Save 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.
I first made loaded baked sweet potatoes on a busy Tuesday when I wanted something nourishing yet effortless. It quickly became a family favorite because everyone can choose their own toppings.
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 oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prep sweet potatoes:
- Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on the baking sheet.
- Bake potatoes:
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Make bean topping:
- While potatoes bake, 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 potatoes cool slightly. Slice open lengthwise and gently fluff the flesh with a fork.
- Add toppings:
- Top each potato with black beans, cherry tomatoes, cheddar cheese, avocado, green onions, cilantro, and sour cream or yogurt.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, with additional toppings as desired.
Save My kids love building their own loaded potatoes and we often make this for our weekend movie night.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, small saucepan, fork, and knife will get your loaded potatoes crispy and topped just right.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy if using cheese or sour cream. Always check labels for hidden allergens if you need to adapt for sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 375 calories, 11 g total fat, 60 g carbohydrates, and 10 g protein.
Save Add your favorite sauces or extra veggies for a new twist each time. Enjoy this nutritious and easy dinner together!
Recipe Questions
- → How do I know when sweet potatoes are perfectly baked?
They are tender when easily pierced with a fork and the flesh feels soft inside.
- → Can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
Yes, simply replace cheddar and sour cream with plant-based alternatives or omit them.
- → What spices complement the sweet potatoes best?
Cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper create a warm, smoky flavor profile.
- → Can I prepare toppings ahead of time?
Yes, black beans can be warmed in advance and other toppings like avocado and tomatoes can be prepped shortly before serving.
- → What can I add for extra protein?
Grilled or shredded chicken works well, or extra black beans for a vegetarian boost.