Introduction
December 11, 2024 by Imili Johnson
These Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate comfort dish with a sophisticated twist. Creamy sweet potato flesh is combined with melty brie, tart cranberries, and fragrant rosemary, then stuffed back into their skins and baked to golden perfection. A drizzle of honey adds just the right amount of sweetness, making this dish a perfect addition to holiday spreads or cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
4 medium sweet potatoes
1 cup brie cheese, rind removed and cut into small pieces
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup honey (optional, for drizzling)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Bake the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Cool and Scoop: Once the sweet potatoes are baked, allow them to cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving a small border around the skin to maintain their shape.
Combine Ingredients: To the sweet potato flesh, add the brie cheese, dried cranberries, chopped rosemary, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. The warmth of the sweet potatoes will help the brie melt slightly, creating a creamy filling.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake
Stuff the Potatoes: Spoon the sweet potato mixture back into the potato skins, mounding it slightly to create a generous portion.
Bake Again: Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the baking sheet. Bake in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and bubbly.
Step 4: Serve
Drizzle with Honey: If desired, drizzle the tops of the sweet potatoes with honey for a touch of sweetness that complements the savory and tart flavors.
Serve Warm: Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy as a side dish or a vegetarian main course.
Cooking Notes
Brie Substitute: Use goat cheese or cream cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.
Cranberries Alternative: Swap dried cranberries with dried cherries, raisins, or even chopped apricots for a different twist.
Extra Crunch: Top with chopped pecans or walnuts before the second bake for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Holiday Side Dish: These twice-baked sweet potatoes are a stunning addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas menus.
Main Course: Serve with a simple green salad for a light yet satisfying vegetarian dinner.
Pair with Protein: Pair them with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or baked salmon for a complete meal.
Tips
Make Ahead: Prepare the sweet potatoes through the filling step. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
Easy Cleanup: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to minimize cleanup.
Balance Flavors: Adjust the amount of honey based on your taste preference and the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Cook Time
1 hour
Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Yield
4 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 320
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 7g
Fiber: 6g
Conclusion
These Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Brie, Cranberries, and Rosemary are a delightful combination of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors. Whether you’re serving them for a festive occasion or as a comforting weeknight side, this dish will impress with its elegant presentation and rich taste. Don’t forget the optional drizzle of honey for that extra special touch!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Once the sweet potatoes are baked, allow them to cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving a small border around the skin to maintain their shape. To the sweet potato flesh, add the brie cheese, dried cranberries, chopped rosemary, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. The warmth of the sweet potatoes will help the brie melt slightly, creating a creamy filling.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake
Spoon the sweet potato mixture back into the potato skins, mounding it slightly to create a generous portion. Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the baking sheet. Bake in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and bubbly.
Step 4: Serve
If desired, drizzle the tops of the sweet potatoes with honey for a touch of sweetness that complements the savory and tart flavors. Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy as a side dish or a vegetarian main course.
Notes
Brie Substitute
Use goat cheese or cream cheese if you prefer a milder flavor.
Cranberries Alternative
Swap dried cranberries with dried cherries, raisins, or even chopped apricots for a different twist.
Extra Crunch
Top with chopped pecans or walnuts before the second bake for added texture.
Make Ahead
Prepare the sweet potatoes through the filling step. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
Easy Cleanup
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to minimize cleanup.
Balance Flavors
Adjust the amount of honey based on your taste preference and the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour
Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes
Servings
4
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 320
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 7g
Fiber: 6g
Cook Techniques
Roasting Sweet Potatoes
Roasting sweet potatoes involves baking them at a high temperature, which enhances their natural sweetness. For this dish, the sweet potatoes are pierced with a fork and baked until tender, allowing the flavor to develop fully.
Scooping and Filling
After roasting, the sweet potato flesh is carefully scooped out, leaving enough of the skin to maintain its shape. The flesh is then mixed with brie, cranberries, and rosemary to create a creamy filling.
Second Baking
The assembled sweet potatoes are returned to the oven for a second bake. This technique allows the flavors to meld together and the tops to become golden and bubbly, creating an appealing texture.
Drizzling for Flavor
Adding honey as a drizzle on top of the stuffed sweet potatoes provides a sweet contrast to the savory filling, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute brie with goat cheese or cream cheese for a milder flavor.
What can I use instead of dried cranberries?
You can swap dried cranberries with dried cherries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a different flavor.
How can I add texture to the dish?
Top the stuffed sweet potatoes with chopped pecans or walnuts before the second bake to add extra crunch.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes up to the filling stage ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
What should I serve with these sweet potatoes?
They can be served as a side dish for holiday meals or paired with a simple salad for a light vegetarian dinner, or accompanied by roasted chicken, pork, or salmon for a complete meal.
Conclusion
These Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Brie, Cranberries, and Rosemary are a delightful combination of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors. Whether you’re serving them for a festive occasion or as a comforting weeknight side, this dish will impress with its elegant presentation and rich taste. Don’t forget the optional drizzle of honey for that extra special touch!
Sweet Potato and Goat Cheese Medley
Swap brie for goat cheese and add chopped figs for a tangy and sweet combination that pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes.
Savory Spinach and Feta Sweet Potatoes
Incorporate fresh spinach and crumbled feta into the filling for a Mediterranean-inspired take on this dish.
Apple-Cranberry Compote Sweet Potatoes
Mix caramelized apples with dried cranberries for a fall-inspired flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet potatoes.
Spicy Chipotle Sweet Potatoes
Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the filling for a smoky and spicy kick that elevates the sweet and savory profile.
Nutty Pecan and Maple Sweet Potatoes
Top with chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra layer of crunch and sweetness.
Herbed Ricotta and Lemon Zest Sweet Potatoes
Substitute the brie with ricotta and add lemon zest and herbs for a bright and refreshing flavor.