Save to Pinterest A comforting, nutritious weeknight dinner featuring sweet potatoes baked until tender and loaded with a vibrant mix of toppings for a hearty, hands-off meal.
This recipe became a favorite when I needed a delicious yet healthy dinner that was hands-off. Each family member can choose their own toppings for a personalized meal.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: 4 medium, scrubbed
- Black beans: 1 cup canned, drained and rinsed
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Avocado: 1, diced
- Green onions: 2, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
- Cheddar cheese (optional): 1/2 cup, shredded (use vegan cheese for dairy-free)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional): 1/4 cup (use dairy-free alternative if desired)
- Olive oil: 1 teaspoon
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Chili powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pierce each sweet potato with a fork, rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until tender.
- Warm the beans:
- Combine black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Slice and fluff:
- Let sweet potatoes cool slightly, slice open lengthwise, and gently fluff flesh with a fork.
- Add toppings:
- Top each with black beans, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, avocado, green onions, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
- Serve:
- Serve hot. Add extra toppings as desired.
Save to Pinterest Loaded baked sweet potatoes are always a hit in our house. My kids love creating their own unique combinations and guests always ask for seconds.
Required Tools
You will need a baking sheet, parchment paper, small saucepan, fork, and knife to prepare this dish.
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy. Always check labels if substituting for allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 375 calories, 11 g total fat, 60 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Try switching out toppings for new flavors or making a spicy batch for adults. These loaded sweet potatoes turn any weeknight into a special occasion!
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done baking?
They are ready when a fork easily pierces through the flesh and the potatoes feel tender inside.
- → Can I prepare the toppings ahead of time?
Yes, black beans can be warmed and seasoned in advance, and fresh ingredients like avocado and tomatoes can be diced just before serving.
- → What alternatives exist for dairy toppings?
Use plant-based shredded cheese and dairy-free yogurt or sour cream to keep the dish vegan and dairy-free.
- → How can I add extra protein to this dish?
Add grilled or shredded rotisserie chicken for an extra protein boost without overpowering flavors.
- → What spices give the dish its smoky flavor?
Smoked paprika combined with cumin and chili powder creates a warm, smoky undertone that complements the sweet potatoes.