Elevate Your Plate: Cheesy and Creamy Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cheddar and Canadian Bacon
There’s something undeniably comforting about a perfectly baked potato, especially when it’s loaded with savory fillings. But what if we took that comfort and elevated it with the natural sweetness and vibrant color of a sweet potato? These Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes, generously stuffed with sharp cheddar and lean Canadian bacon, are not just a side dish; they’re a culinary experience. Whether you’re looking for a hearty main course or an impressive accompaniment to your dinner, this recipe promises a delightful blend of creamy texture and rich, cheesy flavor.
Growing up, my palate wasn’t always as adventurous as it is today. I recall being a relatively agreeable eater, perhaps a trait of being a middle child, always aiming to please. Most foods found a welcome spot on my plate, though a short list of exceptions did exist. Oatmeal, the breakfast kind – not the delicious cookie variety – was one. Cream of wheat was another, a texture thing that just never quite clicked with me. And then there were sweet potatoes. For years, I simply believed they weren’t for me, a culinary blind spot I now look back on with genuine bewilderment.
Fast forward to today, and my perspective has completely flipped. Sweet potatoes have transformed from an avoided item into one of my absolute favorite foods. I find myself craving their distinct earthy sweetness on a regular basis. The thought of them being absent from my diet now is genuinely disheartening. Thankfully, I don’t foresee a future where I’ll be deprived of these incredible root vegetables. And it’s a very good thing, too, because I’d be missing out on creations as utterly delicious as these Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cheddar and Canadian Bacon.
The Allure of Twice-Baked Perfection
While sweet potatoes hold a special place in my heart, I also have a deep appreciation for their starchy cousins, the regular potatoes. And a classic twice-baked potato? Irresistible. So, the idea of twice-baking a sweet potato wasn’t just logical; it was an obvious, “why-haven’t-I-done-this-sooner?” moment for me. It’s a method that promises a fluffy, seasoned interior perfectly nestled back into its crispy skin, offering a delightful textural contrast with every bite. The beauty of the twice-baked approach lies in its ability to transform a simple root vegetable into a sophisticated and satisfying dish, allowing for endless customization of fillings.
I’ve previously experimented with stuffed sweet potatoes, creating a popular recipe for Twice Baked Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes. That savory, spicy combination was a hit, and it sparked the idea for a new take on the twice-baked sweet potato – one that leaned into classic flavors but with a mindful twist. I wanted something comforting and familiar, yet with ingredients that felt a little lighter without sacrificing any of the indulgent taste.
A Healthier Twist on a Classic Comfort
When crafting this particular recipe, I aimed for a slightly healthier profile without compromising on flavor or creaminess. Instead of traditional sour cream or cream cheese, which often feature in loaded potato recipes, I opted for plain Greek yogurt. This simple swap is a game-changer; it provides the rich, creamy texture and a pleasant tang that brightens the entire dish, while also boosting protein content and reducing fat. It’s a clever way to enjoy a comforting classic with a more wholesome foundation.
For the savory, meaty element, I chose Canadian Bacon over regular bacon. While traditional bacon would undoubtedly be delicious here, Canadian bacon offers a leaner, more robust flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the sweet potato and cheddar. My preferred choice comes from Jones Dairy Farm, a brand I trust implicitly. Their Canadian Bacon is a standout – certified gluten-free, free from preservatives, and without any added nitrates. What truly sets it apart is its naturally smoked flavor, delivering an authentic depth without the use of liquid smoke. This commitment to quality ingredients shines through in the final dish, ensuring every bite is both flavorful and satisfying.
Versatility for Any Meal
These Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes are incredibly versatile. They can easily serve as a fantastic side dish, complementing anything from roasted chicken or steak to a simple green salad. However, we often enjoy them as the star of the show – a fulfilling main dish in their own right. A single whole potato is surprisingly substantial; in fact, I usually find myself perfectly satisfied after just half. The combination of sweet potato, rich cheddar, and savory Canadian bacon makes for a complete and balanced meal that’s both delicious and surprisingly good for you.
The natural sweetness of the sweet potato, coupled with the sharp, salty notes of cheddar and Canadian bacon, creates a symphony of flavors that is truly addictive. It’s a dish I could happily incorporate into my weekly meal rotation, a testament to its deliciousness and how well it fits into a balanced lifestyle. The vibrant orange of the sweet potato, peeking through the golden-brown melted cheddar, makes for an appetizing presentation that’s sure to impress both family and guests.
Beyond the taste, sweet potatoes are nutritional powerhouses. They’re packed with essential vitamins, particularly Vitamin A and C, and are a great source of fiber. Pairing them with lean protein like Canadian bacon further enhances their nutritional value, making this a meal you can feel good about indulging in. This recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy or complicated; sometimes, the best dishes are those that combine simple, high-quality ingredients in a clever and delicious way.
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Ready to create this mouthwatering dish? Here’s the recipe to guide you:
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cheddar and Canadian Bacon
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Ingredients
- 4 sweet potatoes 9-10 oz each
- 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese divided
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 12 oz Jones Dairy Farm Canadian Bacon chopped, plus more for topping if desired
- chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Thoroughly clean the sweet potatoes and pierce them several times with a fork. Bake in the preheated oven until they are tender when squeezed, which typically takes about 45-60 minutes, depending on their size. Once baked, let them stand until cool enough to comfortably handle.
- Carefully cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the cooked flesh into a mixing bowl, being careful to leave a thin layer of potato intact around the skin to maintain its shape. Mash the sweet potato flesh until smooth. To the mashed sweet potato, add 3/4 cup of the shredded Cheddar cheese and the plain Greek yogurt. Stir in the chopped Canadian Bacon until well combined. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the flavorful sweet potato filling back into the hollowed-out potato skins, mounding it slightly. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of Cheddar cheese over the top of each stuffed sweet potato. Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated through and the cheese topping is beautifully melted and bubbly. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra chopped Canadian Bacon, if desired.
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I am in a working relationship with Jones Dairy Farm, and this post has been sponsored. I’m so glad to be able to work with companies and organizations that I truly believe in. Thank you for supporting them, too.