Cheesy Southwestern Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Avocado and Black Beans
Delight in the comforting flavors of Cheesy Southwestern Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes. This recipe transforms sweet potatoes into a hearty and nutritious dish, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Each potato shell is stuffed with a creamy mixture of sweet potato flesh, hearty black beans, and melty cheese, then broiled to golden perfection. Topped with fresh avocado and crunchy pepitas, this dish bursts with vibrant flavors and textures. Ideal for those who crave Mexican-inspired meals, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Serve with lime wedges for an extra zing!
4
Servings
375
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
raw pepitas or sunflower seeds
1/4 cup (raw)
olive oil
3 1/3 tablespoons (divided)
kosher salt
1 1/4 teaspoons (divided)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
medium sweet potatoes
4 (halved lengthwise (about 2 3/4 lbs))
black beans or pinto beans
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
monterey jack cheese or cheddar cheese
6 ounces (grated (about 1 1/2 cups))
ripe avocado
1 (chopped)
cilantro
optional (for garnish)
sliced fresh chili pepper
optional (for garnish)
lime
1 (cut into wedges for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the pepitas with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
3
Rub the halved sweet potatoes with the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil, placing them cut side down on a separate baking sheet, also adding a few grinds of pepper.
4
Transfer both baking sheets to the preheated oven. Bake the pepitas until they are golden brown, about 5 to 6 minutes, and then remove them from the oven. Continue to bake the sweet potatoes until they are very tender, about 22 to 28 minutes more.
5
Allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly, around 5 minutes, then scoop out their flesh into a large mixing bowl.
6
Return the potato skins to the baking sheet. Increase the oven temperature to broil and position the top rack 6 inches from the heat source. Broil the potato skins for 1 to 2 minutes until they are crispy.
7
In the bowl with the sweet potato flesh, add the drained black beans, remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, fresh ground black pepper to taste, and 1 cup of the grated cheese. Stir the mixture until well combined.
8
Spoon the sweet potato mixture back into the crispy potato skins. Top each filled potato with the remaining ½ cup of grated cheese.
9
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
10
Remove from the oven and top with chopped avocado and toasted pepitas. Optionally, garnish with sliced chili peppers and fresh cilantro.
11
Serve the twice-baked potatoes with lime wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze of juice.
Nutrition Information
16.25g
Fat
42.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
The dish is called Cheesy Southwestern Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Avocado and Black Beans.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses plant-based ingredients and cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 375 calories.
What are the primary ingredients in the filling?
The filling consists of sweet potato flesh, black beans (or pinto beans), and grated cheese.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
How long should I bake the pepitas?
Bake the pepitas for about 5 to 6 minutes until they are golden brown.
How long do the sweet potatoes need to bake?
The sweet potatoes should bake for 22 to 28 minutes after the pepitas are removed.
What type of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
You can use either Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar cheese.
Can I substitute pepitas with something else?
Yes, you can use raw sunflower seeds as a substitute for pepitas.
How do I make the potato skins crispy?
Increase the oven to broil and place the empty skins 6 inches from the heat source for 1 to 2 minutes.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 10 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 16.25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
This dish contains 42.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What are the suggested garnishes?
Optional garnishes include sliced fresh chili peppers and fresh cilantro.
How do I prepare the beans?
The beans should be drained and rinsed before being added to the mixture.
What toppings are added at the end?
Top the potatoes with chopped avocado and the toasted pepitas.
How much olive oil is required for the recipe?
A total of 3 and 1/3 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided among the steps.
What kind of potatoes are used?
Medium sweet potatoes are used, weighing approximately 2 and 3/4 lbs in total.
What is the final step before serving?
Serve the potatoes with lime wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze of juice.
How long do I broil the stuffed potatoes?
Broil the stuffed potatoes for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I use pinto beans instead of black beans?
Yes, pinto beans are a suitable alternative to black beans in this recipe.
Should the sweet potatoes be halved before baking?
Yes, the sweet potatoes should be halved lengthwise before rubbing them with olive oil.
What type of salt is recommended?
Kosher salt is recommended for this recipe.
How many grams of fiber are listed?
Fiber information is not provided for this specific recipe.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and wholesome, featuring nutrient-dense ingredients like sweet potatoes and avocado.
What category of cuisine does this belong to?
This recipe is categorized as Mexican cuisine.
How much cheese is used in total?
A total of 6 ounces (about 1 and 1/2 cups) of grated cheese is used.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is tagged as being suitable for meal prep.
How far should the rack be when broiling?
The top rack should be positioned 6 inches from the heat source for broiling.