Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Goat Cheese

This stuffed sweet potato recipe transforms a humble root vegetable into an elegant dish that balances savory goat cheese with sweet honey and crunchy pecans. The combination creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will impress even the most discerning guests while being simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

I first made these stuffed sweet potatoes for a fall dinner party when I needed something that would please both my vegetarian and meat-eating friends. The empty plates and requests for the recipe told me everything I needed to know it has been a staple in my entertaining repertoire ever since.

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes: Look for ones with smooth skin and uniform shape for even cooking
• 1 cup goat cheese: Softened at room temperature for about 30 minutes for the creamiest texture
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and creates a lighter filling than using cheese alone
• 1/4 cup toasted pecans: Chopped; the buttery nuts provide essential texture contrast
• 2 tablespoons honey: Use local or specialty honey for more distinct flavor
• Salt and pepper to taste: Freshly ground black pepper makes a noticeable difference
• Fresh chives: Chopped; the mild onion flavor and bright green color elevate the presentation

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:

Preheat your oven to 400°F and thoroughly wash and dry your sweet potatoes. Use a fork to pierce each potato several times; this prevents them from bursting in the oven by allowing steam to escape. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. You will know they are done when a knife slides in easily with no resistance. Allow them to cool just enough to handle without burning yourself about 5 minutes.

Create the Base:

Using a sharp knife, cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise creating two boat-shaped portions. Gently scoop out about a third of the flesh from each half creating a well for the filling while leaving enough around the edges to maintain structural integrity. Place the scooped flesh into a mixing bowl and set the potato shells aside on the baking sheet.

Make the Filling:

To the bowl with the sweet potato flesh, add the softened goat cheese and Greek yogurt. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Use a fork to thoroughly combine all ingredients until you achieve a smooth consistent texture with no visible lumps of cheese. The mixture should be creamy but still hold its shape well enough to mound in the potato shells.

Stuff and Garnish:

Divide the filling mixture evenly among the eight potato halves spooning it generously into each hollow. At this point, you can return them to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes to warm everything through if desired. While they heat, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, tossing frequently until they become fragrant and slightly darker in color. Remove the potatoes from the oven, sprinkle with the toasted pecans and drizzle each portion with honey. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives.

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The first time I served these at a holiday gathering my brother in law who claims to hate sweet potatoes took one to be polite and ended up going back for seconds. The goat cheese filling transforms the sweet potato into something entirely unexpected that even sweet potato skeptics enjoy.

Make Ahead Options

This recipe is perfect for meal prep or entertaining because most components can be prepared in advance. You can bake the sweet potatoes and prepare the filling up to two days ahead keeping them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve simply reheat the potato shells in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes then fill with the goat cheese mixture which should be brought to room temperature for easier spreading. Warm the filled potatoes for another 5 minutes then add the freshly toasted pecans honey and chives just before serving.

Flavor Variations

While the classic version is hard to beat this recipe welcomes creative adaptations. For a savory version swap the honey for a balsamic glaze and add roasted garlic to the filling. Looking for something spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of hot honey to create a sweet heat combination. In summer try adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the filling and top with seasonal berries instead of pecans for a completely different flavor profile.

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Serving Suggestions

These stuffed sweet potatoes make an impressive side dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak. For a vegetarian main course serve one whole potato two halves with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. They also work beautifully as part of a brunch spread alongside egg dishes. If serving for a party consider making mini versions using small sweet potatoes for elegant finger food that guests can enjoy in two bites.

The Secret to Perfect Sweet Potatoes

The key to this recipe is properly baked sweet potatoes. Never wrap them in foil as this steams rather than roasts them resulting in wet potatoes instead of the caramelized skin and flesh we want. Place them directly on the oven rack with a sheet pan on the rack below to catch any drips. For extra flavor brush the skins with olive oil and sprinkle with salt before baking this creates a delicious edible skin that adds texture to the final dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make the sweet potatoes tender?

Bake the sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until you can easily pierce them with a fork.

→ What can I use instead of goat cheese?

For a different flavor, substitute goat cheese with cream cheese, ricotta, or feta.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato filling in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake just before serving for optimal freshness.

→ What should I do if I don't have pecans?

If you don’t have pecans, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.

→ How do I prevent the nuts from burning while toasting?

Toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, and remove them as soon as they’re fragrant.

→ Can I add other toppings for extra flavor?

Absolutely! Crispy bacon bits, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon can enhance the dish’s flavor profile.