients, the recipe balances sweetness, smokiness, and creaminess in a way that surprises many first-time eaters.

FAQ about Southwestern Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe