If you’re craving a dish that beautifully balances comfort, sweetness, and a delightful crunch, the Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe is your go-to. This recipe transforms simple sweet potatoes into a luscious mash, enhanced with warming spices and cheesy goodness, all topped with a buttery, nutty pecan streusel. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures that are sure to impress your family or guests. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or a special holiday side, this dish will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients ensures that every component plays a significant role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each element from the sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness to the rich pecan streusel topping is key to this recipe’s success.
- 4 medium sweet potatoes: These serve as the hearty base, delivering natural sweetness and creamy texture when baked and mashed.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps to coat the sweet potatoes for roasting, enhancing flavor and ensuring a tender skin.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess and moistness to the mashed filling.
- 1/4 cup milk: Lightens the mash and makes it irresistibly smooth.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Infuses richness and depth into the filling.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings warm, cozy spice to both the filling and topping.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, aromatic hint that complements the sweet potatoes perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Provides a gentle kick to round out the seasonings.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the mash adding a savory surprise and creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans: Key to the streusel’s crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the streusel topping beautifully.
- 1/4 cup rolled oats: Adds a rustic texture and helps bind the streusel.
- 2 tbsp flour: Provides structure and helps create that crumbly topping.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Vital for creating the streusel’s flaky, buttery crumble.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for streusel topping): Echoes the spice in the filling for continuity.
- Pinch of salt (for streusel topping): Enhances the sweet and nutty elements of the streusel.
How to Make Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Prick each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking. Rub them gently with olive oil to promote tender skins and rich flavor, then place on a baking sheet. Roast for 40-45 minutes until they’re perfectly tender and ready for their transformation.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Once the sweet potatoes are baked, let them cool just enough to handle. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the soft flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving a little bit of the edge intact so the skins hold their shape. To the fluffy flesh, add sour cream, milk, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together until smooth and silky, then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese to bring a subtle, savory richness to every spoonful.
Step 3: Stuff the Potato Skins
Gently spoon the cheesy, spiced sweet potato filling back into the skins, piling it high but carefull so it stays contained. This layering creates a hearty base that waits patiently for the topping to make its grand entrance.
Step 4: Make the Pecan Streusel Topping
Now for the magic touch that turns this side dish into an unforgettable treat. In a small bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, rolled oats, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the dry ingredients. You’ll want a crumbly texture that’s buttery and a little chunky—just perfect for sprinkling over the loaded sweet potatoes.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Sprinkle the pecan streusel evenly over each stuffed potato half on the baking sheet. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the topping to turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop a satisfyingly crisp texture while the filling reheats and melds together.
How to Serve Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dollop of sour cream or a scattering of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh pop of color and a cool contrast to the warm, spiced sweetness. For an extra touch, a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can elevate the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled proteins like chicken, pork chops, or salmon. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or sautéed greens to provide balance and freshness to the richness of the sweet potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these twice baked sweet potatoes on rustic wooden boards for a cozy, farm-to-table vibe, or place them in small cast iron skillets for individual servings that wow. You can also slice them into smaller, appetizer-sized pieces for parties or gatherings where guests can enjoy bite-sized comfort in every forkful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness, then reheat gently to keep the streusel topping crisp.
Freezing
You can freeze these potatoes either before or after baking the streusel topping. Wrap each potato tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve that wonderful texture.
Reheating
Reheat your twice baked sweet potatoes in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping regains its crunch. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can make the topping soggy and the filling less creamy.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While the sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and a creamy texture, regular baking potatoes will work too but expect a less sweet and slightly firmer result. You may want to adjust the spices accordingly for balance.
Is there a vegan version of this Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe?
Yes! Substitute the sour cream and butter with plant-based alternatives, and use a vegan cheese or omit the cheese altogether. The pecan streusel can remain the same as long as the butter is replaced with a vegan option.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling and make the streusel topping in advance, then assemble the potatoes just before baking. This saves time on the day you want to serve, making it a perfect make-ahead dish.
What if I don’t have rolled oats for the streusel?
No worries! You can substitute rolled oats with crushed cornflakes or additional chopped pecans to maintain the crunch and texture in your streusel topping.
How spicy is this dish?
This Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe is gently spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a warm, comforting flavor profile without any heat. It’s perfect for those who prefer sweet and savory without spicy heat.
Final Thoughts
You simply can’t go wrong with the Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe—it’s a dish that offers warmth, comfort, and a delightful crunch all in one bite. Once you try it, I’m confident it will earn a special spot on your dinner table and in your heart. So, get those sweet potatoes roasting and prepare to indulge in a side dish that’s as cozy as it is irresistible!
Print
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel are a comforting and flavorful side dish featuring creamy sweet potato filling mixed with warming spices and sharp cheddar, topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel. Perfectly baked twice for a golden, crisp topping and soft, cheesy interior, this recipe provides a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors ideal for cozy meals.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes & Filling
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Pecan Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for baking the sweet potatoes.
- Bake Sweet Potatoes: Prick each sweet potato several times with a fork, rub them with olive oil, and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Prepare Filling: Remove the hot sweet potatoes and let cool slightly. Cut each potato lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh into a bowl, leaving a small border inside the skin intact.
- Mash and Flavor: Add sour cream, milk, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the sweet potato flesh. Mash until smooth, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Fill Potato Skins: Spoon the cheesy, spiced sweet potato mixture back into the empty skins and place them back on the baking sheet.
- Make Pecan Streusel: In a bowl, mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and blend using fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbs form.
- Top Potatoes: Evenly sprinkle the pecan streusel over each stuffed sweet potato half.
- Final Bake: Bake the topped sweet potatoes for an additional 15-20 minutes until the streusel is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, then serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure sweet potatoes are tender before scooping to achieve a smooth mash.
- Use cold butter in the streusel for a crumbly texture.
- Can be prepared ahead up to the filling stage; refrigerate and bake fresh before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream and milk with plant-based alternatives and omit cheddar or use vegan cheese.
- Adjust spices to taste for a milder or stronger flavor profile.
