Easy Chipotle Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cheese

Chipotle Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cheese

Discover a smoky, cheesy twist with Chipotle Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cheese, an irresistibly flavorful dish that brings comfort food to a whole new level. These sweet potatoes are baked to perfection, mashed and mixed with creamy cheese and smoky chipotle peppers, then baked again to create a golden, melty masterpiece. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, a holiday side, or a weekend treat, this dish combines sweetness, spice, and savory goodness that will delight your taste buds every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • A fantastic flavor combo: The smoky chipotle peppers perfectly balance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, creating a mouthwatering harmony.
  • Cheesy and creamy texture: Loaded with melted cheese, the potatoes turn delightfully smooth and indulgent with every bite.
  • Simple yet impressive: Uses straightforward ingredients but delivers a dish that tastes gourmet and full of depth.
  • Versatile for any meal: Whether as a side or a light main, this recipe fits perfectly into lunch, dinner, or holiday menus.
  • Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare in advance and just bake before serving, saving time and effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and cheesy starts with using fresh, simple ingredients that each add their own magic. Here’s everything you’ll want to gather to create these irresistible Chipotle Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cheese.

  • Sweet potatoes: Choose medium-sized, firm sweet potatoes that bake evenly and mash beautifully.
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo: These bring the smoky spice that defines the dish’s bold flavor.
  • Cream cheese: Adds creamy richness that blends smoothly with the mashed potatoes.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides a melty, savory cheese punch that complements the sweetness.
  • Butter: Enhances creaminess and adds a subtle, indulgent flavor layer.
  • Garlic powder: A gentle seasoning that deepens flavor without overpowering the dish.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting the natural flavors.
  • Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a bright, herby finish if you love a fresh contrast.

Variations for Chipotle Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cheese

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. The flexibility makes it a favorite for all kinds of eaters and occasions.

  • Spicy kick: Add more chipotle peppers or a dash of cayenne if you love extra heat.
  • Vegetarian twist: Use vegan cheese and dairy-free cream cheese for a plant-based version.
  • Added crunch: Top with toasted pecans or crispy fried onions for a crunchy texture contrast.
  • Herb infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant boost.
  • Smoky bacon: Sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon on top for an unbeatable smoky-salty combo.
Easy Chipotle Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cheese

How to Make Chipotle Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cheese

Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and prick them a few times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for about 45-55 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Once cool enough to handle, slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh into a large bowl, leaving the skins intact. Add cream cheese, butter, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and finely chopped chipotle peppers. Mix until creamy and smooth.

Step 3: Mix in the Cheese

Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the mashed sweet potato mixture, reserving a little to sprinkle on top before baking again.

Step 4: Stuff and Bake Again

Spoon the creamy mixture back into the sweet potato skins, top with the remaining cheddar cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Pro Tips for Making Chipotle Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cheese

  • Choose uniform sweet potatoes: Picking similar sizes ensures even baking throughout.
  • Drain excess moisture: If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more cheese or let it rest to thicken before stuffing.
  • Adjust chipotle peppers: Taste as you go to get the perfect level of smoky heat based on your preference.
  • Use sharp cheddar: Its robust flavor stands up well against the sweet and smoky flavors in the dish.
  • Rest before serving: Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes after baking so the filling sets nicely.

How to Serve Chipotle Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cheese

Garnishes

Top these potatoes with fresh chopped cilantro for bright color and herbal freshness. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add creaminess and help mellow the heat.

Side Dishes

Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. They also go well alongside grilled meats or plant-based proteins for a hearty, complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these twice baked potatoes on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra chipotle sauce, cheese, and fresh herbs for a fun, interactive dinner experience everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chipotle Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring freshness and flavor retention.

Freezing

Wrap the stuffed and baked potatoes in foil and freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! Regular potatoes work well too, but expect a less sweet and more earthy flavor that still pairs beautifully with chipotle and cheese.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level is moderate and adjustable by the amount of chipotle peppers you add—perfect for those who enjoy a smoky kick without overwhelming spice.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, by substituting dairy cheeses and butter for their plant-based alternatives, you can easily craft a vegan-friendly version without sacrificing flavor.

What if I don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo?

You can substitute with smoked paprika and a small amount of chili powder to mimic the smoky and spicy flavors, though the authentic chipotle taste is unique.

Is it necessary to bake the potatoes twice?

The twice baking process ensures the potatoes are perfectly tender and that the cheesy filling melts and browns, adding texture and richer flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a delicious, smoky, and cheesy side that’s easy to make and sure to impress, Chipotle Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cheese should be your next go-to recipe. It’s a comforting, flavor-packed delight that transforms simple sweet potatoes into something truly special and memorable.

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Chipotle Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cheese

Chipotle Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cheese are a smoky, cheesy comfort food dish that combines the natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes with creamy cheese and smoky chipotle peppers. This recipe is perfect for dinner, holiday sides, or a weekend treat, delivering a harmonious blend of sweetness, spice, and savory flavors in a creamy, melty, golden baked presentation.

  • Author: Emilly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes, firm and evenly sized
  • 23 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (reserve 1/4 cup for topping)

Optional Garnishes & Variations

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
  • Additional chipotle peppers or cayenne pepper (for extra heat)
  • Toasted pecans or crispy fried onions (for added crunch)
  • Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (for herb infusion)
  • Crumbled cooked bacon (for smoky, salty topping)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes – Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and prick them a few times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for about 45-55 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
  2. Step 2: Prepare the Filling – Once cool enough to handle, slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh into a large bowl, leaving the skins intact. Add cream cheese, butter, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and finely chopped chipotle peppers. Mix until creamy and smooth.
  3. Step 3: Mix in the Cheese – Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the mashed sweet potato mixture, reserving a little to sprinkle on top before baking again.
  4. Step 4: Stuff and Bake Again – Spoon the creamy mixture back into the sweet potato skins, top with the remaining cheddar cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • Choose uniform sweet potatoes to ensure even baking throughout.
  • If the mixture is too wet, add more cheese or let it rest to thicken before stuffing.
  • Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to control the level of smoky heat.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a robust flavor that complements the sweetness and smokiness.
  • Allow the potatoes to rest a few minutes after baking to let the filling set nicely.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed sweet potato half
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: sweet potatoes, chipotle, cheesy, twice baked, smoky, comfort food, holiday side, vegetarian option, make ahead

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