If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with festive flavors and cozy, comforting vibes, you’re in the right place. The Holiday Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Pecan, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe is an absolute showstopper for any holiday table, combining creamy sweet potatoes with crispy bacon, crunchy pecans, and gooey melted cheddar. Each bite delivers the perfect balance between savory, nutty, and slightly sweet, making it a dish you’ll want to whip up not only during the holidays but year-round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, yet every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a rich and textured experience. From the naturally sweet and tender potatoes to the smoky crunch of bacon and the savory sharpness of cheddar, these ingredients come together in perfect harmony.
- Sweet potatoes: Using skin-on sweet potatoes adds a rustic touch and helps hold the filling perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps blend all flavors smoothly without overpowering them.
- Pecan nuts: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty depth that complements the creamy filling.
- Streaky bacon: Offers smoky, crispy bites that contrast beautifully with the softness of the potato.
- Colby cheese: Melts flawlessly to make every mouthful satisfyingly cheesy.
- Spices (black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika): These seasonings enhance each flavor element without stealing the spotlight.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Create a golden, crispy topping that adds a delightful crunch.
- Fresh sage leaves: Finely chopped for a subtle earthy aroma and holiday flair.
- Cooking/kosher salt: Essential for seasoning to bring out the natural flavors in every ingredient.
How to Make Holiday Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Pecan, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures that your sweet potatoes cook evenly and develop that soft, creamy texture inside while their skins stay pleasantly firm. Preparing your oven ahead saves you time and sets you up for success.
Step 2: Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Give each sweet potato about 15 pricks with a fork—this lets steam escape while baking, preventing any bursting. Pop them onto a foil-lined tray, bake for roughly 75 minutes, or until they feel tender all the way through when tested with a knife. This slow bake enhances the natural sweetness and makes the flesh perfect for scooping.
Step 3: Scoop Out the Flesh
Let your potatoes cool just enough to handle safely, about 10 minutes. Cut them lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin 0.5cm wall to keep the skins sturdy for stuffing. Keep the scooped flesh in a bowl—it’s going to transform into a luscious filling.
Step 4: Mix the Stuffing
Mash the sweet potato flesh with a fork for a rustic texture, then blend in browned butter, seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, and paprika to layer the flavor beautifully. Add half of your pecans, bacon, and cheese to the mix, gently folding everything together until evenly combined. This filling is the heart of the Holiday Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Pecan, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe.
Step 5: Stuff and Bake
Carefully spoon the filling back into each sweet potato half laid out on a lined baking tray. Sprinkle the tops generously with the remaining cheese for that melty, gooey goodness everyone loves. Pop them back in the oven for 25 minutes—this allows the cheese to melt into a bubbly delight.
Step 6: Add the Crunchy Topping
For the final flourish, mix the reserved pecans, bacon, and panko breadcrumbs, then scatter this crunchy topping over each potato. Bake for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and irresistible. This finishing touch adds a satisfying texture contrast that elevates the whole dish.
Step 7: Let Them Rest and Serve
Once baked to perfection, let your stuffed sweet potatoes rest for about 5 minutes. This brief pause helps everything settle and makes them easier to handle. Then, it’s time to share and savor every festive, comforting bite!
How to Serve Holiday Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Pecan, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra sage leaves can brighten the dish visually and add fresh herbal notes. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of maple syrup offers a delightful contrast, enhancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes while complementing the savory elements.
Side Dishes
Pair these stuffed sweet potatoes with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded holiday feast. Light, fresh sides balance the richness and keep your meal feeling festive but never too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve them in individual small cast iron skillets or on wooden boards to bring a cozy, rustic charm to the table. You can also arrange the halves on a large platter and garnish with extra chopped pecans and fresh herbs for a stunning centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stuffed sweet potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor and texture well, making for easy and satisfying leftovers.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead for the holidays, you can freeze the stuffed but unbaked sweet potatoes. Wrap each one tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese topping regains its delicious crispness. Avoid microwaving to preserve the texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding extra pecans or a smoky paprika to maintain the savory depth. You can also toss in sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture.
What cheese can I substitute for Colby?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheese works beautifully. Choose any cheese that melts well and offers a mild to medium flavor to keep the dish balanced.
Is it necessary to use panko breadcrumbs?
Panko is preferred for its light, crunchy texture, but regular breadcrumbs can work in a pinch. For extra crunch, you might toast the breadcrumbs before topping.
Can I prepare the stuffed sweet potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and stuff the potatoes a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. When ready, just bake as directed—this saves time on busy holiday days.
How do I handle the spicy notes in the recipe?
The mild paprika and seasonings add warmth without overpowering the dish, but if you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce or omit the paprika. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adjusted.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Holiday Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Pecan, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe that brings warmth and joy to any meal. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and festive, perfect for sharing with loved ones around the table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved classic in your holiday traditions. Give it a go and let the delicious flavors make your holiday celebrations even more memorable!
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Holiday Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Pecan, Bacon, and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 halves (serves 4 if counting 2 halves per person)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Holiday Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe features tender baked sweet potatoes filled with a flavorful mixture of mashed sweet potato, browned butter, pecans, crispy bacon, and shredded Colby cheese, seasoned with a blend of spices and topped with a crunchy pecan, bacon, and panko breadcrumb topping. Perfect as a festive side dish or a hearty vegetarian-friendly option when omitting bacon.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 x 300g / 10oz sweet potatoes, skin on, washed and dried
- 1/2 tsp cooking / kosher salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
Stuffing
- 5 tbsp pecan nuts
- 200g / 7 oz streaky bacon, chopped (optional, omit for vegetarian)
- 1 1/2 cups Colby cheese, shredded
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cooking / kosher salt
- 2 tbsp sage leaves, finely chopped
Toppings
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Reserved pecans, bacon, and cheese from stuffing mixture
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F (180°C fan forced) to get ready for baking the sweet potatoes.
- Bake Potatoes: Prick each sweet potato 15 times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place them on a foil-lined baking tray and bake for about 75 minutes until they are soft throughout (test with a butter knife).
- Scoop Potato Flesh: Let the baked sweet potatoes cool for 10 minutes to handle safely. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 0.5cm (0.2″) thick wall to hold the filling. Place the scooped flesh into a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare Stuffing: Mash the sweet potato flesh with a fork. Add the browned butter (melt 4 tbsp butter until lightly browned), 1/2 tsp salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir in half of the pecans, bacon, and shredded cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Stuff Potatoes: Place the hollowed sweet potato halves on a paper-lined baking tray and fill each generously with the mashed potato stuffing. Sprinkle the leftover cheese on top.
- Bake Stuffed Potatoes: Bake the stuffed potatoes for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Add Crunchy Topping: Combine the reserved pecans, bacon, and panko breadcrumbs and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the stuffed potatoes. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3 to 4 minutes to achieve a crispy topping.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and ensure safe serving temperature.
Notes
- To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the bacon.
- Ensure you brown the butter before adding to stuffing to intensify flavor.
- Use Colby cheese or a mild melting cheese for best results.
- Chopped sage adds a fragrant herbal note, but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a light, crunchy texture for the topping.
