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.