Introduction

Twice-baked sweet potatoes are the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the tangy creaminess of goat cheese, the nutty crunch of toasted pecans, and a rich drizzle of maple syrup. This delightful side dish is not only incredibly flavorful but also beautiful to serve, making it ideal for both cozy weeknight dinners and special holiday gatherings. The sweetness of the maple syrup pairs beautifully with the savory richness of goat cheese, while the pecan topping adds an irresistible crunch. These twice-baked sweet potatoes are easy to prepare and will leave a lasting impression on your guests. Let’s dive into the details of this delectable recipe!

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Ingredients

For the sweet potatoes:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 4 oz (about 113g) creamy goat cheese
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (for filling)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

For the pecan crunch topping:

• 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• Pinch of salt

For the maple drizzle:

• 2 tbsp maple syrup (for drizzle)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

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Preparation

Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Pierce each sweet potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
3. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Once done, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for handling.

Step 2: Prepare the Goat Cheese Filling

1. Once the sweet potatoes have cooled enough to handle, carefully slice them in half lengthwise.
2. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato around the skin to maintain the shape.
3. Place the sweet potato flesh into a mixing bowl. Add the softened butter, goat cheese, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), cinnamon, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper.
4. Mash the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Taste the filling and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Fill the Sweet Potatoes

1. Spoon the creamy goat cheese filling back into the sweet potato shells, dividing it evenly among the halves.
2. Smooth the tops of the filling to create a nice presentation.

Step 4: Make the Pecan Crunch Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix the chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the pecans are well-coated in the mixture.
2. Sprinkle the pecan mixture evenly over the tops of the filled sweet potatoes.

Step 5: Bake Again

1. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the filled sweet potatoes back into the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is warmed through and the pecan topping is golden and crunchy.

Step 6: Prepare the Maple Drizzle

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and add the maple syrup.
2. Stir occasionally until the mixture is warm and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 7: Serve

1. Once the sweet potatoes are ready, remove them from the oven.
2. Drizzle the warm maple syrup mixture over the tops of the sweet potatoes for added sweetness and shine.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

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Cooking Notes

• For an extra creamy filling, feel free to add an additional tablespoon of butter or Greek yogurt.
• If you prefer more texture, leave some sweet potato chunks in the filling rather than mashing it completely smooth.
• The pecans can be substituted with walnuts or almonds for a different twist on the crunch topping.
• To make this dish vegan, you can substitute the goat cheese with a plant-based alternative and use vegan butter and coconut yogurt.

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Serving Suggestions

These twice-baked sweet potatoes with goat cheese, pecan crunch, and maple drizzle can be served as an impressive side dish or even as a light main course. They pair beautifully with roasted meats, such as turkey, chicken, or ham, making them perfect for festive occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas. You can also serve them alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. The combination of sweet and savory flavors also complements roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or beets.

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Tips

1. Use room temperature goat cheese for easier mixing and a creamier texture.
2. Toast the pecans beforehand for extra flavor. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
3. Make ahead: You can prepare the sweet potatoes a day in advance. Store them in the fridge after the first bake and just before the second bake, allowing you to save time on the day of your event.
4. Add a hint of spice: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the goat cheese filling for a more complex flavor profile.
5. Experiment with the drizzle: Instead of a plain maple drizzle, you can create a balsamic maple reduction by simmering equal parts balsamic vinegar and maple syrup until it thickens.

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Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 1 hour 20 minutes

Total Time:

• 1 hour 35 minutes

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 270mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 14g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g

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Conclusion

Twice-baked sweet potatoes with goat cheese, pecan crunch, and maple drizzle are a fantastic addition to any meal, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The creamy and tangy goat cheese filling, combined with the nutty sweetness of pecans and the warmth of maple syrup, creates a truly memorable dish that will have your guests asking for seconds. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or any time you want to elevate your side dish game, these sweet potatoes are as versatile as they are delicious. Try this recipe the next time you’re in the mood for something special, and watch as it becomes a new family favorite.

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